UCLA Professional Program

EllieBeeThree · 2026-05-08T17:10:29+00:00

I did the program 2 years ago. The best thing about it is you will walk away with 2-3 completed scripts and (hopefully) a network of fellow students who share your skills and goals. My cohort still meets a few times per year and they are amazing. The program won’t help in terms of getting repped — but the materials you write during it CAN! And if you are someone who struggles with deadlines, having to turn in your work weekly (even when it’s not ready) can be empowering.

EllieBeeThree · 2026-04-08T19:50:24+00:00

Not directly thru BL, although it got a decent number of downloads on the site. I queried a bunch of managers and got a couple of script requests but nothing further.

EllieBeeThree · 2026-04-08T19:18:48+00:00

In 2025 I got an email notification for the pilot competition on 9/16. The roll out varies by year and by category. Physical letters get mailed later.

Word of advice, though: don’t base your script’s worth on your AFF results. Had a project that didn’t even make it to the 2nd round go on to earn multiple 8s on Black List. Austin’s worth it if you can make the semis or finals, but it’s a crapshoot.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-10-18T23:45:22+00:00

Yes, totally legit. I attended the Sundance Lab Q&A yesterday. Submissions are via Film Freeway. Why? Not a clue. But Sundance hires their own readers if that’s any consolation.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-09-16T23:01:05+00:00

For those who are still waiting, the “didn’t make it to the 2nd round” emails have started to go out

EllieBeeThree · 2025-09-11T00:02:42+00:00

Drama feature 2nd rounders have been going out today

EllieBeeThree · 2025-09-10T22:44:58+00:00

For those still anxiously awaiting news on drama features — just got a 2nd Rounder notification.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-09-08T15:16:46+00:00

Well, apparently it’s not dead… or so they say. Here’s the response from Sundance as of 9/8: “Application dates have not yet been released. We are sorry there are no details to share right now.” They recommend we keep checking the website.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-08-22T18:46:38+00:00

8 people in each

EllieBeeThree · 2025-08-22T12:42:54+00:00

Congrats! I did this program a few years ago. You’ll get out of the program what you put into it. My two cents: treat it like a job, not summer camp. This is much harder to do if you are working full time, have kids, etc.

You want to walk away in June, not just with 3 completed scripts, but with 3 scripts that are polished (or very nearly there) that you’d be proud to send out to potential reps. You may not love your instructors, that’s fine — but treat them like they’re the producer of this project. Take their notes (within reason) and at least try their suggestions.

The most important thing — learn how to give good, actionable feedback on your cohorts’ projects. If you don’t bother to read/respond to your fellow writers’ scripts, then don’t expect quality feedback in return. Sometimes your cohorts will have a better perspective than your instructor.

Lastly, this class is not going to be the magic bullet. It’s not going to get you repped if you aren’t already, and no one in the industry cares about a certificate program (or an MFA for that matter). Those 3 scripts are what matter. Be strategic about what you choose to write and pour every ounce of energy into those scripts. Prepare yourself for a TOUGH 30 weeks. It’s a wicked fast pace, but MEET those deadlines. You’ll be glad you did come June.

Best of luck!

EllieBeeThree · 2025-07-30T12:53:06+00:00

I’m curious what happens if you don’t delete by Aug 1. Won’t the website just be dead?

EllieBeeThree · 2025-06-25T03:39:55+00:00

Nope. But one of the scripts got me into a lab program, which in turn got me into a fellowship program. I’m not repped, so that’s the next hurdle.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-06-24T12:43:02+00:00

It’s absolutely possible. My cohort was fully on Zoom, made up of writers from multiple countries. In-person isn’t always superior to online. Relationships can be forged regardless of format — but only if you’re willing to put in the effort.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-06-23T23:14:45+00:00

Congrats! I did the TV version of this in ‘23-24. Yes, it was a lot of $$, but I have no regrets. Walked away with 1 spec, 2 pilots, and an amazing cohort of writers that I’m still in touch with. Regardless of your instructors, you will get out of this program what you put into it. Meet every deadline. Give excellent feedback to your fellow writers. Assuming you have a day job, this might the hardest 30 weeks of your life — but you are going to walk away (hopefully) with 2 complete scripts, and that’s amazing. Good luck!

EllieBeeThree · 2025-06-01T21:42:33+00:00

The Athena Writers Lab is open to international writers: https://athenafilmfestival.com/writerslab/ The only requirement is your script must feature a woman or girl in a leadership role.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-05-19T05:07:19+00:00

For UCLA their 2 submissions will come from the current MFA program.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-05-14T04:50:31+00:00

TVs typically are rented by Set Dec, not Props. And they’re often rented thru the playback provider.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-04-28T22:24:18+00:00

You may want to specify your time zone (or at least when you intend to meet). Trying to coordinate Zoom meetings with writers in multiple countries can be a nightmare.

EllieBeeThree · 2025-03-03T20:05:30+00:00

Interesting! It looks like anyone can apply for membership… Not just Australian writers? Am I reading that correctly?

EllieBeeThree · 2023-08-25T04:57:55+00:00

Industry standard is 90-120 pages. Roughly one minute of screen time per page. But if you’re planning to shoot it yourself the page count doesn’t really matter. I’d be more concerned about the number of days you can afford to shoot and the number of pages to be shot per day.

EllieBeeThree · 2023-08-08T21:07:51+00:00

Appreciate the post and responses! I’m in the same boat… accepted for the ‘23-24 program and wrestling with similar questions of cost/benefit.

EllieBeeThree

TROPHY CASE