Diploma in Film, Sound & Video (N82)

Why FSV?

  • Pay homage to the art of filmmaking at Singapore’s most established filmmaking course
  • Join the league of our illustrious and award-winning alumni and lecturers 
  • Attend masterclasses and workshops by world-renowned filmmakers and industry experts
  • Learn in top-notch industry-standard facilities that inspire you to build a winning portfolio

About FSV

How many of us spend hours engrossed in the stories of others in movies, TV shows and online channels such as YouTube, Netflix and Disney+? Master the craft of creating stories that resonate with your audience with our Diploma in Film, Sound & Video (FSV).

By stretching your imagination and bringing your work to life using the latest technology, FSV gives you a strong foundation in the artistic and technical aspects of filmmaking. You will get to create your own short film masterpiece, embark on an internship in the film and media industry, and complete a capstone project. Through our rigorous curriculum, you‘ll be more than ready to hit the ground running in this industry, locally or abroad. You will also be able to branch into commercial video production, a growing field thanks to the rise in digital media consumption in the new media landscape.

Hone the art and craft of filmmaking in areas like scriptwriting, sound, cinematography, motion graphics and post-production. You will also get to build your theoretical foundation by learning from the masters of cinema in our cinema studies classes.

Your technical skills will be sharpened through hands-on exposure to the latest industry-standard equipment including HD digital cameras and established post-production tools such as Premiere Pro, ProTools and DaVinci Resolve. Plus, you will be working in top-notch facilities such as a film sound stage and a full HD television studio.

FSV graduates have been hired for exciting projects in the local and overseas film and media industry, from local productions such as Ah Boys to Men to wide release films such as Crazy Rich Asians and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. They attest to the high impact of their FSV training and exposure.

FSV filmmakers also continue to put Singapore cinema on the world map.

Anthony Chen

In 2013, Anthony Chen’s Ilo Ilo won a string of awards including the Caméra d’Or at Cannes Film Festival, Best Film at Taipei’s Golden Horse Awards and Best Director at the Mumbai International Film Festival.

Boo Junfeng

In 2016, Boo Junfeng took home the Rising Director Award for his critically acclaimed Apprentice at the Busan International Film Festival.

Chris Yeo

In 2018, Yeo Siew Hua’s A Land Imagined snagged the coveted Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland.

There is no doubt that FSV graduates continue to shape the film industry with their passion and talent behind the scenes.

Lim Ting Li

Lim Ting Li, winner of Singapore’s Young Artist Award, is an accomplished sound designer who has worked on sound design for numerous international commercial and arthouse feature films.

Tan Si En Kris Ong

Momo Film Co, founded by FSV alumna Tan Si En and Kris Ong, is lauded for producing high-quality drama with a uniquely Asian flavour that has gained an international following.

Denise Teo

Denise Teo, aka Supercatkei, is a top streamer on the Amazon-owned Twitch livestreaming platform. 

Design Your Own FSV Journey



Further Studies

You will enjoy advanced standing for degree programmes at top film and media schools, both locally and abroad. Many FSV graduates have also received scholarships and bursaries from the National Arts Council, Singapore Film Commission and the Infocomm Media Development Authority to pursue further studies at National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Stanford University (US), University of Cambridge and the National Film & Television School (UK).

Headshot of Woo Wan Fong

Woo Wan Fong
Film, Sound & Video graduate, Class of 2012

Wan Fong graduated from the University of Cambridge in Politics, Psychology & Sociology (First Class Honours) on a Public Service Commission Scholarship. She is now an Assistant Director at the National Youth Council’s Partnership Lab.

Careers

Your portfolio, experience and skills pave the way for you to carve out your own career pathway in the film and media industry. Or you can use the skills that you acquire to take on careers across different fields. You can look forward to pursuing careers in these job roles: 

  • Content Developer 
  • Cinematographer 
  • Director 
  • Editor 
  • Gaffer 
  • Location Manager 
  • Location Sound Recordist 
  • Motion Graphics Designer 
  • Post-Production Supervisor 
  • Producer 
  • Production Designer 
  • Production Manager 
  • Sound Designer 
  • Scriptwriter 
Headshot of Janice Chua

Janice Chua
FSV, Class of 2008

Janice is currently the Vice-President for International Development and Production at Imagine Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based film and television production company founded by famed director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer. She was also the Associate Producer of the box office sensation, Crazy Rich Asians (2018).

Kris Ong

Kris Ong
FSV, Class of 2013

Kris Ong, co-founder and creative director of Momo Film Co in Singapore, has been recognized for her work in film and TV, including a Golden Horse nomination. She has directed short films and music videos featured in over 30 festivals and co-wrote the award-nominated feature film Ajoomma. With six years of script development experience, including work at HBO Asia, Kris has contributed to a range of scripts and literary works. She has participated in several prestigious film programs and was honored in The Straits Times 30 under 30 - The Arts list in 2020.

Entry Requirements

AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-A

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have the following GCE ‘O’ Level examination (or equivalent) results.

Subject'O' Level Grade
English Language1-6
Mathematics (Elementary / Additional)1-7
Any one of the 1st group of Relevant Subjects for the ELR2B2-A Aggregate Type
1-6

You must also fulfil the aggregate computation requirements for the ELR2B2-A Aggregate Type listed here (  33KB).

For students with other qualifications, please refer to the NP website for the entry requirements and admissions exercise period.

Candidates with severe vision or hearing deficiency may encounter difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations.   Those with colour vision deficiency are required to declare this condition at enrolment, as certain modules require colour recognition.

What You Will Learn

Introduction to Film & Media (New) (4 Credit Units)

This module examines multi-platform content and the digital platforms and technologies by which the content is delivered (virtual conferences, streaming, blogs, social media, online videos, immersive experiences). Students will appreciate and analyse a variety of media with different perspectives based on multiple platforms to reach an audience. By the end of the module, students will become more literate “producers” and critics of multi-platform media today.


Integrated Marketing Communications (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces students to the basic principles and concepts of marketing communications, with an emphasis on promotion in marketing. Students will learn about marketing and how its promotional elements must be integrated to communicate effectively. Students will apply basic skills in research and market analysis to plan and develop a marketing communications campaign.


Video Production (4 Credit Units)

This is a foundation module introducing students to single-camera video production. The module gives students hands-on experience with pre-production planning, single-camera operation, location lighting, grip work, sound recording and non-linear video editing. Students will gain an understanding of working with moving images and learn to combine them with simple soundtracks to create compelling content.


Media Writing & Storytelling (3 Credit Units)

This module scaffolds and synthesises storytelling, functional writing, and research techniques, to create engaging multi-platform content. Through the module, students will be taught the tools to effectively ideate compelling story and content ideas and efficiently craft considered and professional written treatments and proposals, with which to present their content and engage audiences across media platforms.


Motion Graphics (4 Credit Units)

This module gives students hands-on experience in creating motion graphics for digital media. Students will be taught skills such as visual design and the creation of computer-generated graphics in service of multi-platform commercial media productions (video, immersive media, social media, etc.).


Career & Professional Preparation 1 (1 Credit Units)

This module gives students a foundational introduction to their three-year diploma course curriculum and how it prepares them for industry. Through guided reflection of their personal characteristics and the development of an overall game plan for their education and career goals, students will be better prepared for their future careers.


English Language Express* (Credit Units - NA)

English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.

Health & Wellness (1 Credit Unit)
This is a Level 1 Core module for all Year 1 students. The module will introduce students to the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health through the knowledge and monitoring of health indicators, and application through appropriate exercises. The aim of the module is to empower students with basic knowledge and skills to be independent and responsible in maintaining overall personal health. 


TV production 

Students are introduced to multi-camera studio production techniques and technical operations. Topics include TV studio camera operation and setup, studio lighting, audio and sound control, the character generator, teleprompting, vision mixing, digital effects and production roles. The module is designed to help students acquire the basic knowledge and skills to fill various studio positions competently. There is a focus on developing creativity and continuity in planning and executing live studio-based television programmes.


Audio Technology (4 Credit Units)

Students are taught the knowledge and skills for audio production here. They will learn the basic principles and technical concepts of sound production and technology. Foundational production skills developed in recording, overdubbing, processing and mixing can be applied to produce audio for video, television, film, radio and music products.

Photography

This module explores the technical and aesthetic aspects of still photography. Topics include the use of digital camera, exposure techniques, use of existing light, visual elements and principles of design in photography, concepts of composition, storytelling with pictures and photo-portfolio preparation.


Editing (3 Credit Units)

This module provides introductory knowledge in the area of post-production as well as hands-on editing experience. Students will learn the finer details of editing for a narrative-driven project. Through exercises and reflection, they will have many opportunities to become familiar with the various concepts of editing.


Innovation Made Possible^ (3 Credit Units)

Film History (4 Credit Units)

Film History is an introductory survey course that examines the social, technological and aesthetic history of filmmaking from the origins to the present. This course will emphasise critical, theoretical and historical perspectives in analysing film. Special attention will be placed on films and film movements outside the mainstream. The focus will be on the history of film from a Western perspective, primarily American and European.


Scriptwriting (4 Credit Units)

Students learn to write screenplays for short films. Building on storytelling and visualisation techniques they acquired in Level 1, students are encouraged to develop stories from their own observations, memories and experiences. Writing exercises and assignments develop eventually into an 8- to 12-page screenplay, which may be expanded into projects in Level 3.


Cinematography (4 Credit Units)

Students gain a better understanding of the aesthetics and craft of cinematography with special concentration on practice, workflow and safety at a professional standard. The module aims to take learning outside the classroom with tutor-guided masterclasses conducted in locations that are researched and sourced by the students. This makes for more dynamic and active learning that mimics real-world conditions.


Post Production (3 Credit Units)

This module provides an opportunity to create motion graphics in post-production for intermediate level students who have mastered the fundamental principles and skills of editing and video production. Students will build up their capacity to create contents of motion graphics and train technical skills for post-production. Students will deal with the various concepts of motion graphics and workflows in post-production. This will help students prepare for their capstone projects in their final year.


Documentary Filmmaking (4 Credit Units)

This module is designed to expose students to the practical, technical and theoretical issues in nonfiction filmmaking. Students will study different types of documentary storytelling and the appropriate use for each style. They will then work individually and later in groups to apply the technical skills and creative choices to shoot and edit their own video documentaries.


World Issues: A Singapore Perspective^ (2 Credit Units)

Directing (3 Credit Units)

Students learn aspects of pre-scriptwriting, scene direction, completion of scriptwriting, script visualisation, pre-production, acting, blocking, direction, rehearsal and filming. The focus is on equipping students with the essential skills to become competent directors and to build a creative portfolio.


Asian Cinema (5 Credit Units)

The module introduces students to the art and business of Asian cinema. Students will explore the unique traditions of selected national cinemas of East-, South- and Southeast Asia. Against the backdrop of globalisation, they will also discover the unique histories and aesthetics of Asian film production.


Producing (3 Credit Units)

This module introduces students to the scope of work and responsibilities of a Producer. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of budgeting and scheduling, the film crew hierarchy, the basics of location scouting and local media law. This module will also include the mechanics of a script breakdown plus the process of content creation and pitching. At the end of this module, students will be able to present a production portfolio based on a given script.


Intermediate Filmmaking 

Building on the conventions learnt in first-year modules Location Filmmaking and Storytelling Techniques, students delve to examine the craft deeper and discover principles that make for an affective film. This class is exploratory in nature and students chart their own learning journey through guided filming projects and intimate group discussions.


Sound Design (3 Credit Units)

Students will learn the basic knowledge and skills needed for capturing good sound on location in support of sound design. They will also learn how Sound Design can be used to complement and enhance films with the use of foley, voiceover and ADR. With an introduction to ProTools, students will be able to produce basic sound tracks for short films through location sound recording, sound design, editing and mixing.


Career & Professional Preparation 2 (2 Credit Units)

This second-year module is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to seek and secure work, as well as communicate their personal brand. The module will help students better understand their course-related media sectors and equip them with the necessary skills – written, verbal and presentation – to market themselves effectively when pursuing a career in the media industry.

Advanced Filmmaking

Building on skills acquired in their first two years of study, students complete two short films that allow them to hone their abilities in writing, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, editing and sound mixing. The students will develop a conceptual knowledge of different film styles and enhance their understanding and competence in issues related to content and storytelling. The "inclass" and "on location" assignments will emphasise the shooting procedure and working with actors on a set. Part of the class will be delivered in the masterclass method of instruction.


Capstone Project (10 Credit Units)

Using the conceptual and applied knowledge learnt in Year 1 and 2, students hone and integrate their skills through managing and operating the school’s flagship business units, working with external clients on real-time projects, working on their own projects in various disciplines and across disciplines or carrying out freelance engagements. All projects will provide students with hands-on experience in incorporating various skills, platforms and mechanisms to achieve the desired impact in the marketplace.


Project ID: Connecting The Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

Internship (Local/Overseas) (16 Credit Units)

Students will be placed on an internship with companies and agencies matching their abilities and interests. The internship gives students opportunities to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to the work environment. Students gain valuable work experience and exposure to the rigour, demands and excitement of the media industry, enabling them to adapt effectively to future employment. Many of our students are offered employment by these same companies.