Postgraduate Diploma in Motion Picture Production

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to undertake advanced reflection and personal development by means of the systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in an area of specialisation in motion picture production. These learners will be fully skilled and qualified filmmakers embodying principles such as excellence, dedication, passion and a professional work ethic.

This qualification is intended for scriptwriters, producers, directors, cinematographers, film analysts and editors in the field of motion picture production. Competent learners will be able to evaluate and/or develop viable ideas, concepts and proposals to be produced into creative audio-visual formats, as well as to manage and co-ordinate the different phases of motion picture production. In addition, learners will have the competent skills, knowledge and attitudes to perform various specialised functions associated with the creation of motion pictures through scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography and editing.

Further, the qualification has the benefit of more specialised training in motion picture production, as well as training in research, with a paradigm shift towards the field of African films and culture. The purpose of the qualification is further to produce filmmakers who will contribute to sustainable growth of the South African and African economies and remain in themselves self-reliant. The qualification will also provide learners with the opportunity to further their studies by giving them entrance to a Master's Degree in Motion Picture Production.

Rationale

The qualification was introduced after a request from the National Film Board. The qualification has been benchmarked against international film production training modules through overseas visits, website visits and correspondence. It has been verified with the Film and Television (motion picture) industry by means of an advisory committee, bilateral industry visits and direct communication. Typical learners intend to become researchers, academic personnel or artists who create academic, artistic output within the field of Motion Picture Production.

Learners who follow the learning pathway in which this qualification resides will start by completing the Diploma in Motion Picture Production, Level 6, then and Advanced Diploma in Motion Picture Production, Level 7, thereafter this Postgraduate Diploma, then the Master of Motion Picture Production, Level 9 and finally the Doctorate of Motion Picture Production, Level 10. The qualification aims to provide a platform for the creation of knowledge, technology and skills of an international standard through advanced theoretical and practical training and research, which is guided by the needs of the South African Film and Television Industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements but who can demonstrate satisfactory levels of competence in the field may apply for RPL and may be granted entry to the qualification on this basis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A relevant Bachelor's Degree in Visual Arts, Level 7.

OR

• Advanced Diploma in Motion Picture Production, Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 80 Credits

• Research Methods in Motion Picture Production, 30 Credits.
• Motion Picture Producing, 50 Credits.

Elective Modules, 40 Credits (Choose one)

• Editing, 40 Credits.
• Directing, 40 Credits.
• Scriptwriting, 40 Credits.
• Cinematography, 40 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of professional cinematography theory.
2. Apply advanced practical cinematography skills.
3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of professional editing theory.
4. Apply advanced practical editing skills.
5. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of professional directing theory.
6. Apply advanced practical directing skills.
7. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of professional scriptwriting theory.
8. Apply advanced practical scriptwriting skills.
9. Demonstrate the skills required to perform research in motion picture production.
10. Apply the skills required to produce a motion picture production of substantial length and to an international broadcast standard.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify specialised camera and lighting techniques for various film genres.
• Identify workflows for different industry standard cameras.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply specialised camera and lighting techniques for various film genres.
• Apply workflows for different industry standard cameras.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify postproduction budgeting and scheduling for advanced productions.
• Identify data management strategies for digital video productions.
• Identify various editing techniques applicable to different film and video genres.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply postproduction budgeting and scheduling for advanced productions.
• Apply data management strategies for digital video productions.
• Apply various editing techniques applicable to different film and video genres.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify the through line and create a directorial equivalent.
• Identify movement, motion and dramatic action of characters and props.
• Identify camera set-ups and staging elements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Develop and design directorial through-line.
• Design and implement movement, motion and dramatic action with characters and props.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Identify theory of literature adaptations to screenplay.
• Identify advanced techniques for writing commercially viable feature film screenplays.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Adapt literature to screenplays.
• Write commercially viable feature film screenplays.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Understand skills required to conduct research within the field of motion picture production.
• Write viable research proposals for the field of motion picture production.
• Identify accepted and appropriate ethical research principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Know and create the correct legal production documentation for all phases of production.
• Know and apply the correct protocols for producing during all phases of production.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification will be evaluated by means of Continuous Assessment.

A combination of formative and summative assessment methods will be applied in this qualification. The method of assessments should be appropriate to the teaching mode and the notion of constructive alignment will be applied. Outcomes and Assessment criteria will be communicated to learners in writing in the study guides and detailed project briefs, and verbally in class. All assessments will be on the appropriate NQF Level:

• Theory tests.
• Practical tests.
• Individual assignments.
• Group practical assignments.
• Practical evaluations.
• Presentations.

After each formative assessment opportunity, learners will be required to self-reflect on the outcome of their assessment, which will encourage them to look at their own work critically and elucidate on areas of excellence as well as those requiring improvement. Learning is therefore supported by clarifying shortcomings in the tests, assignments, presentations and practicals, as well as ways in which to improve on future outcomes.

As summative assessment methods, three structured theoretical tests will typically be written in each theory module. The focus of these tests is on determining the module content knowledge and comprehension. Furthermore, an examination will be written in each of the theoretical modules. The focus of the examination is on the integration of knowledge and skills and will consist of 1-3 hour theoretical paper.

Summative Assessments will be conducted for all practical subjects using given criteria at the end of each term, culminating in a final evaluation at the end of term 4 (October/November).