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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Motion Picture Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110812  Advanced 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
Advanced Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Film, Television and Video 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-23  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 Advanced Diploma in Motion Picture Production is to produce learners who are proficient in a chosen field/area of specialisation in the motion picture industry. These qualifying learners will be fully skilled and qualified filmmakers embodying principals such as excellence, dedication, passion and a professional work ethic. This qualification is intended for scriptwriters, producers, directors, cinematographers, and editors in the field of motion picture production.

Qualifying learners will be able to evaluate and develop viable ideas, concepts and proposals to be produced into creative, commercially successful motion pictures, as well as to manage and co-ordinate the different phases of motion picture production. In addition, qualifying learners will have the competent skills, knowledge and attitudes to perform various specialised functions associated with the creation of motion pictures such as scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography and editing.

Rationale:
The curriculum has been verified with the Film and Television (motion picture) industry by means of the advisory committee, bilateral industry visits and direct communication. The curriculum was discussed with industry professionals since 2013 and developed accordingly. It was discussed and approved by the advisory committee, circulated to 50 major companies in the industry and workshopped by the full-time and part-time academic personnel.

Furthermore, the qualification aim is to produce professionals who can contribute to the economy of South Africa through motion picture arts and technology, in that they are trained as artists and technicians. Ultimately, qualified learners will play an important role in contributing towards the development and establishment of a sustainable African motion picture industry.

The qualification primarily has a vocational orientation, which includes vocational industry specific knowledge that provides a sound understanding of general theoretical principles as well as a combination of general and specific procedures and their applications.

This qualification will have the added benefit of being more specialised and will provide more practical training in the chosen electives. The qualification will truly reflect the institution's vision of pioneering an enterprising and transformative brand of twenty-first century University of Technology scholarship through the unique transdisciplinary approach of the qualification. Qualifying learners will be able to work professionally as editors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, directors, producers etc. The qualification will increase the number of professionals in the growing South African film industry that will add to the arts and economy of the country. 

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). Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements but who can demonstrate satisfactory levels of competence in the field, may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning and may be granted entry to the qualification on this basis.

RPL learners follow normal application procedure via the institution application process.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Motion Picture Production, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits:
  • Film Analysis, 30 Credits.
  • Motion Picture Producing, 30 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 60 Credits (Choose two modules):
  • Editing, 30 Credits.
  • Editing Practice, 30 Credits.
  • Directing, 30 Credits.
  • Directing Practice, 30 Credits.
  • Scriptwriting, 30 Credits.
  • Scriptwriting Practice, 30 Credits.
  • Cinematography, 30 Credits.
  • Cinematography Practice, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge conforming to a variety of professional cinematographic and lighting equipment by applying theoretical cinematographic methods to conceptualise various visual approaches for communicating a moving visual language.
    2. Apply advanced cinematic techniques to a variety of professional cinematographic and lighting scenarios.
    3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge compliant to a variety of professional editing applications and post production systems.
    4. Apply advanced editing to a variety of professional narrative forms.
    5. Demonstrate advanced knowledge conforming to a variety of professional directing methodologies.
    6. Apply advanced directing techniques to a variety of professional narrative scenarios.
    7. Demonstrate advanced knowledge conforming to various professional screenplay genres.
    8. Apply advanced scriptwriting techniques to a variety of screenplay scenarios.
    9. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the professional analysis of all phases of motion picture production. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and apply efficient cinematographic techniques and principles of lens application in communicating the visual narrative in cinema.
  • Show an understanding of the foundations for lighting styles and apply their knowledge to an aesthetic value.
  • Ethical criteria for professional cinematographic practise are identified in problem solving logistics in correlation with conceptual planning.
  • Identify and use probable management methods of cinematic resources within the context of specific narrative criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate effective use of visual techniques to communicate the narrative through the camera.
  • Achieve use of aesthetic lighting styles for effective contextual artistic value.
  • Utilise advanced logistical planning for cinematic conceptualisation within professionally accepted ethical criteria for motion picture production.
  • Use advanced conceptual methods in managing cinematographic resources within specified production criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply effective editing techniques and principles of post-production in communicating the sentient narrative in cinema.
  • Incorporate editing theory in the foundations of narrative forms and their aesthetic value within applied editing techniques.
  • Ethical criteria for professional editing practise are identified in problem solving structural problems in correlation with conceptual planning.
  • Use advanced conceptual methods in managing editing resources within specified production criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate advanced use of compilation techniques to produce intellectual and emotive stimulation through effective application of narrative editing.
  • Achieve use of post-production finishing requirements for effective contextual artistic value.
  • Utilise advanced digital workflow planning within professionally accepted ethical criteria for motion picture productions.
  • Achieve advanced editing resource management within specific production criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify effective directorial intent and create a directorial equivalent based on theoretical principles of cinematic direction.
  • Identify the foundations for performance movement and implement their dynamic visual motion and their aesthetic value in directing methodologies.
  • Ethical criteria for professional directorial practise are identified in problem solving logistics in correlation with conceptual planning for performance and mise en scene.
  • Achieve advanced directorial management of resources through collaboration between camera set-ups and staging elements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate effective use of directing techniques to communicate the narrative through directorial conceptualisation and execution of intent.
  • Achieve constructive use of performance methods and dynamic motion for an aesthetic visual style to attain contextual artistic value.
  • Utilise advanced ethical planning for maximising performance and mise en scene to realise a professionally directed motion picture production.
  • Achieve advanced management of directorial resources to achieve specific production criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Identify the most effective screen writing techniques of commercially successful screenplays for implementation in scriptwriting.
  • Identify the foundations for writing structures and apply in your own writing model for aesthetic value in script writing.
  • Ethical criteria for professional screen writing practise are identified and implemented in the analysis of Archetype characters of the Hero's Journey models of Chris Vogler and Joseph Campbell.
  • Within the context of specific narrative criteria, identify simple and complex themes in feature films for the implementation of script theory.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply the most effective screen writing techniques of commercially successful screenplays through the writing of a screenplay.
  • Utilise advanced writing methods for creating aesthetically relevant narrative modes, plots and characters for motion picture productions.
  • Classify and apply the structures and Archetype characters of the Hero's Journey models of Chris Vogler and Joseph Campbell.
  • Achieve advanced planning of screenwriting themes through illustrating simple and complex themes in feature films.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify through the use of constructive analysis the most effective pre-production screen writing elements of a given film.
  • Identify through the use of constructive analysis the production elements of directing and cinematography used to convey the visual and performative narrative of a given film.
  • Identify through the use of constructive analysis the post-production editing techniques used to convey the sentient elements of a given film.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Execute the appropriate paperwork and protocol for pre-production of motion pictures, inclusive of logistical and ethical pre-production restrictions within a framework of accountability and collaboration in a motion picture.
  • Execute the appropriate paperwork and protocol for production of motion pictures, inclusive of logistical and ethical production restrictions within a framework of accountability and collaboration in a motion picture.
  • Execute the appropriate paperwork and protocol for post-production of motion pictures, inclusive of logistical and ethical production restrictions within a framework of accountability and collaboration in a motion picture.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification will be evaluated by means of Continuous Assessment.

    A combination of formative and summative assessment methods will be applied in this learning 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 National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level, as indicated in the module descriptors.

    The following are all formative assessment methods that are being used in this learning qualification:
  • Theory tests.
  • Practical tests.
  • Individual assignments.
  • Group practical assignments.
  • Group theory projects.
  • 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, a structured theoretical test will typically be written in each theory module. The focus of the test is on determining the module content knowledge and comprehension, and the integration of knowledge and skills.

    Summative Assessments will be conducted for all practical subjects using given criteria at the end of each term, culminating in a final evaluation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The primary objective is to ensure that the needs of the South African motion picture industry are met, nationally relevant and internationally comparable. The Advanced Diploma in Motion Picture Production offers a theoretical training combined with rigorous practical training. This prepares learners at a vocational level for entry into the industry while providing an academic base towards a postgraduate diploma, a MA and a PhD in Motion Picture Production.

    The Advanced Diploma in Motion Picture Production (ADMPP) has been benchmarked against international qualifications from the following institutions which specialise in industry focussed film training courses.

    The New York Film Academy, Los Angeles, USA:
    The Film School qualification at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree which articulates to a Master of Arts. The NYFA's BFA compares favorably with the Advanced Diploma in Motion Picture Production (ADMPP) as both courses balance the study of the craft with practical experience achieved through a rigorous schedule of classroom instruction, hands-on workshops, and immediate practical experience, as learners in both courses write, direct, shoot, and edit their own films. NYFA offers BFA programs in three locations: New York City, Los Angeles, and South Beach. Their BFA in Filmmaking is offered as a three year accelerated schedule or as a traditional four-year time frame. In the BFA, two thirds of the degree is devoted to study and practice in fine arts and one third to general liberal arts and sciences.

    Comparable Similarity:
    The ratio between the notional hours spent in developing craft practise is similar to the Advanced Diploma in Motion Picture Productions (ADMPP). Similar areas of expertise in filmmaking skills are covered by NYFA; Filmmaking, Broadcast Journalism, Cinematography, Digital Editing, Digital Filmmaking, Documentary Filmmaking, Music Video, Online Screenwriting, Producing, Screenwriting. The duration of the course compares favourably over four years.

    Comparable Differences:
    The main difference between the two qualifications is that they offer Broadcast Journalism and Documentary Filmmaking as separate subjects of study, whereas the Advanced Diploma of Motion Picture Production covers this knowledge incorporated into all compulsory and elective subjects as a topic module. A further difference is the separate offering of Online Screenwriting by the New York Film Academy whereas the Advanced Diploma in Motion Picture Production does not offer online courses. The NYFA is available in several cities and provides access to an accelerated three year program, the ADMPP is only available in Pretoria and has no accelerated course duration.

    Badr University Cairo, Badr City, Cairo, Egypt:
    The Badr University offers a BA in the department of Cinema & Movie-Making offered over four years in the School of Filmmaking and Performing Arts.

    This BA provides hands-on, learner-centered learning experience to provide graduates with communication, analytical and critical thinking skills that allow them to excel in a diversified global environment for artists.

    Comparable Similarity:
    The Cinema and Movie-Making course offers similar subjects of study to the ADMPP such as; Dramatic writing for film (scriptwriting), Directing for Cinema & TV, Film techniques, Cinematography and Color correction, Film sound, Acting, Universal cinema history, Information technology, Problem solving and decision making skills, Production financing and distribution, Editing, Lighting and cinematography, Film analysis, Global cinema studies, The documentary, Applied sound and editing.

    Comparable Differences:
    The Cinema and Movie-Making course includes several subjects which are specific to the national cultural capacity building of Egypt, such as the History of Arabic cinema and Egyptian Cinema Studies which is not found in such detail in the ADMPP course although it would be included under the studies of African Film Analysis. The subject Music Composition is offered which is not covered in the ADMPP course and falls under the Department of Performing Arts in the Arts Faculty of TUT. The BUC BA does not articulate to an MA.

    The National Film and Television School, London, United Kingdom (UK):
    Regarded as the best qualification in film training in both the UK and Europe is that of the National Film and Television School. Their tertiary training entails numerous Diplomas of 12 to 18 months such as Production Management for Film or Production Management for Television and Script development. Its MA qualifications are two-year structured offerings with an emphasis on intensive practical training supported by industry specialist workshops and consist of a choice between 11 specialisations namely; Cinematography; Composing for Film and Television; Creative Business for Entrepreneurs and Executives, Digital Post Production; Directing Animation; Directing Documentary; Directing Fiction; Editing; Games Design and Development; Producing; Producing and Directing; Television Entertainment; Production Design; Screenwriting; SFX/VFX:

    Comparable Similarity:
    The Specialities offered are similar to subjects offered within the ADMPP, with entrepreneurial skills now included within this year of training. The objectives of the training to be aligned to industry requirements for the national and global creative economy are favourably aligned.

    Comparable Differences:
    This Advanced Diploma compares well with the above-mentioned qualifications offered in terms of module content and practical learning. The duration of the qualifications differs, however. Such subjects as Composing for Film and Television, SFX/VFX and Games Design are not covered as separate subjects in the Advanced Diploma ADMPP course but are an integral part of the content covered within the Motion Picture Production course or as a module of learning within one of the other specialties offered such as Directing, Cinematography or Editing.

    University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA:
    USC School of Cinematic Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film & Television Production) over four years and is known internationally for their alignment between academic and practical application within their course.

    They offer the following subjects of study:
  • Film making practice.
  • Cinematic communication.
  • Directing in film and documentary.
  • Fiction and new media.
  • Cinematic arts laboratory.
  • Intermediate production: visual and audio communication.
  • Cinematography sound and editing.
  • Production and post-production.
  • Advanced production workshop.

    Comparable Similarity:
    The ADMPP compares favourably with this course, with all subjects offered being covered within the scope of the ADMPP course. The time frame of the study compares favourably. The USC courses articulate into various MA or MFA specialities with further articulation into PhD studies in Cinematic Arts. The ADMPP follows a similar path up to a PhD.

    Comparable differences are found in the combination of choices for elective specialisation into MFA studies where USC includes choices not available in the ADMPP pathway such as Animation and Games. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma innJournalism, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in the related field, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in the related field, Level 8. 
    		•

    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. 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.