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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Motion Picture Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100949  Diploma in Motion Picture Production 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Film, Television and Video 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
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. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    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. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    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. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The course was benchmarked with regards to: Outcomes for each year / level; Assessment criteria; The level of difficulty, and the notional learning time required to complete each level. The National Diploma in Motion Picture Production offers a theoretical training combined with rigorous practical training. This prepares Kerber's at a vocational level for entry into the industry while providing an academic base towards a postgraduate diploma, a Master of Arts(MA) and a Doctor of Philosophy(PhD). Comparing this approach with courses offered in countries that have a strong motion picture production industry indicates the following: United State of America(USA): Motion picture production training in the USA varies from short courses of one day through two-year associate and four-year Degrees to Postgraduate Degrees, resulting in a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA). The following are some of the institutions against which the qualification was benchmarked: One and two-year hands-on intensive conservatory programs Associate of fine arts; Bachelor of fine arts, which includes three-year accelerated Degree programs; Master of fine arts. The fields of specialisation entail Filmmaking, Documentary, Producing, Screenwriting, 3D Animation and Cinematography.

    The fields of specialisation entail Cinematography, Documentary, Sound recording and Screenwriting. The training entails a two-year structured master's Degree in which the kearber specialises in fields like directing, script writing, editing, cinematography and producing. At University of California, Los Angeles(UCLA) the directing course lasts for three years. United Kingdom: The training course that is regarded as the best in both the UK and Europe is the National Film and Television School. It has a comprehensive short course program that offers training varying from one day to one and two weeks all year long. Additionally it offers a four week directors short course and a ten-week documentary summer school. The National Film and Television School's tertiary training entails three diploma courses of 12-18 months in Production Management for Film; Production Management for Television; and Sound Recording for Film and Television. Its MA courses are two-year structured offerings and consist of a choice between 11 specialisations namely; Cinematography; Composing for Film and Television; Digital Post Production; Directing Animation; Directing Documentary; Directing Fiction; Editing; Games Design and Development; Producing; Producing and Directing Television Entertainment; Production Design; Screenwriting; Special Effect and Visual Effects(SFX/VFX); Games Design and Development. The rest of the European Universities offer Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degrees and Postgraduate programs in film studies or film and photography, which does not compare well to the USA or UK. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Motion Picture Medium, Level 7.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Motion Picture Production Design. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.