Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for shoots
- Participate in preproduction briefings to confirm production and postproduction requirements
- Arrange equipment and accessories for shoots as directed, checking everything is clean and operational
- Check there are adequate supplies of charged batteries and capture media for shoots
- Prepare and pack lighting equipment
- Undertake minor repairs on faulty equipment and report significant faults to relevant production personnel
- Confirm location, shooting schedules and timelines
- Complete workplace documentation prior to shoots
- Set up on location
- Contribute ideas to initial concepts in discussion with crew and talent
- Plan camera positions to ensure composition of shots provides correct visual interpretation of material or subject
- Take safety of personnel on location into account when setting up and securing cameras and other equipment
- Plan repositioning of equipment and accessories during shoots in line with production schedules
- Label and load capture media and check camera functions
- Position microphones and conduct audio check
- Set up lighting
- Assess quality and quantity of available light to determine whether correction is required
- Mount and position lighting equipment following safety guidelines
- Run lighting cables and connect safely to power sources
- Install colour frames and gels according to requirements
- Select lenses and filters appropriate to prevailing weather conditions
- Position and operate camera to capture shots
- Use camera shots and angles that produce effective cuts between shots in line with production requirements
- Take account of editing or other postproduction requirements while shooting
- Check camera movements to implement planned or rehearsed shots according to direction from production personnel
- Shoot and record sequences as directed, maintaining focus throughout
- Manipulate cables and camera positioning
- Participate in preproduction meetings and rehearsals to confirm final camera and cable movements
- Position and move camera cabling during shoots according to instructions and cues from production personnel
- Respond consistently to cues from production personnel to avoid undue lapses in timing
- Cooperate with other crew members to move cameras and cabling without impeding work of camera operators
- Handle cabling without damaging equipment or causing injury to others
- Wrap up shoots
- Use safe lifting techniques when packing equipment and accessories
- Label recorded material and associated documentation correctly
- Report equipment faults and complete required documentation
- Leave locations in original or improved condition
- Review and reflect on own performance and note areas for improvement