SAQA ID: 58394 Operate a Windows System NQF Level 05 Credits 00
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to ensure specialist competence in all the disciplines related to film and television production, including camera, lighting, vision control, vision mixing, editing, recording, sound and captioning competence, with the elective component allowing for this specialisation. Although qualifying learners are not able to make creative choices, they are capable of working under direction, and to specification, making suggestions to those with creative decision making powers.
The qualification addresses competence for studio and outside broadcasts and film and television production, and single and multi-camera productions. There is a need for qualified learners who can work independently according to a given brief, which they often contribute to, without hands-on operational supervision.
Qualified learners can enhance film and television products through creativity, quality control, suggestions (e.g. regarding shots) and understanding the effect of their decisions on other people in film and television production process. They are capable of complex tasks within their specific contexts, and can make critical decisions in strenuous environment. They can critically evaluate their own area of responsibility within the context of the full process, and can identify problem areas. They understand their role in the overall context and the industry. They can operate the full functionality of equipment/machines, and can do this for a range of equipment/machines. Qualified learners apply their own methods and understand their area sufficiently to contribute to others.
Qualified learners are capable of:
Organising and managing information about film or television production activities according to specified requirements.
Determining film or television resource requirements for specific production processes.
Planning film or television production activities to meet given requirements.
Assessing film or television production processes against given quality requirements.
Implementing film or television production processes as directed within an area of specialisation.
Controlling film or television operations according to specified business principles.
Rationale:
This qualification sets the minimum standard for addressing the need for competence in film and television production. Various needs for competence exist in the South African television and film industry. The shortage of competence has resulted in inflated rates, and there is a need for a larger pool of competent practitioners. By achieving this qualification, learners can improve their employment opportunities and upward mobility, and qualified learners start on an equal footing, also as far as remuneration is concerned.
Target learners are typically from technical, computer, mathematical science or art backgrounds, or have been assisting with camera, lighting, sound, etc. They should have fast reaction times, pay attention to detail, have visual awareness and have physical dexterity. The qualification forms part of a learning pathway that starts with the achievement of a Further Education and Training Certificate: Film and Television Operations (NQF Level 4) and can progress to a National Certificate: Film and Television Management (NQF Level 6). Beyond NQF level 6, the learning pathway requires primarily general management and research competence. Therefore, the achievement of this qualification ensures that learners are competent to produce a specific component of film and television productions, forming the basis for further learning, that is, to manage such productions or components of productions.
Qualified learners can find employment as camera persons, sound producers, vision controllers, vision mixers, production coordinators/programme production managers, dolly grips, best boy lights, focus pullers, second assistant directors, art department buyers, boom operators, transport captains, unit and location assistants, casting coordinators, extras, content writers for genre scripts, continuity assistants, stunts persons, insert editors, etc.
By achieving the competence required to qualify, learners are able to contribute to the production of quality film and television products. Quality products can compete internationally, and ensures the economic viability of the industry. In addition, the qualification can ensure that small business owners in the film and television industry to direct their own productions, thus opening entrepreneurship opportunities. Good products contribute to audience appreciation, messages being conveyed effectively and as intended, and improve access to information for the public. The qualification also requires learners to promote safety, health and environment protection in the production process. In general, quality film and television productions have social, educational and economic value for the industry and the viewing public.
