Higher Certificate in Digital Film Production

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to introduce learners to the core concepts and practices within the film production process to ensure competence in all the disciplines related to digital film production. Learners will explore the foundational skills associated with pre-production, and principal photography production and post-production, including but not limited to planning, scriptwriting, filming, editing and finishing film content for delivery.

Engaging with the content will help the learner understand the practical film production environment, while the theoretical support will assist the learner in realising the value of the skills attained. Learners will specifically learn the skills associated with creating video content using digital workflow. Qualifying learners can work under direction, and to specification, making suggestions to those with creative decision-making powers on a film set. There is a need for qualified learners who can work independently according to a given brief, which they often contribute to, without hands-on operational supervision. The qualification will thus address competence for studio and outside broadcasts, film and television production, and single and multi-camera productions.

The qualification will focus on developing the practical skills involved in creating film content in a digital workflow industry. Ultimately these skills will translate into a multitude of digital media video productions from social media content to entering as a junior on commissioned projects.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Enhance film and television products through creativity, quality control, and suggestions (e.g. regarding shots) and understand the effect of their decisions on cast and crew in the film and television production process.
• Complete complex tasks within specific contexts and make critical decisions in a strenuous environment.
• Critically evaluate own responsibility within the context of the full process and identify problem areas.
• Discuss their role in the overall context and the industry.
• Operate the full functionality of equipment over a range of equipment.
• Apply their own methods and skills sufficiently to contribute to collaborative projects.

Rationale

This qualification sets the minimum standard for addressing the need for competence in digital film and television production. Various needs for competence exist in the rapidly growing South African television and film industry with broadcast and streaming demands. The shortage of competence has resulted in high inflation rates, and there is a need for a larger pool of competent practitioners. By achieving this qualification, qualified learners can improve employment opportunities and upward mobility including remuneration concerns.

The qualification targets learners from technical, computer, mathematical science, or art backgrounds, or who have been assisting with camera, lighting, and sound components or without previous training in the industry. The qualification will focus on academic and practical skills to complement creative and technological development. Learners will be capable of learning and producing projects in a fast-paced environment, paying attention to detail, and having visual awareness and physical dexterity. Learners require general management and research competence in academic components and general competence in the assessment and operation of practical components. Therefore, the qualification will produce learners competent in a specific component of film and television productions, forming the basis for further learning.

This qualification was designed to address the workplace needs of the film industry as expressed by its stakeholders and to provide the learner with employable skills within the film sector. Good products contribute to audience appreciation, messages being conveyed effectively and as intended, and improve access to information for the public. The qualification will therefore produce graduates who can find employment as camera persons, production coordinators, grips, best boy lights, second assistant directors, art department buyers, boom operators, unit and location assistants, casting coordinators, content writers for genre scripts, continuity assistants, insert editors, and other entry-level industry jobs. In addition, the qualification can ensure that graduates can manage their own productions, thus opening entrepreneurship opportunities.

There is a growing demand for film content, especially for online platforms that do not adhere to the macro-budget productions of the big screen or high-end advertising. Thus, there is a need for skilled generalists who can produce content, in its entirety, for social media, corporate videos, small events, etc. The qualification requires learners to promote safety, health and environmental protection in the production process. In general, quality film and television productions have social, educational and economic value for the industry and the viewing public.

The qualification seeks to address the gaps in the education sector to ensure that the opportunities in the professional market can be seized by qualified learners. The institution has a geographical market gap to fill since the same practically driven discipline is not offered by other institutions nearby. There is also a focus on the generalist approach in filmmaking available in South Africa - however, the institution offers learners a qualification where learning is not developed in isolation, but rather enhanced and improved through systematic development of skills. Instead of focusing on one skill set after another (e.g. cinematography, then editing), the focus is on developing these skills over time in conjunction with each other. This leads to a well-rounded understanding of the entire filmmaking process and peripheral skills. This approach of gradual development of combined skills is unique. With the most basic understanding of the digital workflow that dominates the film and television industry in South Africa, learners will continuously acquire more skills to advance the scope and quality of their work. The holistic approach of the qualification ensures continued learning and confidence in comparison to the segregated-skills-teaching approach.

The institution has tailored and structured the qualification with a keen emphasis on filmmaking development to include the necessary skills, theory, techniques, and knowledge that are required for a learner to either enter the industry; kickstart their own business or continue their education within the Film and Television. If learners wish to enter the industry upon completion of the qualification, the elective module will equip them with relevant skills that relate to industry concerns. The Academic Practice module prepares the learner for vertical articulation into a relevant academic career. The Actor and The Camera Choice module addresses an important element of any digital film production to improve communication and directing skills. The qualification also focuses on original concept development as opposed to adaptation. The narrative skill encourages not only screenwriting but the consideration of visual language and the impact of the whole filmmaking process on a project.

The focus of the qualification is placed on the individual aspects of filmmaking, therefore ensuring that one skill is acquired at a time. The institution offers a comprehensive study of the same or similar elements, but with a focus on continuous learning and development of skills by introducing learners to elements or concepts and then progressively advancing said skill throughout a complete filmmaking process. Learners will be encouraged to determine specific requirements aligned with the project brief and follow the development process of these skills more organically. This encourages learners to evaluate their project needs and adapt their skills to solve problems and achieve more advanced outputs. This qualification does not include micro-focus areas like documentary or music video production, but it is designed to embed a fundamental understanding with complementary skills that can be applied to any film project.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution understands that RPL plays a vital role in the country's skills development agenda, as represented in leading documents such as the New Growth Path, the National Qualifications Framework Act, the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and the Human Resource Development Strategy.

All South Africans are given the opportunity for their non-formal and informal learning to be recognised and counted towards a qualification.

The institution promotes the need for individuals to continue improving their knowledge and skills by completing additional education and training courses/workshops towards their formal qualifications. Furthermore, additional structured education and training will improve the learner's employment opportunities as they will be recognised for their formal learning. The institution ensures that all potential candidates for enrolment and all current learners have access to the institution's RPL Policy and Procedures.

RPL for access

• Enrolled learners, or learners who wish to enrol, may apply for recognition of prior learning for this qualification.
• This process involves an assessment of previously unrecognised skills and knowledge an individual has attained outside the formal education and training system.
• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for credits

• Candidates who apply for RPL will receive credit for units/modules of competency if they are able to display the necessary knowledge, skills and learning that meet the performance criteria of the units/modules of competency for which the candidate is applying for RPL.
• A maximum of 50% of the entire course can be exempt from RPL assessments, which means that a maximum of 60 credits of the 120-credit qualification can be acknowledged for RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 110 Credits

• Drawing and Narrative, 15 Credits.
• Film Conventions, 10 Credits.
• Film Software, 20 Credits.
• Digital Film Production, 60 Credits.
• The Actor and the Camera, 5 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 10 Credits (Select one module)

• Academic Practice, 10 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.

Exit Level Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the ability to organise and manage information about film or television production activities according to specified requirements.
2. Determine film or television resource requirements for specific production processes.
3. Plan film or television production activities to meet given requirements.
4. Demonstrate the ability to assess film or television production processes against given quality requirements.
5. Demonstrate the ability to implement film or television production processes as directed within an area of specialisation.
6. Control film or television operations according to specified business principles including operations for a small organisation or a unit/department within a larger organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Gather information from a range of sources (lectures, film analysis, screenplays, tutorials, etc.).
• Select information appropriate to the project, and apply basic processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation on that information.
• Reliably, accurately and coherently communicate information, using conventions appropriate to the film and television industry, in theoretical form (written/oral/sign) or practical demonstration.
• Take responsibility for own learning within a structured learning process and promote the learning of others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Initiate a film by developing theoretical concepts and principles into practice.
• Apply knowledge of the range of requirements to produce relevant and informative documentation for film production.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and assess problems within the intended film development and pre-production stages and continuously re-evaluate progress based on recent developments.
• Apply solutions based on problems identified throughout the development and pre-production stages by using appropriate skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Select and apply standard methods, procedures or techniques within the film production process.
• Operate in a range of familiar and new contexts, demonstrating an understanding of different kinds of systems, obstacles and solutions within the film industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Implement standard methods, procedures or techniques within the film production process.
• Discuss the relationship between film stages as well as departments and how actions in one area might impact another.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate an understanding of problem-solving and the consequences that follow production decisions.
• Take account of, and act in accordance with professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices and seek guidance where necessary.
• Evaluate own performance and/or the performance of others and take appropriate action where necessary.
• Account for own actions, work effectively with and respect others, and take supervisory responsibility for others and for the responsible use of resources, within their own film production.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The institution's Assessment Policies reflect the institution's alignment with the principles of good assessment as prescribed by SAQA in the Criteria and guidelines for assessment of NQF registered unit standards and qualifications. The institution is committed to providing education that is fair, ethically sound, reasonable, transparent, consistent, and in line with all relevant national standards. As such, the institution commits to instilling the principles of fairness, egalitarianism, transparency, reliability, and efficiency in all learners. Assessment tasks are well-designed and reflect the outcomes, content, and assessment criteria.

The qualification is assessed based on integrated assessment principles whereby learning outcomes, which have a defined purpose, including specific and critical cross-field outcomes, are assessed simultaneously. A combination of formative (assessment during the process of learning and teaching) and summative (assessment based on the judgement of achievement during the qualification and at the end of the qualification) assessment facilitates evaluation within the context of this qualification.

Formative Assessment

The learner's ongoing competencies in all core and fundamental subjects that form part of this qualification are assessed during each term and support the learning and teaching process of learners.

The following formative assessment tools are employed in the qualification

• Tests and theoretical assignments.
• Applied research assignments.
• Academic research assignments.
• Presentations.
• Group projects.
• Project progress for theoretical and practical components.
• Practical assignments.
• Oral reports and discussions.
• Practical exercises and demonstrations.
• Audio-visual presentations.
• Critique sessions and feedback.

Feedback and informal assessment are conducted through periodic group presentations and/or critique sessions as well as one-on-one critique sessions with qualification co-ordinator and subject specialists.

Summative Assessment

Each subject and each term of this qualification comprises a measure of internal, summative assessment. In line with the rules of this qualification, the following fundamental subjects are assessed at the end of each term:

Fundamentals: Each fundamental subject must be passed with a minimum mark of 50% for the full course.

• Drawing and Narrative.
• Film Conventions.
• Film Software.

Core: Each core subject must be passed with a minimum mark of 50% for the full course.

• Digital Film Production.
• The Actor and The Camera.

Choice modules: The Learners can select between the two choice modules. A minimum mark of 50% is required to pass the module course.

• Academic Practice.
• Entrepreneurship.

The following applies with regard to summative assessments

• Learners will present a review of their practical work each term to the internal assessor(s) who will assess the learner's progress up to that point.
• Assessor(s) will offer applicable advice to assist the learner in achieving the desired high standard of excellence associated with the qualification.
• This will allow assessor(s) an opportunity to identify learners who are struggling with the current content and offer additional support and guidance to ensure learners are successful with their future assessments.