Diploma in Filmmaking

Part-time Diploma / 1.5 years / TGS-2024042077

Indicate Interest

Course Information

Learning Outcomes

Course Schedule

Lesson Plan

Trainer Profile

Certification

Entry Requirements

Course Fees

Course Information

The Diploma in Filmmaking is designed to equip adult learners of all ages with the knowledge and skills in filmmaking and content creation to pivot towards the Film and Media sector.

The course trains participants for entry-level to junior positions across the spectrum of filmmaking and content creation, including but not limited to areas in content development, producing, script-writing, camera operating, as well as video and sound editing.

This course is suited to any individual who has not received any formal training in filmmaking and wishes to upskill and build their competencies in this field.

This diploma is offered in a compressed format whereby participants can complete all 15 modules within just 1.5 years instead of the regular 2.5 years.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will:

Be equipped with the fundamental creative, critical, analytical and technical skills and competencies necessary for successful filmmaking;
Be able to understand and apply the building blocks to craft captivating stories that can engage and resonate with viewers both locally and beyond;
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process from concept to distribution, across the entire filmmaking timeline; and
Become a versatile media professional with the ability to contribute across various platforms in diverse media sectors.

Course
Schedule

Application Period: TBC, Register Interest Now for Apr 2025 Intake
Course Commencement: TBC
Class Day(s): 2 evening sessions per week & every alternate Sat
Time: Weeknight 7pm to 10pm, Sat 9am to 6pm (including 1 hour lunch break)
Online Synchronous: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Face-to-Face Classes: Alternate Saturdays
Asynchronous (self-directed learning): Throughout the course

This course is designed to be intensive. Please note the following important points:-

Module Certificates 1 through 4 comprise THREE modules each. Each module will last approximately 4 weeks and run consecutively for most of the course duration.
Module Certificate 5 will consist of TWO modules and last a total duration of approximately 12 weeks.
There will be a few scheduled breaks between modules not exceeding 2 weeks each time. Please take note of this before planning your personal time-off/vacations while the course is ongoing.

Each module will be based on the following schedule:-

2 weeknight classes per week at 3 hrs each → 24 hrs (3 hrs x 2 sessions x 4 weeks)
1 alternate Saturday class → 16 hrs (8 hrs x 2 weeks)
Online asynchronous learning (self-directed) → 20 hrs (5 hrs x 4 weeks)

Total hours per module → 60 hrs (all modules except Capstone Project) + 120 hrs (Capstone Project)

Total no. of modules → 13 modules (60 hrs each) + 1 Capstone Project (120 hrs)

Total course duration → 900 hrs

Delivery Mode: Face-to-face & Home-based Learning (Asynchronous & Synchronous)

Venue / Learning Platform: Ngee Ann Polytechnic / Online via MS Teams & POLITEmall

Ngee Ann Polytechnic reserves the right to reschedule/cancel any programme, modify the fees, and amend information without prior notice.

Lesson Plan

Module Certificate 1: Film: An Art Form

Module

Introduction to Film & Media Studies

This module provides an introduction to key concepts and theories in film studies. It will explore the history and development of film and media.

Module

Scriptwriting Fundamentals

This module provides an introduction to the art and craft of scriptwriting. Story structure, character development, and dialogue writing will be discussed. Students will prepare a screenplay for production.

Module

Directing & Performance

This module covers the fundamentals of directing actors and guiding performances. Students will cover blocking, staging, and shot selection. They will also familiarize with what it means to collaborate with the cast and crew on set.

Module Certificate 2: Production: Craft of Filmmaking

Module

Production Planning & Logistics

This module will take students through the pre-production process, covering budgeting, scheduling, location scouting, casting, crew management, and equipment acquisition.

Module

Cinematography & Lighting

This module covers the basics of camera operation and cinematography techniques. Lighting setups and techniques will be reviewed for different moods and styles, as well as shot composition and camera movement.

Module

Sound Recording & Design

This module covers the principles of sound recording and capturing high-quality audio. Students will be introduced to various sound equipment, techniques for different shooting scenarios, sound design and post-production audio editing.

Module Certificate 3: Storytelling through Post-Production

Module

Video Editing & Post-Production Workflow

This module provides an introduction to non-linear video editing and will cover editing techniques, transitions, and visual effects, post-production workflow, including sound editing and integration.

Module

Motion Graphics

This module provides an introduction to motion graphics and animation techniques. Students will work on designing and animating graphics for video projects, and incorporating motion graphics seamlessly into edited footage.

Module

Colour Grading

This module provides an understanding of the art and science of colour grading. Students will be taught to utilise colour grading software and tools effectively, and introduced to techniques for enhancing the visual mood and tone of footage.

Module Certificate 4: Filmmaking as a Business

Module

Proposals & Pitching

This module equips students with the valuable insights and tools to write an effective proposal, deliver a compelling pitch and engage the most meaningful partnerships and sponsorships.

Module

Budgeting & Financial Management

This module introduces students to costing models for different media projects, the fundamentals of financial management, including the "Dos and Don'ts" of managing production costs.

Module

Marketing & Distribution Strategies

This module enables students to identify who their audience is and the landscape for different projects. By doing so, they will then work on developing the most effective marketing strategies, as well as seek the best distribution models and channels for their project.

Module Certificate 5: Applied Project

Module

Filmmaking Lab

This module comprises a five-day “bootcamp” conducted over 3 weekends consisting of masterclasses, workshops and industry networking sessions to enable participants to build industry contacts and strengthen their knowledge in filmmaking.

Module

Capstone Project

Students will work in teams to plan, execute, and deliver a short film or media project that showcases their skills and creativity.

Trainer's Profile

Michael Kam

Michael Kam, Senior Lecturer / Filmmaker

A seasoned film director, writer and producer, Michael Kam is a Senior Lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Film & Media Studies. He had previously chaired the School’s Diploma in Film, Sound and Video programme for full-time students before pivoting his focus towards courses for adult learners under the Continuing Education and Training (CET) banner.

An avid short filmmaker, Michael's works have travelled to numerous international film festivals, such as Berlin, Uppsala, Cork, Palm Springs, Encounters and Curta Cinema, among others. His films have received festival accolades such as the Best Fiction award at Tampere, the ARTE short film award at Hamburg and the Best Director award in Singapore.

Michael has served as mentor and judge in ciNE65, and as a juror at the National Youth Film Awards.

Check out Michael’s filmography at this IMDB page.

Certification

1 Diploma

5 Module Certificates

You are required to complete all 5 module certificates within a 3-year validity period to be awarded the Diploma qualification.

14 Modules, including a Capstone Project

Entry Requirements

Applicants with any of the following qualifications are invited to apply for the course:

The following GCE ‘O’ Level grades and with at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- English Language (Grade 1-6)
- Mathematics (Grade 1-6)
- One other subject (Grade 1-6)
NITEC with GPA >= 3.5 with at least 2 years of relevant work experience or Higher NITEC with at least 1 year of relevant work experience
NITEC in Technology or Services with GPA >= 3.5 and with at least 2 years of relevant working experience
Higher NITEC in Technology or Services with GPA >= 2.0 and with at least 1 year of relevant working experience
Relevant WSQ Diploma qualifications (depending on sector, Programme & level – bridging course may be required) with at least 3 years of relevant working experience and WPLN (Level >= 6) may be accepted as ‘O’ Level equivalent English Language & Mathematics requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who fail to meet the entry requirements may still be eligible for admission to the course if they can provide evidence of a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience or demonstrate readiness through supporting evidence of competency. PMET and foreign applicants will receive individualized consideration, evaluating their distinctive circumstances, qualifications, and unique backgrounds during the application process.
ITE graduates with a Higher Nitec in Filmmaking (Cinematography) and Nitec in Video Production may be eligible to receive exemption from Modular Certificate 2.
All shortlisted DFM candidates will undergo interviews to evaluate their suitability based on creative and technical aptitude for the course.

Course Fees

Funding period for this course is from 1 Oct 2021 to 31 Dec 2024.

SkillsFuture Credit
All Singaporeans aged 25 and above can use their $500 SkillsFuture Credit from the government to pay for a wide range of approved skills-related courses. Visit the SkillsFuture Credit website to choose from the courses available on the Training Exchange course directory. The credits can be used on top of existing course fee subsidies/funding. This is only applicable for self-sponsored applicants and must be applied via the SkillsFuture Portal. More details on the SkillsFuture Credit Claims will be advised upon admission into the course.

Skills-Based Modular Courses (SBMCs) are bite-sized part-time courses for individuals to acquire new skills or deepen relevant skills, without the need to pursue a full diploma. Refer here for course fees for SBMCs.

GST Increment in 2024
Please note that the GST rate will be revised to 9% with effect from 1 Jan 2024, as such any payable course fees will be subjected to the new GST rate adjustments in 2024. Please refer to our STEP portal for the updated fees. (Click on STEP)

Note:

The fees below are determined based on prevailing funding policies and subject to review and revision.
Please refer to our FAQs for more information.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic reserves the right to reschedule/cancel any programme, modify the fees and amend information without prior notice.

Applicants / Eligibility	Fees
Full Course fee	$18835.20
PR Sponsored by SME	$1961.30
Singapore Citizen Sponsored by SME	$1961.30
Singapore Citizen Aged 40 & Above	$1961.30
Singapore Citizen Aged Below 40	$2825.30
Singapore PR	$7534.10
Long-Term Visit Pass Plus	$18835.20