AFDA PRO Short Courses

AFDA PRO Short Courses

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  • Overview
  • Daily interface with technology is a reality in global motion picture production that defines filmmaking & media production in the 21st century. We are a tool making species. Our ability to use new tools gives us greater levels of efficiency to survive and thrive in a rapidly transforming world. 
    Evidence shows the Digital Revolution erases barriers to entry as the tools of production are democratised by falling prices and technological interfaces becoming auto-didactic. By leveraging the potential offered by the tools of the Digital Revolution, we can amplify our voice as filmmakers & media practitioners in our quest for self-representation. By adopting and adapting digital technology to articulate stories & brand narratives, these tools empower us at every stage of production from script to screen.
    AFDA PRO short courses offer participants the opportunity to explore their ‘Massively Transformative Purpose (MTP)’ by embracing digital innovation in filmmaking & media technology (Diamandis 2024). Democratization of technology means that anyone with imagination & aptitude can produce media content. With this unprecedented access, the market place becomes increasingly competitive as a result of new technologies which drives exponential development and results in disruptive change. “Broadcasting” is already transforming to “Narrowcasting” with Netflix, Showmax & IrokoTV (Africa’s Netflix). While Kodak was filing for bankruptcy in 2012, Instagram was bought by Facebook for $1 billion.
    Media convergence and global competition implies a trend towards consumers expecting online entertainment to be free & paid for by advertising according to Chris Anderson, author of ‘Free’ (2009).
    Now, more than ever, filmmakers & media producers need to harness the tools of the Digital Revolution to redefine the terms of popular culture production, consumption and distribution. Stay ahead of the curve. Adapt for mediascapes of the future. Embrace the Digital Revolution and build your skills set to diversify in a rapidly changing market place. AFDA PRO – professional short courses that give you the edge.
    “Either disrupt yourself, or someone else will” – (Diamandis 2024)
    *AFDA reserves the right to make changes or withdraw information or course offers without prior notice. Where possible, AFDA will endeavour to notify all persons and/or organisations affected as a result.
    Contact Shmerah or Stevan to find out more:
    JOHANNESBURG: Shmerah Passhier Shmerahp@afda.co.za / +27 11 482 8345
    CAPE TOWN: Stevan Buxt Stevan@afda.co.za / +27 21 448 7600
  • Virtual Reality

  • VIRTUAL REALITY (360 VIDEO PRODUCTION)
    Virtual Reality (VR) offers enormous opportunity for content creators to make immersive content for the market. This is the future of media technology and your chance to learn about it. The objective of the course is for participants to understand and engage with the basic principles of the medium of 360 Virtual Reality. Produce a short cutting edge Virtual Reality 360 production adhering to emerging principles of engaging a virtual environment, while ensuring technical proficiency of contemporary standards of production processes and technical limitations & impact of VR 360. 
    Contact Shmerah or Stevan to find out more:
    JOHANNESBURG: Shmerah Passhier Shmerahp@afda.co.za / +27 11 482 8345
    CAPE TOWN: Stevan Buxt Stevan@afda.co.za / +27 21 448 7600
    Disclaimer: please note that dates of courses (TBA) are subject to change & courses will not be run with fewer than 10 participants.  AFDA reserves the right to make changes or withdraw information or course offers without prior notice. Where possible, AFDA will endeavour to notify all persons and/or organisations affected as a result.
    Click here to download the Information Pack for this course.
  • Transmedia
  • courses-03
    TRANSMEDIA
    The emergence of online video has changed the media industry exponentially. Already, more than a million people worldwide earn revenue by uploading videos to Youtube (youtube.com). Online streaming of video content is a billion dollar industry globally. But how do we monetise online video content to get audiences to pay a sustainable price for good quality content? The current emphasis is on transmedia storytelling which is a multipronged narrative distribution that leverages online platforms to immerse the audience in the world of story by incorporating: cinema, television, DVD, webisodes, mobisodes, social media sites, Virtual Reality & video streaming like Showmax, IrokuTV and Netflix.
    This course is aimed at developing content for the future of online convergence as the digital transformation is evolving media production. This course will keep you ahead of the digital curve by multiplying your skills accumulation. Learn how to monetise and aggregate transmedia video content from concept to screen.
    By the end of this course, the participant will have pitched and produced a transmedia brand narrative with a 360 multimedia distribution and exhibition strategy for a Transmedia production to be executed from script to screen in a video production.
    Contact Shmerah or Stevan to find out more:
    JOHANNESBURG: Shmerah Passhier Shmerahp@afda.co.za / +27 11 482 8345
    CAPE TOWN: Stevan Buxt Stevan@afda.co.za / +27 21 448 7600
    Disclaimer: please note that dates of courses (TBA) are subject to change & courses will not be run with fewer than 10 participants.  AFDA reserves the right to make changes or withdraw information or course offers without prior notice. Where possible, AFDA will endeavour to notify all persons and/or organisations affected as a result.
    Click here to download the Information Pack for this course.
  • Broadcast Design
  • BROADCAST DESIGN
    Broadcast Design is a cutting edge digital art form that is growing exponentially due to the expansion of Transmedia as film, television and online media converge and hybridise in the domain of 21stcentury media production. This course will empower participants to stay ahead of the curve by combining a two and three dimensional mastery of Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator and Cinema 4D software packages.
    This Broadcast Design course is 80% self-study with 20% contact time facilitated by an industry motion graphics artists who will train participants to create professional projects using video material and graphic elements created in Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator and Cinema 4D. Using these software packages, the participant will create on air imaging and opening sequences for film, television and multiple online platforms.
    Contact Shmerah or Stevan to find out more:
    JOHANNESBURG: Shmerah Passhier Shmerahp@afda.co.za / +27 11 482 8345
    CAPE TOWN: Stevan Buxt Stevan@afda.co.za / +27 21 448 7600
    Disclaimer: please note that dates of courses (TBA) are subject to change & courses will not be run with fewer than 10 participants.  AFDA reserves the right to make changes or withdraw information or course offers without prior notice. Where possible, AFDA will endeavour to notify all persons and/or organisations affected as a result.
    Click here to download the Information Pack for this course. 
  • Scriptwriting
  • Courses-02
    SCREENWRITING
    Do you have a great idea for a screenplay or TV series but never get around to writing it? AFDA PRO introduces a screenwriting incubator focused on award winning writing concepts and techniques such as: screenplay structure, character arcs, themes, dramatic conflict, genre and visualisation. Leading industry screenwriting will guide participants through internationally benchmarked best practice for scriptwriters to complete a first draft of an original screenplay or TV pilot within 90 days.
    The scriptwriting course takes place over 3 months with 80% self-study & 20% professional contact time with industry experts. Participants will be trained to engage narrative development concepts applied at top international universities around the world.
    Contact Shmerah or Stevan to find out more:
    JOHANNESBURG: Shmerah Passhier Shmerahp@afda.co.za / +27 11 482 8345
    CAPE TOWN: Stevan Buxt Stevan@afda.co.za / +27 21 448 7600
    Disclaimer: please note that dates of courses (TBA) are subject to change & courses will not be run with fewer than 10 participants.  AFDA reserves the right to make changes or withdraw information or course offers without prior notice. Where possible, AFDA will endeavour to notify all persons and/or organisations affected as a result.
    Click here to download the Information Pack for this course.
  • Fees & Dates
  • FEES & COURSE DATES: 2nd cycle 2024*
    ALL COURSES ARE PART-TIME:
    Virtual Reality: R10 000
    JOHANNESBURG & CAPE TOWN: 1-31 May 2024
    Broadcast Design: R9 000
    JOHANNESBURG & CAPE TOWN: 10 July – 9 August 2024
    Screenwriting: R13 500
    JOHANNESBURG & CAPE TOWN: 2 May – 1 August 2024
    Transmedia: R9 500
    JOHANNESBURG & CAPE TOWN: 5 June – 5 July 2024
    *Dates provided indicate the period over which the course will take place. Lectures & workshops take place on selected evenings. 3rd & 4th cycle of 2024 course dates and fees to be announced.
    To find out more, call or email us directly to join our database and keep informed of AFDA PRO developments. Go to CONTACT US tab.
    Disclaimer: Please note that dates, fees, course content or offers are subject to change and courses will not be run with fewer than 10 participants. Terms and conditions apply.
    AFDA reserves the right to make changes or withdraw information or course offers without prior notice. Where possible, AFDA will endeavour to notify all persons and/or organisations affected as a result.
    TERMS & CONDITIONS:
    1. It is important to note that AFDA is a private institution and does not receive any financial support or subsidy from the state. The demands and rigour of a student-centered curriculum and environment necessitates extensive financial investment into developing the facilities, upgrading equipment, production costs and maintaining and recruiting highly specialized staff.
    2. It must be noted that variable and personal costs (travel, meals, communication and stationery) for project related consumables are for the cost of the participant.
    3. AFDA offers an educational program in which a significant portion of a student’s learning is achieved through the making of a film/ tv production / stage production etc. Students will have access to the equipment needed to realise outcomes and exercises within the parameters of the course. AFDA does not require participants to purchase any textbooks.
    4. Full course fee or minimum of 50% is required to be paid upfront in full in order to secure your place in the course.
    5. Full payment (including the proof of payment) is required 48hrs prior to commencing the course or the participant will not be permitted to begin to the course.
    6. Participants will be held financially liable for wilful or negligent damage to equipment and facilities.
    7. REFUNDABLE FEES: 100% if an AFDA PRO participant withdraws on or before commencing the first (1st) day of the course as per published dates. Thereafter no percentage or portion of fees are refundable.
    8. If a student’s fees are paid into the incorrect campus account, an administrative fee of R250 will be charged per incorrect payment.
    9. Each course must have a minimum of 10 participants in order for the course to be run. Should a course not run for this reason, your fees can be transferred to the following window available for that course offer.
    10. If a student’s fees are paid into the incorrect campus account, an administrative fee of R250 will be charged per incorrect payment.
    JOHANNESBURG
    ABSA Bank, Acc. No.: 4053115636
    Branch No.: 632-005,
    Swift No.: ABSAZAJJ
    Pay Reference: Participant Initial, Surname + AFDAPRO
    CAPE TOWN
    ABSA Bank, Acc. No.: 4073888465,
    Branch No.: 632-005,
    Swift No.: ABSAZAJJ
    Pay Reference: Participant Initial, Surname + AFDAPRO
  • Booking & Requirements
  • Contact us directly for group bookings or APPLY by clicking the red apply now button above. Or email afdapro@afda.co.za to be emailed an application form.
    REQUIREMENTS.
    Each course has recommended basic technical acumen and/or an appetite for up-skilling in the area. Please submit a CV with your application and a copy of highest achieved qualification as relevant.
    Who are the AFDA PRO courses made for?
    AFDA PRO short courses are aimed at those wanting to upgrade existing skills, switch areas of professional focus or develop new skills to be ready for the opportunities and challenges of the future. There are no strict entry requirements for the short courses, however computer literacy is important. This paired with a keen interest and some basic understanding of the course topic is key in order to fully reap the benefits of the course.
  • Experts & Lecturers

  • AFDA PRO JOHANNESBURG

    ANDREW WESSELS – VIRTUAL REALITY, TRANSMEDIA & BROADCAST DESIGN LECTURER 
    2014 SAFTA Award for Best Editor
    2012 – 2014 – 2 x EMMY Award nominations for Directing Late Night with Loyiso Gola on ETV
    2012 – Andrew directed his debut feature film titled “Blitzpatrollie”
    2007 SAMA Award for Best Rock Album
    Pure Monate Show (Director)
    Phat Joe Show (Director)
    Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola (Director/technical director & editor)
    16th SAMA awards 2010 (Creative Director)
    Multi-cam editor of the MTV MAMA awards (2024 – present)
    Live 3D Vision Mixer
    Andrew Wessels has a formidable skills set as a multi-award winning Director, Technical Director & Editor who has worked in film, commercials, music videos, music television, live broadcasts, television films, corporate films, dramas, stop-frame animations video art installations and documentaries. Andrew is currently exploring the Virtual Reality 360 video medium.
    Andrew spent the beginning of his career traveling throughout Africa, Europe & America directing, shooting & editing for the African Music Channel, Channel O. As a result of his vast and varied experience, Andrew has been approached by a number of educational institutions to give lectures and sessions on several aspects of the industry. This includes a position as lecturer at Wits University, The Academy of Television and DSTV.
    Andrew directed and edited the two time Emmy Award nominated hit news parody show, ‘Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola’. He also developed the technical facilities that run the show and remains an executive producer.
    Andrew prolific skills extend to broadcast design and on air graphics as well as animation. Andrew has created some highly emotive title sequences and original concepts for branding elements and corporate identities. This work has also extended into live VJ’ing. Events include: the Loerie Awards, The Parlotones LIVE, and many corporate launches for the likes of Samsung, Virgin Mobile, Cell C, Vodacom and others. These experiences were what lead to Andrew being hired as Executive Creative Director for the 16th annual South African Music Awards (SAMA)
    MARGARET GOLDSMID – SCREENWRITING LECTURER & SUPERVISOR
    Margaret is one of the most experienced Producer/Scriptwriter/Script Editor & Script lecturers working in South Africa. Margaret joined the SABC as Senior Script Editor in 1988 and was then appointed Commissioning Editor and eventually as Head of Afrikaans Drama in 1994. During her tenure at the SABC she either script edited or executive produced many award-winning TV Drama series.
    She left the SABC in 1997 to pursue her passion for filmmaking in a more hands-on and creatively involved manner by joining husband, Peter, as Producer in his production company, Southern Exposure. Southern Exposure has produced four seasons of a courtroom drama series, Justice for All, a sitcom, Gabriël and a mini-series, Riemvasmaak, up to date; all of these for SABC 2.
    These series were collectively nominated for 37 industry awards and won 11 of them, the latest being the 2009 SAFTA Golden Horn award for best mini-series, best script and best Director in a Drama series for Riemvasmaak. Since 2007 she has worked with the NFVF as Script Editor on several Feature Films and as Mentor on the Masters’ Screenwriting course.
    ROBYN ARONSTAM – SCREENWRITING LECTURER
    Robyn Aronstam is a script supervisor who has worked locally and internationally. She has worked on all Mira Nair’s films and was credited as Associate Producer on Monsoon Wedding (2001) in recognition of her contribution. Script Supervision on Mira Nair’s films include:
    Hysterical Blindness (2002); 11’9″01 September 11(2002); Still, The Children are Here (2003); Vanity Fair (2004); The Namesake (2006); Migration (2007); Amelia (2009); The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012); Words With Gods (2014); The Bengali Detective (2024); Queen of Katwe (2024)
    Robyn teaches narrative film skills locally at AFDA & internationally (including NYU) and has a deep love for filmmaking. She is focused and dedicated and has faith in the development of South African cinema. Her skills extend to researching, script editing and doctoring and she has directed several short films and documentaries and is presently preproduction to shoot a feature film with Helena Spring it is titled Selma & Chalize. Robyn is currently writing Masters degree in Creative Writing on narrative filmmaking at Wits.
    ANDREW KAYSER – BROADCAST DESIGN LECTURER 
    Celebrated contemporary artist, Andrew Kayser is represented by Kalashnikovv Gallery in Johannesburg and Berlin. He graduated from Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, Netherlands in 2001. Andrew was recently voted as one of South Africa’s top 10 artists at this year’s Cape Town Art Fair (2024) by Conde Nast, ‘South Africa’s finest décor magazine’. See the link for more details: http://www.houseandgarden.co.za/home/art-fair-top-10/ Andrew works as a Broadcast Designer for Clive Morris Productions where he has recreated the new 50/50 opening sequence for the highly acclaimed nature conservation show. In addition, he has created Broadcast Design imaging for the SAFTA awards, the SAMA awards, and the Naledi awards. Andrew’s clients include Deloitte, MTV & Vodacom.
    SHMERAH PASSCHIER – KNOWLEDGE CURATOR & TRANSMEDIA LECTURER
    Shmerah Passchier has worked in the film & television industry writing, directing & producing for MTV Base where she travelled to 10 African countries shooting the TV show titled Uncensored in Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Botswana, Angola, Mozambique, Uganda and Zambia.
    Shmerah has directed Magazine TV & Reality TV shows & documentaries for SABC 1, 2 & 3 including many including Hybrid Living, The Cut, KADA! & Big Brother Africa for DSTV. She has also directed several commercials and many music videos, and the permanent video installation documentary titled, Nelson Mandela & the End of Apartheid for the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco.
    Shmerah graduated from the AFDA Masters degree in 2011 where she wrote, produced & directed a Nollywood feature film titled Mystery of The Stolen Song, which broadcast on Mzansi Magic, DSTV for two years. Thereafter, she went on to complete a second Master’s degree at Wits in Anthropology where she travelled to Lagos to interview New Nollywood award winning filmmakers, including Kunle Afolayan & Tunde Kelani.
    Shmerah is currently reading for her PhD in Cyborg Filmmaking & Virtual Reality at Wits. She is currently in pre-production with a feature film titled Mamlambo, which will include scenes shot in Virtual Reality 360 video.
    Shmerah has been teaching at AFDA for 8 years. Her lectures include:

      • Virtual Reality 360 video production
      • Nollywood & Nigerian Cinema
      • Writing for Television: Reality TV & Telenovela
      • Digital Cinematography
      • Post-Production for Television
      • Production Design
      • Aesthetics of Broadcast Design
      • Ethnography in Film & Television Research
      • Film Theory & Analysis

    AFDA PRO CAPE TOWN

    ERAN TAHOR – VIRTUAL REALITY 360 & TRANSMEDIA LECTURER
    Eran Tahor is a cinematographer and academic lecturer. For the past 16 years Eran has filmed documentaries, fiction, commercials and experimental films. Together with director Aryan Kaganof, Eran had shot the feature film SMS Sugarman (2005) which was the first feature length movie shot with mobile phone cameras.
    Eran’s filmography as cinematographer includes acclaimed South African TV drama series The Lab, A Place Called Home and the comedy series Sorted. Eran worked as cinematographer with international directors Philip Noyce on the Catch a Fire documentary (2007), Mika Kaurismäki on Mama Afrika (2011) as well as some of South Africa’s prominent writers and directors such as Barry Berk, Aryan Kaganof, Akin Omotoso, Vincent Moloi, Rehad Desai and many others.
    More recently Eran was the cinematographer for the feature film Impunity (2014, directed by Jyoti Mistry, which was selected for the Toronto International Film Festival and Lamentation (2024) which was selected for IDFA 2024.
    Eran worked as lecturer at the division of Film & TV, Wits School of Arts. Eran has a MA in film studies from Wits University.
    MALCOLM KOHLL – SCREENWRITING LECTURER 
    Malcolm has a Journalism Degree from Rhodes University and a Master’s Degree in Film and Television from Middlesex University. He is an accomplished screenwriter and producer having worked on the BBC show Dr. Who, The Fourth Reich and The 51st State, starring Samuel L Jackson and Robert Carlyle. Malcolm worked for Focus Films in the UK as Head of Development and in-house Producer for 11 years.
    He continues writing and is currently an adapting Deon Meyer’s book 13 Hours into a screenplay. Malcolm’s first novel Good Hope was published in 2014. He is currently the Head of Production, Post Graduate Studies at AFDA in Cape Town. As a writer he is represented by the Dench Arnold Agency in London.
    OLLI TAHINTEN – VIRTUAL REALITY 360 LECTURER
    Olli Tähtinen is a Finnish director passionate with Virtual Reality and 360 video
    experiences. He has been working as screenwriter, director and editor with number of Virtual Reality 360 short films.  At the moment he is in pre-production of his 24 min graduation Virtual Reality film. In Finland he has organized the International Virtual Reality Storytelling Workshop and produced Virtual Reality sections for both Tampere and Helsinki IFF.  He’s a member of jury in Tampere Film Festival’s (part of FIAPF) 360′ video competition. Olli is also a member of Finnish Virtual Reality Association FIVR.
    ARCHIE COLLIER BIRCH – BROADCAST DESIGN LECTURER
    Archie has always been fascinated by visual storytelling in all its forms and in any media. He graduated in Fine Art at Michaelis in 1999 but has worked in the Film and Media Industry as a Digital Illustrator and Animator as well as teaching Aesthetics, Design, Drawing and Animation. Archie received his Master’s degree in Illustration from Stellenbosch University in 2008 and has since continued production of all kinds of still and moving designs from large scale mural artwork to motion graphics and titling. His specialties include; Illustration – both traditional and digital
    Animation and Production Design – Artwork & Lectures Media, Film and Visual Arts – Theory Lectures.
    STEVAN BUXT – AFDA PRO CAPE TOWN FACILITATOR  
    Stevan has worked in the television, communications and international development domains for over two decades, producing documentaries, music videos, public service announcements and multiple TV and radio series. He has worked globally across four continents and 24 countries.
    Stevan’s feature documentary “Back to Alexandra” (starring the Dave Matthews Band and the late Big Voice Jack) was nominated for best documentary at FESPACO 2001. Stevan’s globally produced TV series titled, The Team received a nomination for best TV series at FESPACO 2013. The show received multiple nominations in Indonesiaat the Bandung Film Festival in 2012. Stevan has collaborated with Award Winning directors and producers including Bhusan Dahal (Nepal), Deepak Raunier (Nepal), Prajjwal Rana (Nepal), Rhumbi Katedza (Zimbabwe), Sugeng Wahyudi (Indonesia) and Garin Nugroho (Indonesia) amongst others.
    Stevan is currently in production on a documentary with award winning Director Keith Jones and Oscar Award Winning Director of Cinematography Gary Keith Griffin.
    Stevan has worked on projects funded by, and/or partnered with:
    African Eye News, Asia Foundation, AusAID, BMG Entertainment Africa,
    Channel 4, DBSA, DFID, EMI, ETV,EU, Fauna and Flora International,
    Gallo Africa, ICRC, IFC, IFRC, Johns Hopkins Center for Communications,
    Mercy Corps, Millennium Challenge Corporation, National Center for State Courts,
    NORAD, PEPFAR, PepsiCo, Population Services International, Red Cross, SABC,
    Sheersound, Sony Music, Soul City, Departments of Health and Social Development
    (South Africa), South African Football Association, Texas A&M University,
    Thompson Reuters, UN, United States Forestry Services, Universal Music,
    USAID, USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, World Bank and World Vision amongst others.
    Stevan has an Honours Degree in Development Economics from Wits and aManagement Advancement Certificate from the Wits Business School.
    PAUL STRAPPINI – TRANSMEDIA SHORT COURSE
    Paul is currently the ECD of JWT Cape Town. He has been in advertising for 25 years and has pretty much loved every minute of it. He studied Journalism at Rhodes University (Grahamstown, South Africa) and then did an Honors Degree in English Literature because he was having too much fun to leave.
    His first job in direct marketing saw him start his career immersed in the belief that advertising results should be measurable and work should be accountable. This is standing him in good stead in this age of analytics, tracking and data. The way the Internet has transformed communication, business and the world is something of an obsession with him, as is creating advertising ideas that consumers love to spend time with.
    He firmly believes that narrative is the natural way humans share and remember information and believes that brands who understand this are the ones that are remembered and revered. Find him on Facebook (Paul Strappini), Twitter (@Podtweeter), Instagram (fightitwithyourmind) but not on Google+ which to be honest he never visits anymore

  • Contact Us
  • General enquiries and application submissions: afdapro@afda.co.za
    If you know which campus you are directing your enquiry or application to, please specify as such in the subject line of the email.
    Or contact the AFDA PRO co-ordinators directly:
    JOHANNESBURG: Shmerah Passhier Shmerahp@afda.co.za / +27 11 482 8345
    CAPE TOWN: Stevan Buxt Stevan@afda.co.za / +27 21 448 7600