Higher Certificate in Digital Film Production

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to ensure that learners are exposed to key industry-standard digital format and studio systems covering a range of creative media. Industry based knowledge and skills will be developed through study of historical practices, and contemporary developments and best practices within key subject areas. Learners will learn professional practices and workflows that are commonly used within applicable areas of the industry.

The Higher Certificate: Digital Film Production provides learners with knowledge of fundamental research tools and encourages lifelong learning and professional development through on-going systematic enquiry into related industry fields. The qualification components encourage analytical and conceptual thinking and the development of academic abilities and practical problem-solving skills.

Learners will obtain the following vocational and academic skills and abilities that will enable them to successfully enter into a variety of fields within the specified industry and become valuable contributors therein:

• Analytical writing and reporting skills and abilities.
• Basic data gathering techniques.
• Basic project management skills.
• Intermediate digital film production techniques and methods.
• Fundamental technical skills and processes.
• Professional film and television production processes.

This qualification prepares the learner for possible entry level job opportunities to the following areas of film production:

• Scriptwriting.
• Documentary researching.
• Digital lighting-cameraman.
• Digital video camera operation.
• Film and Television studio technician.
• Lighting operator.
• Assistant Directing.
• Production Assisting.
• Digital Filmmaking.
• Digital Film Producing.
• Digital Film Editing.
• Motion Graphics Designing.
• Visual Effects Designing.
• Visual Effects Technician.
• DVD Author.
• Film Reviewing.

Rationale

The School of Audio Engineering (SAE) Higher Certificate: Digital Film Production has been developed to meet the high standards of the global media industry. The curriculum has been contextualised for the South African media sector and aims to contribute to the growth, quality and competitiveness of film and television production on the African continent.

The qualification provides an exposure for learners to academic and practical skills with a strong focus on technology and creativity. It also encourages creative research and development skills, and encourages learners to define, refine and enhance their creative and technological skills and abilities.

Competencies in

• Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 4.
• Communication and language competence in English at NQF Level 4.
• Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.
• Propensity for creativity and visual awareness.
• Basic knowledge of film, media and creative arts.

Recognition ff Prior Learning

The qualification may be obtained in whole or part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. SAE Institute South Africa offers an opportunity for prospective learners with considerable industry experience and/or previous academic qualifications to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The precise nature of advanced standing will vary according to individual circumstances and will be dependent on the nature of the course being applied for.

Access to the Qualification

Admission requirements to this qualification are

• National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent NQF Level 4 Qualification.
• Adequate vision for given requirements of specific production contexts.

All 12 Modules are at NQF Level 5 and are compulsory. A minimum of 140 Credits is required.

• Digital Film Production 1, 10 Credits.
• Digital Post Production 1, 10 Credits.
• Digital Imaging, 10 Credits.
• Film Studies, 10 Credits.
• Digital Film Production 2, 10 Credits.
• Digital Post Production 2, 10 Credits.
• Motion Graphics, 10 Credits.
• Documentary Production, 10 Credits.
• Digital TV Commercial Production, 15 Credits.
• Music Video Production, 15 Credits.
• Visual Effects, 15 Credits.
• Adaptations, 15 Credits.

1. Plan, organise and manage digital film production processes.

• Range includes: Scope, time, resources and quality.

1. Conduct research resource requirements for digital film production processes.

• Range of resource requirements includes: Content; casting; production and technical crew; equipment, materials and facilities.

1. Implement a digital film production against given quality requirements.

• Range includes: All phases of productions are included.

1. Describe the role of technology in media, society and historical media developments with an emphasis on Digital Film.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification addresses all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Carry out an execution of digital film production in a required format.
• Conduct digital post production according to industry standards.
• Produce and understand the process of the motion picture production from concept to completion.
• Apply an understanding of the concepts, theories, methodologies and values of the production process.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the inter-dependence and inter-relationship between different components of a production.
• Analyse current, traditional and mainstream theories relating to motion picture production and management as theoretical concepts and guidelines for best practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Present and verify research content, findings, conclusions and recommendations of the research proposal.
• Discuss and analyse different types of media, their dynamic nature and related values.
• Interrogate the realities and theories of film production to optimise technical and creative skills.
• Analyse the functions of the various creative and technical roles and their relationship to each other to optimise creativity and technical workflow.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Operate a digital camera for a variety of given standards and techniques.
• Range: Includes but is not limited to composition and camera movement, technical aspects related to camera operation: aperture/exposure, focus, white balance and sound recording.
• Operate a digital camera for a variety of given genres and applications.

> Range: Drama, actuality, documentary, music video production, television commercials and multi-cam.

• Edit and compile recorded material according to given styles.

> Range: Drama, actuality, documentary, music video production, television commercials and multi-cam.

• Design and manipulate digital images according to given specifications.

> Range: Digital imaging, motion graphics and Video FX.

• Use lighting techniques appropriate to the required genre and/or application.
• Record sound according to standards required by the industry.
• Utilise and apply basic narrative techniques according to given methodologies.

> Range: Drama, actuality, documentary, music video production and television commercials.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Present the concepts and history of creative media and its role in society.
• Interrogate the past and present theories of technology in media in terms of their contribution to digital film developments.
• Analyse the potential of media production for social and economic transformation in order to determine its contribution on society.
• Practice and understand the inter-dependence and inter-relationship between the different roles and protocols of working on film sets.

Integrated Assessment

The term "Integrated Assessment" implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. Formative feedback is provided on completion of assessment, addressing poor performance.

Assessment may involve one or more of the following formats

• Written Exams - which may take the form of short questions and essays where appropriate. In certain circumstances, written exams may be combined with a multiple-choice format.
• Written Assignments - which may be in the form of essays, reports, work logs and portfolios.
• Multiple-Choice Exams - A portion of course theory may be examined through multiple-choice format exams. In certain circumstances, the multiple-choice format may be combined with written questions.
• Seminars - which are generally based around formal discussion groups. Following an initial meeting, learners will be delegated to particular topics for research and will be required to present their findings at subsequent seminars. Grading is allocated according to the standard of these presentations.
• Practical examinations - are designed to test learners' abilities under 'real world' conditions and traditionally take place at one of the Institute's practical facilities. Examiners, on a one-to-one basis, question learners.
• Practical Assignments - learners may be required to complete a series of practical assignments utilising SAE practical resources. Marks awarded for these assignments are normally weighted in accordance with the unit outlines.