Learn screenwriting from someone who actually gets scripts made.
Koji Steven Sakai teaches screenwriting at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program, where his students learn the craft the way it works in the real industry — because he works in it. He has written 12 produced feature films, including Damaged, Boneyard, and The Commando, was a writer on the Disney+/Hulu series House of the Owl, and is a member of the Writers Guild of America.
His philosophy is simple: anyone can be taught to write a script. It takes learning the fundamentals — and the discipline to keep writing.
“I can’t teach passion. But I can teach you the fundamentals of how to write a screenplay — and help you get your story onto the page, and one day onto the screen.”
Current Course — Feature Film III (SCRIPT X 410.3)
UCLA Extension Writers’ Program · Winter 2027 ·
Feature Film III is the third course in UCLA Extension’s four-part feature writing sequence, and it’s where scripts are won or lost: the second act. Building on the outline and Act I you bring in, you’ll write a significant portion of Act II — roughly 3 to 5 pages a week — while refining your story outline, fleshing out your main and secondary characters, and finding each character’s unique voice. You’ll leave with the habits that sustain a writing practice long after the class ends.
Prerequisites: Feature Film I and Feature Film II (or equivalent experience). Bring your beat sheet or treatment and your completed Act I to the first class — and be ready to write.
The Feature Film III course page: Feature Film III – UCLA Extension
Teaching background
In addition to UCLA Extension, Koji has taught at the University of Southern California, Chapman University, New York Film Academy, and International Technological University. He holds a Master of Professional Writing from USC and has served as a screenwriting judge for the Humanitas Prize.
Guest lectures, workshops & panels
Koji is available for guest lectures, workshops, and festival and conference panels. For teaching and speaking inquiries, contact Cheryl Martin at CMA Entertainment (cmartin@cmaentertainment.com), or use the form on the About & Contact page.
