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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Acting for Film 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91851  Higher 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
Higher Certificate  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 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:
This Higher Certificate in Acting for Film provides an opportunity for aspiring actors to gain intensive training and knowledge to enter the film industry. Learners will be exposed to current techniques and knowledge in order to understand the value chain from preparation for the auditions, meeting director, preparation and on-set etiquette.

The qualification also provides learners with the opportunity to showcase their work and "material" to enter the industry, thus providing evidence of their ability to applying skills to performance projects, giving actor exposure to the industry, experience and materials to market themselves.

Learners will be gaining working experience in the industry while studying, with the potential to earn additional income as well as feedback and opportunities, directly from industry. This qualification allows the learner to understand the film industry, providing essential elements of the industry for the learner to decide to either go directly into the industry or to study further at Diploma or Degree level. The Learner will gain skills and knowledge in voice, acting techniques, camera techniques, audition technique, emotional work, accent training, character work, all applied to a practical film-set experience and showcased for the industry.

On completion of the qualification, learners will gain access to the following job opportunities:
  • Acting in Film and Television.
  • Directing.
  • Casting.
  • Producing.
  • Behind camera work.

    Learners will be able to generate their own work as actors and enable them to write scripts and make their own films. A commitment is established through sharing and good practice, to teach and instil in the learners, the skills, values and attitudes that raise standards of achievement and professionalism in the industry.

    Rationale:
    The local South African film industry is a growing sector with a demand to meet international standards. In order to meet these standards, the industry has created a need for skilled actors who have the basic knowledge and skills at the exact requirements that the industry needs. Learners completing this qualification will have the current and up to date knowledge required to meet the range and scope of actors from featured characters to lead. This will also equip the learners with knowledge of the technical and business aspects of the film industry in order to market themselves within the industry, as is the current demand.

    This qualification provides an opportunity for actors to gain intensive training and knowledge to enter the industry, interpret the needs of directors and understand the technical demands and skills required to meet international standards. It also meets the needs of existing actors working in the industry who do not have formal qualifications in terms of technical and academic knowledge. This qualification provides access to actors who cannot afford to spend time in full-time higher education Diploma or Degree studies. Once qualified, learners will then have the opportunity to further their academic careers at an institute of Higher learning.

    Learners will have the opportunity to work in the industry, independently or with other professionals within the film industry, lending them the chance to generate their own income and employ others. Learners can enter the creative industries on a technical level for the further refining of their knowledge (e.g., directing, casting, teaching, editing). The film industry can be daunting to young actors wishing to break into acting. This qualification takes away the "fear" of the industry, i.e., it de-mystifies the industry for learners wanting to enter the industry. It also provides actors at at any level, with opportunities to learn and improve their acting skills throughout their careers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication and language competence with a proficiency in English at NQF Level 4.
  • Propensity for creativity and visual awareness.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the RPL, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner.

    Applicants must meet the necessary Exit Level Outcomes needed to enrol into the course at the desired point of entry. Every applicant is reviewed on an individual basis and through the process of an interview, advised as to the route that best suits their needs and fits within the framework of any prior learning that they have undertaken.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Learners will require one of the following South African qualifications:
  • A National Senior Certificate, granting access to Certificate studies.
  • A National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4, granting access to Certificate studies.
  • A Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption.
  • A relevant qualification at NQF Level 4 with SAQA verification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises ten compulsory modules, all at NQF Level 5 and totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Introduction to Acting III, 13 Credits.
  • Acting for Film I, 18 Credits.
  • Finding Emotional Truth, 13 Credits.
  • Character Creation I, 10 Credits.
  • Auditioning for Camera, 6 Credits.
  • Acting for Film Production I, 24 Credits.
  • Introduction to Acting I, 10 Credits.
  • Meisner Technique I and II, 10 Credits.
  • Casting for Commercials, 6 Credits.
  • Accent Training - Standard American, Standard British, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Act realistically and give a convincing performance for film.
    2. Analyse, break down and interpret text for film scripts and texts.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the Business of Acting and Film Production.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Truthful, engaging and realistic performances are created on screen.
  • An engaging/truthful/honest/empathetic performance is delivered for camera, utilising the technical aspects of film production.
  • The performance is adapted and modulated for the camera.
  • The correct imaginative choices are interpreted for film through self-confidence.
  • The medium is understood.
    > Range: Shot-sizes, camera and frame, continuity, physicalisation, eye-line and hitting the mark.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • The text is analysed and broken down for interpretation.
  • The specific meaning of the text is understood and applied to performance.
  • A particular given performance is identified and information is extracted for maximum benefit.
  • Continuity and, where a particular scene fits into continuity, is extracted from the text.
  • A believable character is developed from careful script breakdown.
  • The text is prepared for scriptwriting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • A knowledge of industry standards and norms is understood and demonstrated.
  • Parameters of industry standards, norms and expectations are understood and applied.
  • Set protocol (positions camera) is discussed.
  • Acting for film etiquette is displayed.
  • Film and television terms and definitions are explained.
  • Acting for film concepts and definitions are described and discussed.
  • Knowledge of expectations on set is displayed.
  • Preparation for auditioning (casting) is carried out to meet industry needs.
  • Auditioning technique is displayed.
  • The Actor as a "product/business" is understood and managed in terms of, among others, career management, time and behaviour, marketing.
  • Problem solving and decision making is displayed in the auditioning process.
  • Meeting the director is displayed and correct protocol is followed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Theory lectures are all followed by tests.

    Practical assignments are always accompanied by a detailed brief, listing instructions as per industry specification and in most cases simulate on the job experience. The brief clearly states the purposes of the assignment and the required outcome, as well as the assessment criteria used by both the assessor and moderator.

    Feedback of assessment is offered in a structured manner as per the assessment guidelines by certified assessors. The learner also receives a feedback report after each assignment, as well as mid-term and final end of year reports, indicating competency levels. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with the one-year acting for film offered by The New York Film Academy, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), which is the only accrediting body for visual art programmes recognised by the United States Department of Education. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • This qualification articulates horizontally with similar acting or film-related Certificates at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • This qualification articulates vertically with any similar acting or film-related Diploma at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal:
    Moderators are appointed to moderate assessments of Exit-Level Outcomes and to report on the standard of assessments.

    Moderators must hold an applicable qualification, at least one NQF level higher than the level within which the assessment is taking place and the necessary minimum industry experience as determined by the Director in consultation with the Academic Advisory Board.

    External:
    Moderators are selected from industry in the various fields that makes up the discipline of acting and film. Moderators do not always take part in the assessment of learner work but act as consultants on course curricula and the possible adaptation of curricula to better align with the needs of industry. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A qualification one NQF level higher than the exit level of the qualification being assessed.
  • Interpersonal skills, subject matter expertise and assessment experience.
  • Competence in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes.
  • Subject matter experience that is well developed within the field of acting and film.

    The assessor must have completed:
  • A similar qualification or from the same family of qualifications, at or above the NQF level of the qualification.
  • A minimum of one year's experience within the acting and film environment. 
    		•

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