SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97233  Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film 
ORIGINATOR
ACT Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Film, Television and Video 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  123  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is on the application of the tools, skills and knowledge that is gained and the transfer of these to practical applications of projects with the view to give the learner the experience, knowledge and exposure to real-life work place situations and requirements.

Applying the skills to performance projects gives learners both exposure to the industry and experience and materials to market themselves. Learners will complete the qualification with a showcase of their work which they can take directly to further enhance their capacity to gain employment.

Collaboration within the film departments of other higher education institutions affords the learners additional opportunities to work on set and gain experience and skills as well as material for a show-reel. This collaboration further provides the learners with opportunities to connect with like-minded people in the industry with the view of creating new projects.

Learners are taught in small classes and are offered more individualised attention of an experiential nature, the focus being on the craft, skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to act in the professional industry. Learners are provided opportunities for collaboration, creative enterprise development, networking and a spring-board/platform to international acclaim.

This qualification also provides the opportunities for learners to further their careers beyond acting for film, to directing, casting, producing, behind camera, and making their own films. This qualification offers learners access to Professional Actors Agencies within the performing industry that prefers to work with trained actors.

This Advanced Certificate consolidates and refines the acting techniques learnt in the Higher Certificate in Acting for Film, whilst further broadening the skills base necessary to be successful in the industry as a whole. Learners will graduate with exposure to four professionally directed projects taught by some of the industry's leading film, television and theatre professionals.

Rationale:
This qualification serves to provide learners with knowledge and skills for the industry, both locally and internationally.

Qualified learners need to have current and up to date knowledge of the technical and business aspects of the film industry, as well as their role as an actor in the industry as a whole. Film directors and producers have specific requirements and demands, and actors have to be able to interpret and satisfy these effectively.

This qualification meets the need for actors to gain intensive training and further their knowledge within the film industry. This qualification provides an opportunity for learners who cannot afford to study degrees, due to either lack of funding, or the necessity to be gainfully employed. It also provides an opportunity for existing actors of all ages who do not have formal qualifications, and who have been working in the industry, to gain the technical and academic knowledge to further their career in the industry. This qualification facilitates learners to enter related creative industries on a technical level for further refining of their knowledge e.g. directing, casting, teaching, editing, screen-writing, production etc.

Learners will be able to work independently in the industry and establish working relations with other professionals within the film industry, whilst studying.

The Film industry can be daunting for young actors and this qualification de-mystifies the industry for learners wanting to work in the film and entertainment sector. It prepares learners to understand the mechanics of the film industry and therefore be better prepared to meet industry protocol as well as gain employment.

Through the sharing of knowledge and by instilling good practice models, actors acquire the skills, values and attitudes that raise standards of achievement and professionalism in the industry.

This qualification provides opportunities for life-long learning, as actors at whatever level are given the opportunity to learn and improve their acting skills throughout their careers. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The structure makes it possible for Recognition of Prior Learning. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning. Informal and non-formal learning and work experience will be assessed and where possible be credited. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the RPL mechanism to be used, support and guidance will be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits towards a qualification.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    RPL will be applied only under circumstances where applicants have met the necessary requirements needed to enrol into the qualification. Every applicant is reviewed on an individual basis and through the process of an interview, is advised as to the route that best suits their needs and fits within the framework of any prior learning that they may have undertaken.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entrance requirement is a:
  • NQF at Level 5 qualification or equivalent in the acting, drama, film or related fields. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 6, totalling 123 Credits:
  • Character Creation II, 8 Credits.
  • Voice and the Actor, 10 Credits.
  • Acting for Film - Style and Genre, 10 Credits.
  • Acting Technique - The Method, 10 Credits.
  • Acting for stage - Production, 30 Credits.
  • Scene Study - South African and Modern Classic, 10 Credits.
  • Acting for Film - Monologues on Camera, 15 Credits.
  • Acting for Film - Production II, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop acting techniques and character development for the medium of film and television.
    2. Develop and apply advanced level vocal technique to various performance projects.
    3. Apply and integrate theory, tools, techniques and skills learnt for the scripting and shooting of own short film.
    4. Apply and integrate acting theory, tools, techniques and skills to the live performance of two scenes of one South African Classic and one Modern Classic. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Scripts are analysed and broken down into beats, subject, feeling words and objectives and these are interpreted into performance.
  • Reflection and self-reflection of character and emotional aesthetics is applied in various scenarios.
  • The main differences and similarities between comedy, tragedy, style and genre are analysed.
  • Characterisation and emotional engagement is developed through acting techniques required to deliver an engaging on screen performance.
  • Technical skills required for acting in front of a camera for film and television is performed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
  • A CD voice-over demo is recorded and created for marketing purposes.
  • A Radio drama is performed successfully.
  • Business opportunities for voice-over techniques are understood and explained.
  • Auditioning, sight reading and cold reading voice over techniques are performed.
  • Marketing opportunities as voice artist are explored.
  • Voice-over techniques are applied to a voice over radio play and films.
  • Self-evaluation of own performance to meet performance requirements is conducted.
  • The techniques to deliver a competent voice-over are performed.
  • The elements involved in writing voice-over advertising copy are explored.
  • The elements involved in recording of voice over is explained and demonstrated.
  • The techniques of rehearsing performance for demo CD and live radio play are demonstrated.
  • Vocal ability is assessed to meet industry standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The stages and process of film production is understood and explained to enhance acting performance.
  • Performance in a short film is completed.
  • Production with the creative process is combined to perform in a short film.
  • Preparation for production is carried out successfully.
  • Acting and/or performance in a short film to industry requirements is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Technique and performance is critiqued from 3 different industry professionals.
  • Script breakdown is understood and is evidence in the performance.
  • A credible character is developed and performed.
  • Objectives of the live performance are demonstrated.
  • Originality of the live performance is evident.
  • Listening and reacting during live performance is displayed.
  • Honesty, a sense of truth/integrity is evident in performance.
  • Courage (actor choices) is evident in the evaluation and practical application of performance.
  • The performance in each scene is analysed and critiqued.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way. An integrated approach to assessment of skills and knowledge is incorporated into the qualification.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values are integrated.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment, and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term` Integrated Assessment` implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Continuous assessment should be provided through:
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Workplace assessments and practical workbooks.
  • Written assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Case studies and case presentations.
  • Peer group evaluation.
  • Competency evaluations of technical skills.

    Theory lectures will be followed by either tests or written assignments.

    Practical assignments will always be accompanied by a detailed brief, listing instructions as per industry specification and in most cases simulate on the job experience. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    New York Film Academy: Offers a similar qualification for beginning actors as well as experienced actors. The Academy's acting school provides actors with an intensive training in screen acting, modern on-camera acting techniques, and supporting acting classes, which contribute to the creation of a filmed performance and have helped NYFA become widely recognised as one of the top acting schools. The New York Film Academy will provide practical experience and hands-on education to the learners so that not only do they develop their craft as actors, but excel at acting in front of the camera. The Acting for Film instructors are all professional, working actors, writers, directors, and producersveterans of Hollywood, independent film and televisionwho give each learner the personal focus and teach the rigorous discipline necessary for launching a career in film and television. It is the Academy's hands-on approach and the attention to the application of acting skill to performing in front of the camera that makes the Academy one of the best acting schools in the country.

    Career opportunities are Film Actor, Television Actor, Commercial Actor, Theatre Actor, Motion Capture Actor, Web Series Actor, Voice Over Actor, Supporting Actor and Video Game Voice Over.

    Sallynoggin College of Further Education in Dublin offers a Certificate in Performing Arts, Theatre, Film and TV Acting to introduce learners to the various disciplines involved in working on stage, in film and on television. The primary focus is on acting, the course provides an opportunity for learners to participate actively in all elements of creating and producing drama. There is an emphasis on the essential knowledge, skills and understanding of the craft of the performer. Career opportunities provided are working with industry, professionals provides a real opportunity for learners to access direct employment in theatre, film, TV, arts events co-ordination, production or director's assistant.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film. The content of the qualification focuses on knowledge, tools and skills in the film industry, providing learners further personal and professional development. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    Diploma in Film and Television Production Techniques, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Bachelor of Arts in Film Production, at NQF Level 7.
    Bachelor of Technology in Film and Television Production, at NQF Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. ACT Cape Town 


    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.