Stepping Stone
UCT TV’s flagship in-person video production training programme, designed to open access to the University of Cape Town’s world-class film resources for aspiring storytellers across Cape Town.
Since 2012, this free vocational programme, with funding from the Centre for Film and Media Studies (CFMS) and other kind donors, has equipped youth aged 18–35 with introductory film and media production skills, preparing them to enter South Africa’s growing film and television industry. Through a mix of boot camps, short courses, and workshops, participants gain practical experience, network with professionals, and bring their own stories to life.
Stepping Stone has created opportunities for youth to not only gain skills in film and media production, but also network with each other and industry professionals.
Over the years, we have built a passionate community around their shared love of film, their desire to use film to tell their own stories, and an ambition to change their own lives and the lives of others.
What We Offer
Throughout the year, we run a variety of intensive short courses, including:
- Documentary Story Development Bootcamp (1 week)
- Practical Filmmaking Bootcamp (1 week)
- Editing Lab (1 week)
- Impact Producer Lab (1 week)
- Multi-camera Studio Production (3 weeks) – our flagship course
Courses run full-time (8 hours/day, 5 days/week), are free of charge, and are led by industry professionals.
Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from:
- Non-UCT youth passionate about film and storytelling
- UCT students not registered for practical film courses
- Postgraduate students looking to share their research through video
Participants are selected based on passion, potential, and story strength, with a commitment to diversity and community impact.
Two-thirds of participants for each course come from outside UCT, while one-third of participants are UCT students. These are students who are not registered for practical filmmaking courses or post-graduate students from various departments who would like to use video to share their research. Stepping Stone also provides support after the courses to help participants bring their vision to life, with access to video equipment, studio space and mentorship.
For more information, please contact steppingstone@uct.ac.za
