Assessor Resource

CUACAM404
Pull focus

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to set up focal points and pull focus on cameras used for a wide range of screen productions.

It applies to individuals responsible for focusing and refocusing the camera lens as actors move within the frame of each shot. They pull focus according to a set of complex marks placed on the set, and by using their instincts and experience of judging focal lengths.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare to pull focus

1.1 Liaise with production personnel and interpret and confirm focus requirements for shots

1.2 Discuss with relevant personnel use of equipment, accessories and techniques to achieve creative outcomes required of shots

1.3 Mount equipment according to specifications and requirements of production personnel

1.4 Confirm equipment is compatible and positioned safely to avoid interference with camera operations at locations

2. Calculate focus points

2.1 Measure and mark focus points to plot the focus pull

2.2 Verify points using tape measure or eye, and ensure split focus covers the depth of field requirements

2.3 Set and change focus to meet production requirements in consultation with relevant production personnel

3. Pull focus during productions

3.1 Liaise with relevant production personnel throughout shoots

3.2 Check equipment calibration and adjust as necessary

3.3 Minimise movements to camera while pulling focus

3.4 Operate follow focus unit to predetermined points, within required timing of shots

3.5 Estimate and execute necessary adjustments to predetermined focus points to achieve required image

3.6 Provide feedback to relevant production personnel on completion of shots, noting problems that may need to be resolved

3.7 Relay information to continuity according to enterprise procedures

Evidence of the ability to:

discuss methods of achieving creative effects required of shots

calculate and mark focus points

keep camera steady while pulling focus

pull focus on a range of camera equipment and accessories to achieve required shots, liaising with personnel throughout the shoot.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

outline roles and responsibilities of key film and television crew members

identify typical problems that may arise in the context of pulling focus and briefly describe solutions

explain focus features of a range of cameras and accessories

explain how focus can be affected by the use of different accessories and techniques

outline work health and safety procedures that apply to pulling focus.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

professional camera equipment

opportunity to demonstrate facility with focal calculations in varied shooting situations

productions that require focus pulling

interaction with others

safety guidelines for the film and television industry.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare to pull focus

1.1 Liaise with production personnel and interpret and confirm focus requirements for shots

1.2 Discuss with relevant personnel use of equipment, accessories and techniques to achieve creative outcomes required of shots

1.3 Mount equipment according to specifications and requirements of production personnel

1.4 Confirm equipment is compatible and positioned safely to avoid interference with camera operations at locations

2. Calculate focus points

2.1 Measure and mark focus points to plot the focus pull

2.2 Verify points using tape measure or eye, and ensure split focus covers the depth of field requirements

2.3 Set and change focus to meet production requirements in consultation with relevant production personnel

3. Pull focus during productions

3.1 Liaise with relevant production personnel throughout shoots

3.2 Check equipment calibration and adjust as necessary

3.3 Minimise movements to camera while pulling focus

3.4 Operate follow focus unit to predetermined points, within required timing of shots

3.5 Estimate and execute necessary adjustments to predetermined focus points to achieve required image

3.6 Provide feedback to relevant production personnel on completion of shots, noting problems that may need to be resolved

3.7 Relay information to continuity according to enterprise procedures

Evidence of the ability to:

discuss methods of achieving creative effects required of shots

calculate and mark focus points

keep camera steady while pulling focus

pull focus on a range of camera equipment and accessories to achieve required shots, liaising with personnel throughout the shoot.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

outline roles and responsibilities of key film and television crew members

identify typical problems that may arise in the context of pulling focus and briefly describe solutions

explain focus features of a range of cameras and accessories

explain how focus can be affected by the use of different accessories and techniques

outline work health and safety procedures that apply to pulling focus.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

professional camera equipment

opportunity to demonstrate facility with focal calculations in varied shooting situations

productions that require focus pulling

interaction with others

safety guidelines for the film and television industry.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Liaise with production personnel and interpret and confirm focus requirements for shots 
Discuss with relevant personnel use of equipment, accessories and techniques to achieve creative outcomes required of shots 
Mount equipment according to specifications and requirements of production personnel 
Confirm equipment is compatible and positioned safely to avoid interference with camera operations at locations 
Measure and mark focus points to plot the focus pull 
Verify points using tape measure or eye, and ensure split focus covers the depth of field requirements 
Set and change focus to meet production requirements in consultation with relevant production personnel 
Liaise with relevant production personnel throughout shoots 
Check equipment calibration and adjust as necessary 
Minimise movements to camera while pulling focus 
Operate follow focus unit to predetermined points, within required timing of shots 
Estimate and execute necessary adjustments to predetermined focus points to achieve required image 
Provide feedback to relevant production personnel on completion of shots, noting problems that may need to be resolved 
Relay information to continuity according to enterprise procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUACAM404 - Pull focus
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CUACAM404 - Pull focus

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: