Diploma in Motion Picture Production

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to train learners to become proficient in a chosen field/area of specialisation in the motion picture industry. These achieving learners will be fully skilled and qualified filmmakers empowered to imbibe principles such as excellence, dedication, passion and possession of professional work ethics. This qualification is intended for scriptwriters, producers, directors, cinematographers, sound engineers and editors in the field of motion picture production. Competent learners will be able to evaluate and/or develop seminal/viable ideas, concepts and proposals to be transformed into creative audio visual formats, as well as to manage and co-ordinate the different phases of motion picture production. In addition, successful learners will be equipped with competent skills, knowledge and attitudes to perform various specialised functions associated with the creation of motion pictures. Skills in the areas of scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, sound and editing will be properly honed. Learners will further have knowledge that will enable them to market, distribute and exhibit motion pictures and related materials. Ultimately, qualified learners will play an important role in contributing towards the development and establishment of a sustainable African motion picture industry. In addition, this qualification is aimed to produce filmmakers who will contribute to sustainable growth of the South African economy and remain in themselves self-reliant.

Rationale

This qualification provides skills that cover a cross-section of all the skills required by filmmakers who are destined to work in the South African Motion Picture Industry. The qualification is suitable for both male and female learners and is the first of the learning pathway, which can be followed up to the Doctorate: Motion Picture Production. The qualification has a sound balance between required theoretical knowledge and the application of that knowledge. Competent learners will be able to work as producers, scriptwriters, directors, production managers, cinematographers, editors, sound engineers and television studio operators. Although the South African Motion Picture Industry is inundated by learners from other universities and private training providers, this course is by far the oldest and most respected in the country. The strength of the qualification is the fact that learners, having proceeded through an effective teaching and learning methodology, obtain competency that ensures a high level of employability. Alumni of the department play leading roles in the South African Motion Picture Industry and many regularly work on international productions both locally and oversee.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per institutional policy, Credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 4.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 85 Credits

• Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
• Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
• Motion Picture Producing 1, 20 Credits.
• Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
• Life Skills I, 2 Credits.
• Film and Television(TV) Technology, 15 Credits.
• African Film and Criticism 1, 16 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship 1, 10 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 45 Credits (choose three modules)

• Directing 1, 15 Credits.
• Editing 1, 15 Credits.
• Cinematology 1, 15 Credits.
• Scriptwriting 1, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 140 Credits

• Film and TV Technology, 15 Credits.
• African Film and Criticism 2, 15 Credits.
• Motion Picture Producing 2, 30 Credits.
• Motion Picture Producing 3, 20 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning(WIL) in Motion Picture Production, 60 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 90 Credits (choose six modules)

• Editing 2, 20 Credits.
• Scriptwriting 2, 20 Credits.
• Directing 2, 20 Credits.
• Cinematology 2, 20 Credits.
• Scriptwriting 3, 10 Credits.
• Directing 3, 10 Credits.
• Editing 3, 10 Credits.
• Cinematology, 10 Credits.

1. Develop viable concepts/ideas to be produced into professional motion pictures.
2. Add creative value to concepts/ideas to be produced into professional motion pictures.
3. Manage and co-ordinate the different phases of motion picture production.
4. Perform various specialised functions associated with the creation of motion pictures during pre-production stage.
5. Perform various specialised functions associated with the creation of motion pictures during production stage.
6. Perform various specialised functions associated with the creation of motion pictures during post-production stage.
7. Produce a variety of motion pictures such as dramas, documentaries, music videos, commercials and multi-camera studio productions.
8. Implement Work Integrated Learning in the motion picture production industry.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Blends strong writing and visualisation capabilities together with theoretical considerations.
• Creates original screenplays and motion pictures, which will allow them to progress to the industry or to do an advanced diploma.
• Engage in the writing and oral presentation skills as a way to demonstrate the applied and practical knowledge and skills within specific areas of the motion picture production sciences.
• Solve problems in a specified field.

Integrated Assessment

This will be achieved by including written examinations, group and individual projects and assignments, practical examinations and a research report. Some of the criteria may be accessed through observation of the learners during their productions by an external mentor. Integrated Assessment will be both formative and summative. Formative assessment: Through continuous feedback, constructive critique and practical recommendations to improve their results, learners are constantly made aware of their progress in achieving specific learning outcomes. This will be achieved by including tests, group assignments, case studies, problem solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral examinations, log books and practical exercises, practical productions and Work Integrated Learning(WIL), as well as observation of learner participation during theoretical classes and practical sessions as formative assessment methods. Summative assessment: This will be done on an annual basis as well as at the end of the four-year part-time study period. At the end of each study year the learners have to produce a graduation film that displays the skills and knowledge that they have obtained during the year. This production is evaluated by a panel of internal and external experts that evaluate each area of learning and specialisation. At the end of the study period, a production project of substantial scope is submitted. This project should illustrate the learner's ability to critically apply the knowledge acquired over the study period to create and manage a professional motion picture project.