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: 

Higher Certificate in Digital Film Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
87006  Higher Certificate in Digital Film Production 
ORIGINATOR
SAE Institute South Africa (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Film, Television and Video 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  140  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 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. 
    		•

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    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. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan, organise and manage digital film production processes.
  • Range includes: Scope, time, resources and quality.

    2. Conduct research resource requirements for digital film production processes.
  • Range of resource requirements includes: Content; casting; production and technical crew; equipment, materials and facilities.

    3. Implement a digital film production against given quality requirements.
  • Range includes: All phases of productions are included.

    4. 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 
    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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is compared well with similar qualification at the following institutes:
  • Southern Cross University - Australia.
  • Griffith University - Australia.
  • Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) - New Zealand.

    The SIT National Certificate in Film and Television is a qualification offering training in the field of film and television production. The qualification provides learners with the theoretical and practical skills appropriate for professional employment in the film and television industries, or for more advanced training in the field.

    Modules comprise FTV101 Sequencing Basics:
  • FTV102 Industry Working and Equipment Practices.
  • FTV103 Screenwriting.
  • FTV104 NZ Broadcasting Landscape.
  • FTV105 Practical Production 1.
  • FTV106 Practical Production 2.
  • FTV107 Individual Project.
  • FTV108 Aesthetics and Design. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    The qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:

    This qualification articulates vertically with any cognate Advanced Certificate or Diploma at NQF Level 6. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation is the process of ensuring that assessment is valid, reliable and fair. Arrangements for the moderation of grades shall be the responsibility of the Academic Coordinator.

    Moderators with the appropriate competencies and registration with the relevant accrediting body are selected from industry in the various fields of discipline that make up Digital Film Production.

    The Moderator will:
  • Ensure that the standard of achievement is uniform, particularly for units being delivered to different groups of learners by different staff in different locations.
  • Validate the achievement of competencies and assessment processes as described in the Exit Level Outcomes and Integrated Assessment options as described above.
  • Ensure that each assessment task matches the specified outcomes and performance criteria listed in the unit outline.

    Assessment and moderation of assessment will be verified by the relevant Quality Council, according to the relevant policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant must:
  • Have a relevant qualification one level higher than this qualification.
  • Have interpersonal skills, subject matter expertise and assessment experience.
  • Be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes.
  • Must have developed subject matter experience within the field of digital Film Production. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    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. SAE Institute South Africa (Pty) Ltd 


    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.