Program Overview

Certificate in Writing and Producing for Film & Television

The Certificate in Writing and Producing for Film & Television provides foundations for success in writing and producing for television and film. This certificate, which can be taken fully online, enables students to gain the skills to translate great ideas into developing original screenplays, leveraging character-driven narrative and innovative story design to sustain long-term audience engagement.

Program Overview

The program focuses on perfect storytelling, pitching, and producing to manage scripts. Students learn how to pitch and sell their work, ensuring that their script stands out in an ever-changing industry landscape. Producing fundamentals include securing intellectual property rights, navigating the market, understanding investor and funding dynamics, casting and packaging, recruiting crew and talent, handling logistics, and managing pre- and post-production, delivery, and distribution.

Requirements

To receive this certificate, students must complete three required courses and three elective courses within three years of taking the first certificate-eligible course and have a cumulative average of B or better. Courses from other Media, Writing, and Communications certificates may be applied as substitutions pending advance review and approval by the academic department.

Course Format

The program is offered online, allowing students to complete the full certificate from anywhere in the world on a timeline that fits their schedule, from 1 year (three semesters) to 3 years.

Estimated Total Certificate Cost

The estimated total certificate cost is $*, based on course prices for AY 24-25, subject to change.

Why This Certificate?

The Certificate in Writing and Producing for Film & Television offers several benefits, including:

• Developing storytelling and writing skills to translate great ideas into original screenplays
• Learning to pitch and sell work, ensuring that scripts stand out in an ever-changing industry landscape
• Gaining knowledge of the producing landscape, including securing intellectual property rights and navigating the market
• Expanding professional networks by learning from industry experts and engaging with peers in the film & TV industry
• Advancing careers with flexible options, as the program's online format allows completion from anywhere in the world
• Showcasing expertise by earning a prestigious Certificate in Writing and Producing for Film & Television from NYU and enhancing professional profiles with a Digital Badge on LinkedIn

What You'll Study

The program includes both required and elective courses.

REQUIRED COURSES

• Beginning Screenwriting: Learn the basic elements of dramatic writing with an emphasis on theme, dialogue, and characterization.
• Selling Your Stories: Representation and the Art of the Pitch for Film and TV Writers: Understand the mechanics of pitching and selling scripts in the film and TV industry.
• Film and TV Development as a Producer: Learn the mechanics of developing new film or TV projects by using a work of your own or by optioning and acquiring existing intellectual property.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Students choose three elective courses from a range of options, including:

• Writing for the Screen: An Exercise-Based Approach
• Write and Prepare to Direct a Three-Act Short Film
• Advanced Screenwriting
• Writing and Developing a TV Series
• Writing a TV Pilot
• Writing Great Characters for Film and TV
• Building a Career as a TV or Film Producer

Faculty Spotlight

The program features faculty members who are industry experts, providing students with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is the Certificate in Writing and Producing for Film & Television right for me? The certificate is suitable for those who dream of writing for TV or movies and want to master the writing and storytelling skills specific to this booming field.
• Are there any prerequisites? There are no prerequisites for the certificate.
• Is it possible to take a course without enrolling in the certificate program? Yes, all courses can be taken ŕ la carte.
• Is the certificate appropriate for international students? Yes, students from all over the world can take the courses.
• How long does the certificate take to complete? The certificate can be completed in as little as three semesters and as long as three years from the start of the first course.
• Can I speak to someone if I have questions? Students can contact the academic department for advisement and to speak with an academic advisor.