Submitting a Writing Sample to UCLA Professional Programs.

[ILikePie]

This summer, I am atteempting to enroll into the UCLA Professional Online Screenwriting Program. Part of the application process is submitting a writing sample. I have 2 screenplays finished. I realize both need a little polish, that is the reason I am taking the course. My question is this: Should I submit one as is? The deadline for applications is coming quickly, and I want to make sure I get it in. I could rewrite until my hair turns blue, but once again, I am taking the course to learn. So, should I submit what I have? Are they looking for "here and now" or "shows potential?"

[boygilroy]

I'd guess a diamond in the rough outweighs a highly polished chunk of nothing special. Go with what you've got.

[OkeyDokey]

They're looking for potential. It's a training program. I'm taking it now, and there is a wide range of experience level among the students.

I would be sure to write a great cover letter.

[hollygolightly72]

I was in the 1 year program. HIGHLY recommend it by the way.

Anyhoo, I submitted a spec script for the X-Files and got accepted. So I think one of your screenplays will suffice. Just pick which one you think is your best.

Like the other person said, they are looking for "potential". Then they train you in the art of feature length screenplays.

[y2ktim]

How are the workshops done? Is sarchasm tolerated?

[SebsWrtrDad]

How are the workshops done? Is sarchasm tolerated?

No but sarcasm is....;)

I too went through the professional program and yes they are looking for potential, not perfection.

I thought it was a great course and had some good teachers --

OkeyDokey - who are your profs? Who is running the lecture now?

[OkeyDokey]

The lectures are by Hal Ackerman (who just published a screenwriting book). We're also having industry guest speakers, which have been excellent. Recently we had William Friedkin, who was great.

The workshops are led by a number of various people, some faculty, some not. My first workshop was with a TV writer who also teaches at USC. The current workshop is led by Linda Voorhees, a faculty member. She's fantastic.

It's been a great experience so far.

[SebsWrtrDad]

I had Hal when I was there 4-odd years ago. He was fun and we had some really good speakers too.

I had good workshop people too -- didn't have Linda but have heard good things about her.

Great program. I've thought about going back for the advanced course, but never have.....

[ILikePie]

For those of you that took the program:

Did you include a statement of purpose? How long was it? What information did you give?

[winteredge]

I just saw this post, so not sure if you've already applied. I also applied to the UCLA program and got in. I just submitted a script of mine from a few years ago. Again I think they are looking for potential rather than polish.

If anyone who has taken the program can give me insights into it, terms of workload, networking opportunites, etc. That would be great.

[LOOPY]

I'm also taking the Professional Program this summer and am curious about workload, etc. Have no idea what I've gotten myself into! Do the Masters Program professors teach these workshops?

[cck45]

There is a fair amount of work you need to do between classes. If it's still the same as when I took the program a couple of years ago, you are supposed to come to the first class with several loglines or script concepts. Throughout the course, you'll progress from a short synopsis to a full synopsis, then onto a complete outline of the whole script and by the last class have at least the first 15 or 30 pages of the script written.

[OkeyDokey]

There are two classes (at night) per week. One is the lecture class that everyone attends, the other is the smaller workshop class where your pages are read aloud and critiqued.

You should definitely come to class prepared with loglines or pitches for several projects. Once you start writing, you are expected to bring in approximately 10 pages per week. Some people don't, but you really should. Reading and giving feedback on other people's work is a big part of the learning process.

In the third semester, you are expected to write a full draft (start to finish) in 10 weeks. That was quite an experience!It's hard , but it also raises your confidence once you learn you can do it.

[winteredge]

Just curious, but do most of the instructors who teach on-site also teach the online version? Or do they only have a few who teach online all the time?

Just wondering if you get a better mix of instructors from being there rather than online. I know they ask you before classes start what your experience level is, preferred genres, etc. so they can best assign your instructor.

[hollygolightly72]

Maybe you should call the school to get all these details. Stephanie MOORE runs the program. Very helpful lady.

(310) 825-6827

[winteredge]

Anybody else planning to attend the program in the Fall? Either online or in person?

[ILikePie]

I am currently taking the summer session and look to continue in the fall....all online

[winteredge]

Just wanted to see if anyone else was attending the UCLA professional program either online or on-site. Classes start next week.

[bmacaraeg]

Though I've heard good things about the online version, I went to the UCLA Prof. Program in Screenwriting during 2000 and had a great time overall and learned so much. One of my classmates who went to McKee's seminar said the Prof. Program was light-years better in teaching the mechanics of screenwriting AND understanding the dynamics of drama and character.

Hal Ackerman is an amazing and inspiring lecturer.
You will never forget the words: "WANT - DO - GET."

Had Linda V. as well for my first half of the year - great teacher, but the workshops also depend on the quality of you fellow students in terms of the feedback you'll receive. My second instructor unfortunately wasn't great but a good friend of mine from the program had the same instructor and liked the person's input, so go figure.

The price is certainly right vs. the MFA program. If you can go in person, do it.

[winteredge]

I have Linda V. for my instructor this term and I've heard great things about her so I'm excited about that.

I plan to take the next semester on-site. I agree it helps to be there and meet people along with the instruction.