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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Composite layers for animation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242638  Composite layers for animation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Audio-visual Media Production 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language Media Studies 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard requires that learners are able to work in digital workspaces with layers used for animation. Credited learners can composite layers in a digital workspace, set key points, positions and visual properties and ensure that the workspace and footage are ready for rendering and archiving processes. They can maintain the production quality of all images in an animation within the parameters for production quality.

Digital workspace management is a generic, transferable competence used in most fields where information technology is applied or used to manage information. In addition, information management contributes to learners' employability and impacts positively on production team work.

Credited learners are capable of:
  • Preparing digital workspaces according to specifications.
  • Compositing layers according to visual specifications.
  • Setting key points for composition and layers.
  • Setting positions and adjusting motion of visual elements according to movement specifications.
  • Setting visual properties at key points.
  • Preparing workspaces and footage for rendering and archiving. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits and level assigned to this unit standard is based on the assumption that learners have already attained the following competencies:
  • Language and communication at NQF Level 4 in one language.
  • Computer literacy at NQF Level 4 (including converting electronic file formats). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Elements include moving and stationary elements. Both motion and visual compositing are included.
  • Other range statements are included in the unit standard with specific outcomes and assessment criteria, where relevant. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare digital workspaces according to specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All elements are brought into specific workspaces and conform to the same parameters. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parameters include, for example, resolution.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Workspace and element characteristics meet overall production specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Characteristics include frame rates, formats, and aspect ratios.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Duration matches exactly the length of specific shots. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All layers are named correctly and clearly to ensure easy access to related layers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Software interpretation settings for software is set correctly according to production specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Software interpretation settings include, for example, footage settings.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Mattes of each layer are individually checked to conform to production parameters - what should be transparent, is transparent. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mattes refer to parts of images that are transparent.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Layers are stacked in the correct order and are grouped correctly in hierarchies based on specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specified requirements are found in, or example, storyboards, production stills, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Duration of individual layers is set correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Composite layers according to visual specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All layers are arranged into correct initial positions for specific shots. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All layer properties are set to correct values for beginning of specific shots. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Properties include colour adjustments for perspective, opacity, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Elements on all layers register accurately and consistently with relevant elements in other layers and meet production format requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Production format requirements can include safe zones, resolution, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Scale reflects visual references and is correct in terms of perspective and depth, as required. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Visual references include layouts, storyboards, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All effects and adjustments are within allowable parameters of what maintains specified production quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Feedback is obtained from all relevant persons and incorporated according to given procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Evaluation takes into account production specifications and formats. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Set key points for composition and layers. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Key points include in and out points, key frames and markers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All changes necessary within shots are accounted for and extreme points are accurately identified within specified duration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Key points for visual elements are set at correct points in time lines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Correct duration of individual layers is checked and maintained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Key points for visual elements synchronise where necessary with supplied references. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Supplied references include other visual elements, audio, sync points, video, other supplied footage, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Set positions and adjust motion of visual elements according to movement specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Position of visual elements at key points is set according to specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Position of visual elements at beginning and end of shots (cuts) conforms to production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Trajectories and motion paths adhere to principles of animation and production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Registration of elements on all layers is maintained accurately and consistently with relevant elements in other layers and meets production format requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Production format requirements can include safe zones, resolution, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Motion characteristics of visual elements meet production specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Motion characteristics include interpolation between key points, speed, velocity and changes in speed, easing in and out, motion paths, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Manipulation of layers results in consistency of visual elements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consistency refers to elements not disappearing and reappearing, colour consistency, no unnecessary duplication, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    All effects and adjustments are within allowable parameters of production quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Evaluation takes into account production specifications and formats. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Evaluation includes feedback from all relevant persons and incorporating feedback.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Set visual properties at key points. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Visual properties include scale, opacity, colour adjustments, visual effects, blending mode, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Visual properties are set at key points according to production specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All effects and adjustments are within allowable parameters of production quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All changes to visual properties are accounted for. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Parameters for interpolation between key points are according to production specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parameters include rate of change, degree of change, interpolation method, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Evaluation takes into account production specifications and formats. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Evaluation includes feedback from all relevant persons and incorporating feedback.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Prepare workspaces and footage for rendering and archiving. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Storage of workspaces and footage is within given storage structures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Naming is accurate and adheres to given naming conventions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Render options are correctly set and stored according to production specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Production schedules are adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Links between workspaces and footage are set correctly. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by a relevant ETQA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for this unit standard.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with a relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with a relevant ETQA.
  • The relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures will oversee moderation of assessment and is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Credited learners understand and can explain:
  • Digital workspaces, production parameters (e.g. quality, schedules, etc.) and element characteristics.
  • Length of shots.
  • Software interpretation settings.
  • Mattes.
  • Order and grouping hierarchies.
  • Initial positions for, and beginning of shots.
  • Registration of elements on layers.
  • Scale, visual references, perspective and depth.
  • Changes necessary within shots, extreme points, key points, synchronisation, duration and time lines.
  • Positions of visual elements at beginning and end of shots (cuts), trajectories and motion paths, motion characteristics and principles of animation.
  • Consistency of visual elements.
  • Visual properties at key points and parameters for interpolation between key points.
  • Workspace storage, storage structures, naming conventions and links between workspaces and footage.
  • Rendering, render options and archiving requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems where responses to problems show that such critical and creative thinking has been used to make responsible decisions when duration matches exactly the length of specific shots. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when production schedules are adhered to. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when all elements are brought into specific workspaces and conform to the same parameters, all changes necessary within shots are accounted for and extreme points are accurately identified within specified duration, key points for visual elements are set at correct points in time lines, correct duration of individual layers is checked and maintained, key points for visual elements synchronise where necessary with supplied references. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematic and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation when all layers are named correctly and clearly, all layers are arranged into correct initial positions for specific shots, feedback is obtained from all relevant persons and incorporated according to given procedures, registration of elements on all layers is maintained accurately and consistently with relevant elements in other layers and meets production format requirements, manipulation of layers results in consistency of visual elements, visual properties are set at key points according to production specifications and naming is accurate and adheres to given naming conventions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when software interpretation settings for software is set correctly according to production specifications, all layer properties are set to correct values for beginning of specific shots, elements on all layers register accurately and consistently with relevant elements in other layers and meet production format requirements, scale reflects visual references and is correct in terms of perspective and depth, as required, position of visual elements at key points and at beginning and end of shots (cuts) is set according to specification, storage of workspaces and footage is within given storage structures, render options are correctly set and stored according to production specifications and links between workspaces and footage are set correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when workspace and element characteristics meet overall production specifications, mattes of each layer are individually checked to conform to production parameters, layers are stacked in the correct order and are grouped correctly in hierarchies based on specified requirements, all effects and adjustments are within allowable parameters of what maintains specified production quality, evaluation takes into account production specifications and formats, trajectories and motion paths adhere to principles of animation and production requirements, motion characteristics of visual elements meet production specifications. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Notes to assessors

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the learner is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the learner can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  57611   National Certificate: 2D Animation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    2. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 


    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.