NEW WSQ DIPLOMA IN FILM & TELEVISION (SCRIPT) FOR ASPIRING WRITERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA RELEASE NEW WSQ DIPLOMA IN FILM & TELEVISION (SCRIPT) FOR ASPIRING WRITERS The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and Singapore Media Academy (SMA) launched the WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script) to equip Creative Industries professionals with the fundamental skills of scripts writing for Film and TV production. Singapore, 3 June 2014 A new Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Diploma in Film & Television (Script) has been launched to equip aspiring writers with relevant skills for the film and TV industry. Launched by the Singapore Media Academy (SMA) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script) is a part-time programme aligned to WDA s Creative Industries WSQ framework. The programme aims to address the evolving skills and manpower demands of the Creative Industry. The documentary and factual TV production industry in Singapore is growing, and talented writers are in extremely short supply. In fact, the demand for writers with a strong visual sense could not be higher, said Clare Nolan, film producer and master trainer. In this course, we will teach you how to think critically and visually about a story, be it an artistic endeavour or a commercially sponsored project. You will learn good research and interviewing skills, what to look for when casting, how to develop a strong story arc and prepare a shooting script or beat sheet, and finally, the best practices for preparing a successful and entertaining script. The WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script) will have its first run from July 2014, featuring 7 units of study all of which will be taught by industry practitioners. These units will equip CI professionals with the skills, knowledge and competencies such as writing a narrative, sitcom and documentary script, manage communication in a creative environment, administer and manage the use of licensed copyright materials created, and even practical skills like addressing problems that may impact the creative work and maintaining workplace safety and work health. More details of the course are in Annex A. Page 1 of 12

The script is the backbone of any film and television programme. A compelling story is as important as a quality production and excellent post production. said Ms. Yeo Mui Sung, Chairman, Singapore Media Academy. The art of writing scripts and stories is a learned craft. There are skills and techniques one can learn to become an excellent script writer and SMA is proud to present this WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script) that imparts the necessary skills and techniques for the field. Mr Azzli Jamain, Director of the Creative & Professional Services Division at WDA said: Given the shortage of script writers in the industry, the roll out of this new WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script) is timely. It will offer new entrants as well as existing practitioners a structured pathway to equip themselves with industry relevant skills, to fulfil their writing aspirations and remain competitive in this dynamic industry. "The Story serves as the foundation upon which every film and TV show is built and although compelling stories come from everywhere, screenwriting is a professional craft that has to be honed continuously. Having a good grasp of the fundamentals is the first step in the journey that allows the screenwriter to create engaging content and elevate their craft. said Olivia Loh-Ing, Vice President, Screenwriters Association (Singapore). Screenwriters Association (Singapore) encourages aspiring screenwriters to master the basics of professional screenwriting with the WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script). A script is said to be the blue-print of a movie. And the fundamentals of storytelling on screen has never changed through the years, said Juan Foo, Independent Producer and Filmmaker. Writing for the screen is a skill and craft that can be practiced. The art will come out of practice eventually. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are eligible to enjoy 90 per cent of training subsidies, under the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs scheme, when they send their employees for WSQ training. Eligible freelancers within the Creative Industries will also be able to receive enhanced training support of up to 90 per cent of course fees. Singaporeans who successfully complete the WSQ Diploma as their first WSQ full qualification are also eligible for a Continuing Education and Training (CET) Qualification Award (CQA) of S$1,000. More details on the funding may be found in Annex C through E. Applications are now open. For more information about the WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script), please log on to www.mediaacademy.sg. Jointly issued by Singapore Media Academy and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency. ### Page 2 of 12

Annex A: Annex B: Annex C: Annex D Annex E: Factsheet on the WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script) Overview of CI WSQ Factsheet on the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs Factsheet on the Creative Industries Freelancers Enhanced Support for Courses Factsheet on the CET Qualification Award For media enquiries, please contact: Mr Timothy Tan Vice President Marketing & Communications Singapore Media Academy DID : 6435 6007 Email : timothytan@mediacorp.com.sg Ms Tan Ming Ling Manager Marketing & Communications Singapore Media Academy DID : 6435 6006 Email : mingling@mediacorp.com.sg Ms Quek Su Lyn Senior Executive Marketing & Communications Singapore Media Academy DID : 6435 6040 Email : queksulyn@mediacorp.com.sg Ms Sharolyn Chiang Manager Singapore Workforce Development Agency DID : 6512 1046 Email : sharolyn_chiang@wda.gov.sg Page 3 of 12

About Singapore Media Academy The Singapore Media Academy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MediaCorp, Singapore s leading media company, offering training, education and consultancy services to address the needs of the local and regional media industries. Incorporated since November 2005, the Singapore Media Academy consolidates over 50 years of broadcast and media expertise to provide a wide range of accredited, conservatory-style and market-relevant programmes that are taught by top practising professionals using the latest state-ofthe-art facilities. The Singapore Media Academy currently provides enrichment, education and performance arts training to kids and youths; professional media training to adult professionals and hobbyists; media training solutions and consultancy services to corporations and organisations. The Singapore Media Academy was appointed the Continuing Education and Training (CET) centre for the local media industry in 2008. The Singapore Media Academy s training programmes are also available to lay people who aspire to nurture their creative and artistic potentials. Singapore Media Academy is a MediaCorp enterprise. MediaCorp is Singapore s leading media company with the most complete range of platforms, spanning television, radio, newspapers, magazines, movies, digital and out-of-home media. MediaCorp has over 50 products and brands in four languages (English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil), including online classifieds, Internet TV-on-demand and High Definition TV broadcast. Winner of numerous international awards and accolades including Asian Television Awards' Terrestrial Broadcaster of the Year, MediaCorp s vision is to become Asia s top media company, delivering valued content to the world. For more information, please visit www.mediaacademy.sg About Singapore Workforce Development Agency The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) is the nation s lead agency for championing workforce development. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations to develop the skills-based Continuing Education and Training (CET) infrastructure, under which training opportunities are offered under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework. Through the CET and WSQ initiatives, WDA spearheads national efforts to develop a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the evolving industry needs. In addition, through WDA s programmes, all workers rank-and-file employees, executives and professionals of all ages are given opportunities to constantly upgrade their skills that boost their marketability amid an ever-changing employment landscape. For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg Page 4 of 12

ANNEX A Factsheet on WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script) Overview As part of the Skills Training for Excellence Programme (STEP) 1, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) is collaborating with the Singapore Media Academy (SMA) to offer the WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script). 2. In line with the government s ongoing efforts to raise the skills sets of the media professionals in the creative industries, Singapore Media Academy is proud to launch the WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script). The WSQ Diploma aims to provide opportunities for new entrants to be more job-ready and equip them with the necessary skills to enter the industry. The training also allows existing media professionals to upgrade their skills in Film and TV and gain industry-relevant qualification.. 3. Developed and delivered by industry practitioners, this WSQ Diploma consists of 7 modules 2 and covers competencies in script writing, managing communication and use of licensed copyright materials created, and even practical skills like addressing problems that might impact the creative work and maintaining workplace safety and work health. It is specially designed to equip individuals with the fundamental knowledge, skills and competencies in conceptualising a compelling documentary, drama or sitcom for Film and TV. Course Outline The 7 modules are: Unit 1: Write a Narrative Script Unit 2: Administer and Manage the use of Licensed Copyright Materials Created Unit 3: Write a Documentary Script Unit 4: Manage Communications in a Creative Environment Unit 5 : Write a Sitcom Script Unit 6: Address Problems which Impact on the Work Unit 7: Maintain Workplace Safety and Health Policies and Procedures 1 The Skills Training for Excellence Programme or STEP is an initiative jointly launched by the Ministry of Manpower and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency to help Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) to upgrade their skills, knowledge and expertise to remain competitive in today s global business climate. 2 The list of units may change at the point of implementation as a result of changing business context or emerging needs which will require a review of the proposed competency units. Page 5 of 12

Target Group It is targeted at individuals such as: Writers Script Researchers Producers Individuals who are keen to join the media industry Course Schedule Trainees undertaking the WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script) on a part-time basis can expect to complete the programme in 10 months. Trainees can also opt to undertake individual units at his/her own pace, subject to unit availability. Eligibility Criteria & Programme Funding Applicants who are Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) can receive a subsidy of up to 70% funding of the course fee. The course fee for the WSQ Diploma in Film and Television (Script) after subsidy will be $5,025* (exclusive of 7% GST). Higher course fee funding of up to 90% 3 may apply for eligible employer-sponsored individuals or freelancers. Singapore Citizens who successfully complete the WSQ Diploma as their first WSQ full qualification are also eligible for a CET Qualification Award (CQA) of S$1,000. Contact Details Please contact the following for more information on the WSQ Diploma: Singapore Media Academy Pte Ltd 30 Merchant Road, Riverside Point, #04-13 Singapore 058282 Contact Person: Mr Tay Yewei Tel: (65) 6435 6010 Email: tayyewei@mediacorp.com.sg Singapore Workforce Development Agency One Marina Boulevard #16-01 Singapore 018989 Contact Person: Ms Jamie Fok Tel: (65) 6512 6558 Email: jamie_fok@wda.gov.sg 3 Please contact Singapore Media Academy directly for eligibility criteria on the higher course fee funding. Page 6 of 12

ANNEX B Factsheet on Creative Industries Workforce Skills Qualifications Framework (CI WSQ) The development of the Creative Industries (CI) WSQ framework has been a collective effort of WDA, MCI, its agencies (DSG, MDA, NAC, NHB, NLB) and key industry stakeholders. The CI WSQ framework covers 25 industries, 600 occupations and over 800 work competencies. The 25 Creative industries are grouped under 3 broad clusters: (i) Arts & Culture cluster - includes Creative Practice, Events, Heritage, Performing Arts, Technical Theatre and Visual Arts; (ii) Design cluster - includes Architecture, design disciplines covering Exhibition, Industrial, Interior and Visual Communication; and, (iii) Media & Communications cluster - includes Advertising, Animation, Broadcast, Games, Direct and Interactive Marketing, IP Management, Library and Information Management, Media, Music, Printing, Publishing, Public Relations and Film & TV. The establishment of the CI WSQ framework has enabled WDA to step up its efforts to address the manpower challenges and evolving skills needs of the Creative Industries. Since the introduction of WDA s CI WSQ Framework in 2007, more than 6,000 creative professionals have been trained. The Singapore Media Academy (SMA) was appointed in 2008 as the Media Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centre for the media industry. Since its inception as media CET Centre, the SMA has upskilled and trained more than 2,000 media professionals, and issued more than 3,000 WSQ Statements of Attainment 3 (SOAs) in the areas of Broadcast Journalism, Film & TV Production and Directing, Cinematography, Camera, Sound and Lighting Operations, Editing, Sales & Media Marketing, Writing, and Strategy Planning. 3 A Statement of Attainment is a WSQ Certification issued to a person for completing a WSQ course. Records of the SOAs can be accumulated towards a qualification under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications System. Page 7 of 12

ANNEX C Factsheet on Enhanced Training Support for Small & Medium-sized Enterprises Skills upgrading through Continuing Education and Training (CET) remains a key mechanism for companies to raise productivity. Compared to larger companies with more resources, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are less able to send their employees for training. The Government has thus enhanced the training support for SMEs by further lowering the cost for them to send their workers for training. Additional CET Funding Support 2. The enhanced training support is extended to local 4 employees of companies that are registered or incorporated in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding being held by Singapore Citizens (SCs) or Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) and hiring not more than 200 employees (at group level), or with an annual sales turnover (at group level) of not more than S$100 million). These employees must be fully sponsored by their employers to attend training. In addition, WDA will work with industry associations and agencies so that self employed persons can also benefit from the enhanced training support through targeted programmes 3. More than 8,000 courses fall under this scheme. This includes certifiable courses supported by WDA and academic CET courses offered by the five Polytechnics/Institute of Technical Education. The three-year initiative took effect from 1 July 2012. This initiative is expected to cost the Government about $30.5 million per year and benefit approximately 8,000 SMEs and 65,000 workers annually. 4. The enhanced training support scheme includes the following (Details appended as Table 1): (a) Higher Course Fee Funding SMEs will enjoy subsidies of 90% of the course fees when they sponsor their employees for the above-mentioned CET courses. All employers of workers who meet the eligibility criteria for Workfare Training Support (WTS) scheme will continue to receive course fee funding under the WTS scheme. (b) Increased Absentee Payroll Cap In addition to higher course fee funding, SMEs can also claim absentee payroll funding of 80% of basic hourly salary at a higher cap of $7.50 per hour, a significant increase over the current cap of 4 For academic CET courses offered by the five Polytechnics/Institute of Technical Education, the enhanced training support will only be extended to Singapore Citizens (SCs). Page 8 of 12

$4.50 per hour. All employers of low-wage workers will continue to enjoy absentee payroll funding at 90%-95% of their basic hourly salary for WSQ training under the WTS scheme 5. Table 1: Enhanced Training Support for SMEs Normal Training Support Scheme Certifiable Skills Training Courses Supported by WDA (Rank & File) 80% course fee subsidy, capped at $7 per hour for certifiable courses Enhanced Training Support Scheme (Rank & File + PMEs) 90% course fee subsidy, capped at $30 per hour for certifiable courses 90% course fee subsidy for CET Centres courses 90% course fee subsidy for CET Centres courses Absentee Payroll funding of 80% of basic hourly salary, capped at $4.50 per hour (PMEs) 50% course fee subsidy, capped at $15 per hour for certifiable courses $15 per hour for in-house certifiable training Absentee Payroll of 80% of basic hourly salary, capped at $7.50 per hour 70% course fee subsidy for CET Centres courses Absentee Payroll funding of 80% of basic hourly salary, capped at $4.50 per hour Normal Training Support Scheme Academic CET courses Part-time Diploma: 70% subsidy for the cost of programmes for Singapore Citizen (SC) trainees Advanced Diploma (AD) / Specialist Diploma (SD): 85% of the cost of AD/SD programmes for first-time SC trainees. For SC trainees pursuing subsequent AD or SD, subsidy is 70% of the cost of the programme, provided that more than five years have lapsed since they completed their AD or SD. Enhanced Training Support Scheme 90% subsidy for the cost of Polytechnics academic CET programmes (i.e. Part-time Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Specialist Diploma Programmes for first-timers). Absentee Payroll of 80% of basic hourly salary, capped at $7.50 per hour for Polytechnics and ITE s academic CET programmes (i.e. part-time Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Specialist Diploma programmes, part-time ISC, NITEC and Higher NITEC programmes) Part-time NITEC and Higher NITEC: 90% fee subsidy for SC trainees Absentee Payroll of 80% of basic hourly salary, capped at $4.50 per hour 5 With effect from 1 July 2013, under the Workfare Training Support (WTS) scheme, employers who sponsor their employees (Singapore Citizens aged 35 years and above, and earning up to $1,900 per month) are eligible for course fee and absentee payroll funding at 95% for WSQ courses, MOE academic CET courses and Certifiable Skills Training courses supported by WDA. Page 9 of 12

ANNEX D Factsheet on Creative Industries Freelancers Enhanced Support for Courses The Creative Industries Freelancers Enhanced Support for Courses (CI FRESCO) is extended to freelancers within the Creative Industries (CI) since 1 July 2012. This is part of a larger Government effort to boost productivity among freelancers, by encouraging greater training participation through lowering their costs of attending training. 2. The CI is made up of three sub-sectors, namely the Arts and Culture, Media and Communications (including Interactive Digital Media IDM sector), and Design industry. 3. The CI has an estimated workforce of about 140,000 6 and includes the self-employed segment within the Creative Industries commonly known as freelancers, which is estimated to account for about a third of the CI workforce. 4. The practice of freelancing is a globally accepted trend across the CI. Freelancing work is nonstructured; project based work and often does not offer a fixed work pattern and irregular income pattern. 5. About 2,700 freelancers are expected to benefit from the scheme over the next 3 years. Eligibility 6. The CI FRESCO is extended to active freelancers who fulfil the following criteria: a. Worked as a freelancer in the same or related specialisation over the past 12 months; b. Embarked on freelance project(s) or has completed at least 6 cumulative months of freelance project(s) within the past 12 months. Non-active freelancers who do not meet the criteria will still enjoy the prevailing course fee subsidy of up to 70% from WDA. Funding 7. Eligible freelancers will enjoy Higher Course Fee Funding of up to 90% when they sign up for CI WSQ courses under the following CET training providers, as summarised in Table 2 below. 6 Source: DOS; MICA Website; and Singapore Cultural Statistic 2011 Page 10 of 12

Table 2: Summary of CI WSQ Training Programmes No Training Partners CI WSQ Courses Arts & Culture 1 Emily Hill Institute for Creative Enterprise WSQ Diploma in Arts Management WSQ Diploma in Creative Entrepreneurship WSQ short courses in Creative Practice 2 The Esplanade Co WSQ Technical Theatre Courses Design 3 FZD School of Design WSQ Diploma in Industrial Design 4 SFIC Institute WSQ short courses in Design Interactive Digital Media (IDM) 5 3dsense Media School WSQ Diploma in Animation WSQ Diploma in Digital Design WSQ CG Technical Direction courses WSQ short courses in Animation 6 CG Protégé Animation School WSQ Diploma in Animation WSQ short courses in Games Modelling and Digital Sculpting 7 DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore WSQ DigiPen -Ubisoft Campus Programme WSQ Diploma in Games Development WSQ Advanced Certificate programmes WSQ short courses in Games Development Media 8 Singapore Media Academy WSQ Specialist Diploma in Interactive Media (Business Management) WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Production) WSQ Diploma in Film & Television (Script) WSQ short courses in Media Application Process 8. Interested freelancers can apply directly to the respective CI WSQ training providers, and will be evaluated on their eligibility accordingly. 9. Upon acceptance, the freelancer will still be required to pay the nett 30% of course fee upfront (after WDA s subsidy, excluding GST). The remaining 20% top-up of course fee subsidy will only be reimbursed to the freelancer upon successful completion of the course, through the training provider. Page 11 of 12

ANNEX E Factsheet on CET Qualification Award An increasing number of workers are undertaking modular CET courses via the national Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) System to upgrade their skills sets to meet changing demands at workplaces. They stand to benefit from investing time to achieve full WSQ qualifications and be equipped with sufficiently comprehensive and robust sets of skills necessary to carry out their jobs competently. Workers who have missed out on getting formal pre-employment qualifications before they enter the workforce, as well as those seeking career changes or requiring further qualifications to pursue career progression or job search have been receiving financial support from WDA to attain such competencybased WSQ qualifications. 2. The CET Qualification Award (CQA) was introduced in March 2011 to recognize the efforts of Singapore Citizens (regardless of whether they are sponsored by their employers or are paying for the training themselves) in crossing the barriers to upgrading via the WSQ system and attaining key milestones. CET Qualification Award 3. The CQA has two tiers and applies to first time qualification attainment within each tier. Singapore Citizens who successfully attain a WSQ Certificate, WSQ Higher Certificate, or WSQ Advanced Certificate, for the first time from 1 March 2011 will be eligible to apply for a cash award of $200. Singapore Citizens who successfully attain a WSQ Diploma, or WSQ Specialist Diploma, from 1 March 2011 for the first time will be eligible to apply to WDA for a cash award of $1,000. On-line Application for the CET Qualification Award 4. WDA has completed development of the IT system to enable eligible applicants to apply for the cash awards on-line. WDA recognizes retrospectively all cases of first-time WSQ qualification attainment on or after 1 March 2011. The new system is open for use from 8 November 2011 onwards. Eligible Singapore Citizens can start applying through the website www.skillsconnect.gov.sg by logging in with their SINGPass. Page 12 of 12