Bachelor of Arts in Film and Cinematic Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Cinematic Studies is to combine academic, creative, critical and artistic skills to develop adaptive creators and thinkers who will be ready to take on and engage in the challenge of the fast-paced cinematic content creation and consumption cultures of the contemporary visual media, African independent cinema and the global film industry at large.

Learners will be inspired by the most significant thematic contexts of African contemporary society and industry to innovate and be bold in telling the stories that matter. Collaborative practice and individual development are encouraged in a creative environment that offers the experience of a highly professional team working in a real-world environment. This will allow every learner to push the limits of their own imagination, artistic ambition, and skill.

Learners will also develop fluency in film's social, economic and political dimensions, and be able to apply them professionally in the context of art, craft, studies and business of cinematic storytelling. Both transferable and employable skills are embedded in learning, both through structured collaboration and reflective thinking, and increased application of technical expertise. Learners gradually build the confidence and skills to work toward their career aspirations and tackle industry opportunities and challenges with confidence. This ensures an adaptable skill set that will enable you to enter the job market, pursue competitive postgraduate studies or push the boundaries of the integrated film, television and media industry to produce the highest quality results possible.

Learners will choose a path in the learning journey that speaks to their personal strength, cognitive abilities and career ambition, coupled with a professional and collaborative sensibility that will be laid in the first year of study and continue through years two and three. The learners' ability to develop productive relationships with others and understand the essential elements of how creativity is nurtured through a team environment will support them and their early career ambitions after graduation.

A wide range of opportunities in the world of film, television and visual media means that a wide range of transferable skills and knowledge in other related fields is required upon graduation. These will be developed over the course of the degree.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to

• Analyse and interpret various forms of dramatic literature and how it informs film production.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the genre, narrative structure, and character development in film production.
• Apply an interdisciplinary approach to film production, incorporating insights from anthropology and psychology.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the production of short films through hands-on experience in pre-production, production, and post-production, demonstrating an understanding of the role of the director, producer, cinematographer, editor, and other key personnel.
• Conduct research in film production, incorporating a media anthropological perspective.

Rationale

Based on the strategic positioning of South Africa in the evolution of African cinema, juxtaposed with the current film production qualifications/courses available in South Africa, it becomes conspicuously glaring that there is a need for a new approach in the education of film production studies to enable the new generation of African storytellers compete in the fast-evolving film industry. This Bachelor of Arts in Film and Cinematic Studies is that new approach.

This qualification will close the gap and fix the disharmony between the film business, film academics and film-makers by first recognising that these three dimensions are linked but not completely the same in a career path for the learner and is structured in a way that enables different types of film learners to choose from a well-researched combination of Core and Elective modules that speak to their career goal and ambition. This is important as not all learners who are interested in film want to be "film-makers". Some want to be in film academia while some want to be in the film business or even in film law and governance.

The qualification offers a wide range of experiences and allows learners to develop a strong competence and theoretical foundation.

Upon completion, the learner will have a focused portfolio of creative work and strong business sense. These will allow the learner to see, create and respond to the many opportunities that exist in this field, including, for example:

• Film Production
• Film post-production
• Screenwriting
• Film Promotion & Distribution
• Film Critics
• Film Academic
• Film technology innovations

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

To provide a pathway for mature (23 years of age or older) individuals with relevant work experience or informal learning to gain access to the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Cinematic Studies qualification.

Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV), NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, totalling 70 Credits.

• Art of Film, 15 Credits.
• General Anthropology, 10 Credits.
• Short Film Production 101, 10 Credits.
• Dramatic Literature, 15 Credits.
• Psychology of Production, 10 Credits.
• Short Film Production 102, 10 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 5, totalling 50 Credits (Select one Stream)

Screen Writing Stream

• Introduction to Screenwriting, 15 Credits.
• Story Development, 10 Credits.
• Script Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Screenwriting Format and Style, 10 Credits.

Producing Stream

• Introduction to Producing, 15 Credits.
• Production Administration, 10 Credits.
• Budgeting and Scheduling, 15 Credits.
• Fundraising and Financing, 10 Credits.

Directing Stream

• Introduction to Directing, 15 Credits.
• Storytelling and Directing, 10 Credits.
• Script Analysis and Development, 15 Credits.
• Pre-Production Planning, 10 Credits.

Video Editing Stream

• Introduction to Video Editing, 15 Credits.
• Video Editing Fundamentals, 10 Credits.
• Storytelling and Editing, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Editing Techniques, 10 Credits.

Sound design Stream

• Introduction to Sound Design, 15 Credits.
• Sound Recording Fundamentals, 10 Credits.
• Sound Design Theory and Science, 15 Credits.
• Sound Design for Film and Video, 10 Credits.

Production design Stream

• Introduction to Production Design, 15 Credits.
• Design Fundamentals, 10 Credits.
• Storyboarding and Pre-Visualization, 15 Credits.
• Art Direction and Set Design, 10 Credits.

Colour Grading Stream

• Introduction to Colour Grading, 15 Credits.
• Colour Correction Fundamentals, 10 Credits.
• Colour Theory and Science, 15 Credits.
• Colour Grading in Film and Video, 10 Credits.

Cinematography Stream

• Introduction to Cinematography, 15 Credits.
• Camera Techniques, 10 Credits.
• Lighting Fundamentals, 15 Credits.
• Camera Operations and Maintenance, 10 Credits.

VFX Stream

• Introduction to Visual Effects, 15 Credits.
• Conceptual Design, 10 Credits.
• Modelling Fundamentals, 15 Credits.
• 3D Animation Fundamentals, 10 Credits.

Digital Image Technician Stream

• Introduction to Digital Image Technology, 15 Credits.
• Camera Formats and File Management, 10 Credits.
• Colour Science and Calibration, 15 Credits.
• Data Management and Backups, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, totalling 70 Credits.

• Philosophy & Ethics, 15 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 10 Credits.
• Documentary Production, 10 Credits.
• Media Anthropology, 10 Credits.
• Entertainment Law, 15 Credits.
• Experimental Film Production, 10 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, totalling 50 Credits (Select one Stream)

Screenwriting Stream

• Character Development, 15 Credits.
• Dialogue Writing, 10 Credits.
• Genre and Screenwriting, 15 Credits.
• Screenwriting for Film and Video, 10 Credits.

Producing Stream

• Distribution and Marketing, 15 Credits.
• Legal and Business Aspects of Producing, 10 Credits.
• Producing for Film and Video, 15 Credits.
• Producing for Visual Effects, 10 Credits.

Directing Stream

• Cinematography and directing, 15 Credits.
• Directing Actors, 10 Credits.
• Directing for Film and Video, 15 Credits.
• Post-Production Directing, 10 Credits.

Video Editing Stream

• Video Editing for Film and Video, 15 Credits.
• Video Editing in Post-Production, 10 Credits.
• Video Editing for Visual Effects, 15 Credits.
• Video Editing for Animation, 10 Credits.

Sound Design Stream

• Advanced Sound Design Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Sound Design in Post-Production, 10 Credits.
• Sound Design for Visual Effects, 15 Credits.
• Sound Design for Animation, 10 Credits.

Production Design Stream

• Costume Design and Makeup, 15 Credits.
• Production Design for Film and Video, 10 Credits.
• Advanced Production Design Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Production Design in Post-Production, 10 Credits.

Colour Grading Stream

• Advanced Colour Correction Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Colour Grading in Post-Production, 10 Credits.
• Colour Grading for Visual Effects, 15 Credits.
• Colour Grading for Animation, 10 Credits.

Cinematography Stream

• Cinematography for Genres, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Lighting Techniques, 10 Credits.
• Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, 15 Credits.
• Cinematography in post-production, 10 Credits.

VFX Stream

• Advanced 3D Modelling, 15 Credits.
• Advanced 3D Animation, 10 Credits.
• Matte Painting and Environment Creation, 15 Credits.
• Particle Systems and Dynamics, 10 Credits.

Digital Image Technician Stream

• On-Set Workflow and Communication, 15 Credits.
• On-Set Data Management and Quality Control, 10 Credits.
• Post-Production Workflow and Collaboration, 15 Credits.
• Post-Production Color Correction and Grading, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, totalling 70 Credits.

• Artificial Intelligence in Film Art, 10 Credits.
• Research in practice, 10 Credits.
• Feature film; Pre-production, 15 Credits.
• Critical Film Studies - Cinema, 15 Credits.
• Feature film; Production/Postproduction, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, totalling 50 Credits (Select one Stream)

Screenwriting Stream

• Screenwriting for Animation, 15 Credits,
• Screenwriting and Film History, 10 Credits.
• Screenwriting for Virtual Reality, 15 Credits.
• The business of Screenwriting, 10 Credits.

Producing Stream

• Producing for Animation, 15 Credits.
• Producing for Virtual Reality, 10 Credits.
• Producing and Film History, 15 Credits.
• Producing in Independent Film Production, 10 Credits.

Directing Stream

• Directing for Visual Effects, 15 Credits.
• Directing for Animation, 10 Credits.
• Directing and Film History, 15 Credits.
• Critical Director Studies, 10 Credits.

Video Editing Stream

• Video Editing and Film History, 15 Credits.
• Video Editing for Different Formats, 10 Credits.
• Video Editing for Virtual Reality, 15 Credits.
• Video Editing in Independent Film Production, 10 Credits.

Sound Design Stream

• Sound Design and Film History, 15 Credits.
• Sound Design for Different Formats, 10 Credits.
• Sound Design for Virtual Reality, 15 Credits.
• Sound Design in Independent Film Production, 10 Credits.

Production Design Stream

• Production Design and Film History, 15 Credits.
• Production Design for Different Formats, 10 Credits.
• Production Design for Virtual Reality, 15 Credits.
• Production Design in Independent Film Production, 10 Credits.

Colour Grading Stream

• Colour Grading and Film History, 15 Credits.
• Colour Grading for Different Formats, 10 Credits.
• Colour Grading for High Dynamic Range, 15 Credits.
• Colour Grading in Independent Film Production, 10 Credits.

Cinematography Stream

• Directing and Storytelling, 15 Credits.
• Sound Design and Recording, 10 Credits.
• Film History, 15 Credits.
• Film Analysis, 10 Credits.

VFX Strem

• Shading, Texturing, and Lighting, 15 Credits.
• Compositing Fundamentals, 10 Credits.
• Advanced Compositing Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Post-Production and Final Integration, 10 Credits.

Digital Image Technician Stream

• Post-Production File Management and Delivery, 15 Credits.
• Special Effects and Visual Effects, 10 Credits.
• Workflow Automation and Optimization, 15 Credits.
• Emerging Technologies and Industry Trends, 10 Credits.

1. Analyse and interpret various forms of dramatic literature and how it informs film production.
2. Develop a thorough understanding of the genre, narrative structure, and character development in film production.
3. Apply an interdisciplinary approach to film production, incorporating insights from anthropology and psychology.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in the production of short films through hands-on experience in pre-production, production, and post-production, demonstrating an understanding of the role of the director, producer, cinematographer, editor, and other key personnel.
5. Apply ethical and philosophical principles to the film production process.
6. Conduct research in film production, incorporating a media anthropological perspective.
7. Critically evaluate the role of artificial intelligence in film art and its impact on the film production process.
8. Develop and execute feature film productions, including pre-production, production, and post-production processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.

• Analyse to establish the purpose, principles, concepts and philosophy that underpin the use of literary elements in film production and how they inform the story.
• Examine the impact of film production in different literary works on the development of film genre, narrative structure, and character development.
• Explore the relationship between literature and film, to highlight the key components that inform the difference between one to the other.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.

• Investigate components of different genres thoroughly to form a holistic understanding of their role in story and character development.
• Investigate narrative structures in film production through analysis of film examples to illustrate the rationale.
• Examine character development elements to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of their functions.
• Discuss and debate various genre structures and their impact to make sense of their use in film and other mediums.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.

• Apply principles of human psychology as the basis for managing film processes.
• Apply contemporary anthropological theories to evaluate the impact of cultural and social factors on the film production process.
• Apply psychological principles that inform how human behaviour is used to establish performance benchmarks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.

• Illustrate proficiency in production processes and the use of tools through the creation of a short film.
• Consider innovative approaches and apply them to maximise the impact of different technical and creative elements on the film project.
• Illustrate an understanding of various challenges encountered during the production processes through investigation and development of innovative solutions.
• Prepare reports and debrief an in-depth understanding of the scope and dynamics of key production roles demonstrated through report debriefing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.

• Evaluate the impact of ethical considerations on the film production process to illustrate the highest form of professionalism.
• Discuss and debate the relationship between philosophy and film production to demonstrate an understanding of how one informs or impacts the other.
• Apply ethical and philosophical principles to the film production process

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.

• Apply various research methodologies to conduct research in film production.
• Evaluate and consider the impact of cultural and social factors on the film production process through case studies.
• Clearly state and contextualise an identified problem for research purposes

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.

• Critically analyse and evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence on film and the film production process as an art.
• Discuss ethical considerations associated with the use of artificial intelligence in film production.
• Establish acceptable safe practices of artificial intelligence in film art.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8.

• Illustrate in-depth knowledge of filmmaking through the planning and execution of a feature film, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the film production process.
• Apply critical thinking to evaluate the impact of different technical and creative elements on the final product.
• Categorise film and other mediums and break them down to form critical opinions.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The assessment process and procedures followed for the qualification adopts an institutional assessment policy. The institutional assessment policy incorporates various processes and procedures deemed fit under higher education standards for all kinds of assessments, be it formative, summative or integrated assessments. A brief outline of the assessment policy application is highlighted below.

Formative Assessment

Both formative and summative forms of assessment will be used to determine competencies acquired through learning.

• written assignments
• research projects
• examinations
• continuous critique of creative work
• written tests, in-class production practicals and integrative production practicals will be used.

In a semester, continuous assessments for each module will constitute 2 written tests, and 5 assignments (an essay and 4 production practicals) culminating in a total mark of 60% of the final mark, as coursework.

The final exam will constitute an integrative summative production assessment a film production practical and essay, accruing 40% of the final mark.

For a learner to gain competency status, a 50% pass mark is required in all modules.

Summative Assessment

The final evaluation requires the successful completion of two evaluation phases

• Submission of major discipline mini research thesis / long essay pertaining to proposed project outcomes (minimum of 5 000 words);
• Generation of the integrative production film practical project outcome as researched and proposed in the discipline mini thesis/ essay, and presentation of the project outcome to the internal and external panels of examiners and moderators, described hereafter.

The Internal Quality Assurance Panel - referred to at AACA as the Internal Academic

Learners are evaluated in terms of their discipline contribution to a project outcome, as well as the overall production quality of the project, which grades are blended on a weighted average basis.

Work-Integrated Learning

Introduction

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a critical component of the BA in Film and Cinematic Studies, designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience. By incorporating WIL into the curriculum, we aim to enhance learners' employability and readiness for the professional film industry. This response outlines the WIL activities, implementation strategy, and assessment methods.