Assessor Resource

CUFCAM404A
Pull focus

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


First assistant camera (AC) operators or focus pullers apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. They are responsible for focusing and refocusing the camera lens as actors move within the frame of each shot. They do not look though the lens to do this, but pull focus according to a set of complex marks (which are placed on the set, on the floor, on props, etc.) and by using their instincts and experience of judging focal lengths.

The context for focus pulling is mainly on single-camera or multi-camera shoots where film cameras are used, e.g. feature films, documentaries, television dramas. However, the principles of focus pulling are relevant to both film and digital cameras, e.g. focal length, focus points and the attributes of different lenses.

First ACs tend to work on a freelance basis and are usually selected by directors of photography (DOPs), with whom they work closely during shoots.

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

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

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

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



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.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to pull focus on a range of camera equipment and accessories to achieve required shots

collaborative approach to work

knowledge and application of photographic principles.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a range of equipment listed in the range statement

opportunity to demonstrate facility with focal calculations in varied shooting situations

access to productions that require focus pulling

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of a range of screen content shot by the candidate to determine whether correct focusing and refocusing of the camera has occurred

observation of the candidate marking focus points on location

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process

CUFCAM401A Shoot a wide range of television content

CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis.

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.

Required skills

communication, teamwork and literacy skills sufficient to:

work collaboratively as a member of a production team

understand and carry out instructions and creative directions as required

interpret and complete production documentation

technical skills sufficient to assemble a range of cameras and lenses to meet specific shot requirements

problem solving skills in the context of:

anticipating and addressing equipment set-up problems

responding quickly to changes as required or directed

accurately judging distances in the context of marking focus points

self-management skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks and work under pressure

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance when problems arise

initiative and enterprise in the context of making creative contributions to the process of devising camera coverage

numeracy skills sufficient to make basic mathematical calculations, e.g. focal length calculation

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of film/television crew members

cinematographic language and terminology

issues and challenges that arise in the context of pulling focus

features of a range of cameras and accessories, e.g. focus follow unit

framing techniques and shot composition

lens theory and application, including range and characteristics of lenses

concepts and techniques and understanding compatibility issues with a range of equipment

sound understanding of photographic principles, such as:

exposure

focus

tonal relationships

light sources

sensitivity and balancing

camera interpretation of colour

colour correction techniques

colour temperature and compensation and how this determines the selection of gels and filters

duty of care to colleagues and general public, especially on location

OHS procedures, particularly as they relate to shooting on location

sound understanding of the Recommended Safety Code for Film and Television

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Production personnel may include:

camera operator

client

continuity

crane crew

director

director of photography

floor manager

gaffer

grips

head of department

lighting personnel

other specialist staff

other technical staff

performers

supervisor

technical director.

Focus may include:

focus point

rack focus

split focus, e.g.:

circle of confusion

format

lens focal length

aperture.

Shots may include:

establishing or master shot

extreme close-up

eye-level shot

hand-held

high-angle

long shot

low-angle

mid shot

pan

point-of-view shot

static

tilt

track

wide shot

zoom in

zoom out.

Equipment may include:

cameras

camera supports, e.g.:

mounts

cranes

dollies

track

tripods

spreaders

fluid heads

filters

follow focus unit

lenses, e.g.:

fixed

zoom

lights

special effects equipment

speed aperture unit

varied speed unit.

Locations may include:

day

exterior

interior

night

outside broadcast

studio.

Production requirements may include:

artistic

shot requirements, e.g.:

composition

continuity

shot type

framing

aesthetics

movement

timing

duration

camera position

camera height and distance from subject

technical.

Production may include:

animated productions

commercials

documentaries

feature films

short films.

Feedback may include:

footage

lens size

marks

reports for continuity

stop.

Problems may include:

failing light

film breaks

position of lights

position of performers

position of props

position of scenery

scratches

soft focus.

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 relevant production personnel and interpret and confirm appropriate focus requirements for particular shots 
Contribute to discussions about finding the most effective way of achieving creative outcomes required of shots 
Mount equipment according to specifications and requirements of relevant production personnel 
Ensure equipment is compatible and positioned to avoid interference with camera operations at locations 
Accurately measure and clearly 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 shots 
Check equipment is calibrated correctly and ensure camera is not disturbed while pulling focus during production 
Maintain focus throughout shots by operating follow focus unit to predetermined points and within required timing of shots 
Estimate and execute necessary adjustments to predetermined focus points to achieve the required image. 
Provide feedback to relevant production personnel on completion of shots, noting problems 
Relay information to continuity according to enterprise procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUFCAM404A - 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

CUFCAM404A - 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: