I changed my life at UCLA Extension.
I was in my late thirties, an actress who was tired of acting and a mother of two small children so I was just plain tired. I had an idea for a screenplay but I had no idea how to write one, so I decided to take a course at UCLA Extension. Once there, I promised myself I'd continue to take classes until I finished the screenplay. It took three classes and at the end of that time, I had made some very good friends, been invited to join a writers group that is still a part of my life today, and won the Diane Thomas Screenwriting Award, given by UCLA and DREAMWORKS.
I got an agent, I took a few meetings and I was hired to write a freelance episode of a television show that had not yet aired - PROVIDENCE. The show was on the air for five seasons, I was there with it every step along the way and I went from UCLA Extension student-turned-freelancer to Producer.
After PROVIDENCE, I wrote for JUDGING AMY, eventually becoming the Executive Producer/Showrunner. From there, I did a tour of duty on the Bruckheimer series CLOSE TO HOME and then was asked to run the CBS show, JERICHO.
I am grateful to UCLA Extension for the excellent instruction I received there. I was well prepared to do the work professionally when the opportunity arose. I also appreciate the supportive atmosphere at UCLA Extension. I use it as my home base, now, taking courses on my hiatus. Getting back to the writing. The inspiration. That is something I hope never changes.
Carol
