Higher Certificate in Acting for Camera

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the practical fundamentals of acting with a general understanding of the technical and artistic requirements of the processes involved in the making of productions for filmed performance within the South African film and television industry.

In addition, the qualification provides an articulation option for further study ensuring learning preparedness equipping them with the academic skills required to be successful in continuing levels of study in fields of performance and communication.

Rationale

The provision of this qualification has been determined by the following factors

• The increase in number of Matriculants qualifying without Bachelor's entry and the lack of accredited Certificates focusing on performing arts providing access to further study in this field.
• The growth of the South African television and film industry in both the production of international and local content that is seeking young but industry ready performers for the screen.

Over the past decade, the South Africa government has identified the film industry as a sector with excellent potential for growth, and is regarded as a catalyst for both direct and indirect employment of people from different sectors of the economy. According to the NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa), The increase in film and television production, be it local, co-production or service production, has resulted in a much larger pool of qualified and experienced technical crews who contribute to making this industry such a hub of activity. The industry now needs performers who are ready to contribute to the large amount of content creation for both local and international productions, particularly geared towards the global media market. The theories and practices that underpin acting for camera are essential for any individual seeking to make a career in performance within the entertainment industry.

Communication with various industry leaders has led to the understanding that the entertainment industry requires young actors who are grounded in the basic principles of acting, and carry sufficient professional skills to be industry ready to contribute performances for adverts, television shows and films.

The qualification is developed to allow learners with an interest in performance and media who have qualified with a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 qualification, access into higher education in this field of study and fundamental knowledge and skills in these areas.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution subscribes to the principles of lifelong learning and the role that the Recognition of Prior Learning plays in the promotion of lifelong learning, professional growth and career advancement.

The fundamental underlying principle of the recognition of prior learning at the institution is the granting exemption for modules for which it is determined a potential student meets the exit criteria. In this regard, the institution recognises all forms of informal and non-formal learning to admission into its qualification.

Recognition of prior learning for admission will only be applied in the institutional academic framework to learners seeking entrance into the qualification. For admissions into further levels of study the credit accumulation and transfer (CAT) system will apply.

The institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Academic Credit Policy guides the RPL and academic credit process.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Acting for Camera Techniques, 20 Credits.
• Performing for National Markets, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Acting and Acting Instruments, 20 Credits.
• Audition Preparation, 10 Credits.
• Interpretation of Texts and Scripts, 20 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 10 Credits.
• Communication Skills, 20 Credits.
• Introduction to TV Presenting, 10 Credits.

1. Manage the stock and logistics of a retail business following current industry practices for ethics and corporate governance.
2. Informed understanding of the core areas, key terms, concepts, facts, general principles and theories of acting.
3. Select and apply basic textual analysis, acting principles, rehearsal methods or techniques within a well-defined, familiar and supported environment in the field of acting equipping them to deliver a performance for screen.
4. Act responsibly in accordance with prescribed production professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices and to seek guidance on ethical and professional issues where referencing and acknowledgement of necessary sources in production of work (both practical).
5. Evaluate and take account for personal and peer use in a defined structured learning process actions/performance, take appropriate action and be responsible for learning and resource.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• An appropriate strategic stock and logistics plan which will demonstrate knowledge of the logistics function is developed for a business.
• Stock and logistics of a retail business including effective stock and logistic objectives, policies, strategies, action plans and a logistics budget are effectively planned for a year.
• An effective stock control system is designed.
• A supplier specification policy is compiled to ensure the right supply of prescribed products at the required conditions.
• The best possible way of transporting products from the supplier to the business is determined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Selects, explains and uses correct material and techniques in engaging with script/text analysis for the purpose of creating a performance.
• Defines, describes and identifies core themes and concepts in the field of acting for camera, both at the rehearsal and production stages.
• Applies appropriate concepts, principles, rules and methods in the discovery of the acting instrument (body and voice) and the creation of character.
• Distinguishes at a basic level the practical difference between live performance and acting for camera.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Adheres to principles of character creation for performance which are evident through the rehearsal and performance work.
• Demonstrates the ability to select appropriate tools and procedures and follow textual analysis methods in development of a character/and or performance.
• Shows the use of various physical and vocal techniques in the creation of performance including but not limited to monologues, small group and large crowd scenes.
• Produces performances in a consistent and well-prepared manner.
• Constructs a screen audition portfolio suitable for the South African television and film industry showing consideration of realism acting principles and characterization.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Understands the impact of acting on society and carries awareness of cultural ethics in screen performance.
• Understands the principles of through the use of body and voice and theoretical.
• Develops professional and punctual attitude in the participation of production rehearsals and shoots.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Works and communicates effectively as a member of a team or group in projects or production environments.
• Shows evidence of planning in development of work though practical rehearsals as well as preparatory script analysis work.
• Successfully produces a variety of performances in group and individual (audition) scenarios.
• Displays an understanding of the professional requirements and relationships of industry and imitates these in a structured environment.
• Evaluates the work of self and others in peer evaluation exercises in a respectful and productive manner.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, concepts and theory across subjects to achieve competence in relation to this qualification.

Where possible assessments take the form of work-directed theoretical learning, problem-based learning or project-based learning. All Associated Assessment Criteria (AAC) are applied in an integrated way, throughout the duration of the qualification, to modules and areas of learning in a manner that ensures equitable evidence of theoretical understanding and practical application. To achieve this, a broad range of formative and Summative Assessment methods are used to assess mastery of knowledge, including, but not limited to, oral presentations, production of digital and paper based works, assessment of skills in a simulated production context, individual and group presentations, sit down exams, practical simulations and consultations with academic staff.

Modules are annualised, to create the opportunity for integrated assessment of a combination of learning outcomes from various modules simultaneously at a given point. Continuous formative assessment creates the opportunity for learners to get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes; summative assessment is used to determine actual achievement of learning outcomes.