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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Install follow spots
   • Position follow spots and accessories according to relevant documentation and safety procedures, ensuring operator and audience safety
   • Install and secure spot technical support requirements according to procedures and specifications
   • Install manual colour changer correctly and colour according to lighting plans
   • Test follow spots to confirm they are operational and accessories are in working order, and seek assistance if required
   • Focus follow spots and check multiple spots for consistency of focus and colour temperature
2. Participate in technical or creative run-throughs
   • Rehearse technical aspects of production and communicate with performers and relevant personnel as required
   • Set back-up options in the event of an equipment malfunction and test to ensure they are in working order
   • Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant personnel and according to equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements
   • Note required equipment deficiencies or technical adjustments to equipment and cues, and modify cue sheets as required
   • Execute necessary changes according to modifications required
3. Prepare to operate follow spots
   • Power up and check follow spots and follow spot accessories and dimmer are in working order according to power-up procedures
   • Check colours and operation of colour changer
   • Confirm final requirements for equipment operation have been identified, implemented and documented
   • Check working order of communication equipment and back-up system and seek assistance if required
   • Identify and safely rectify minor faults or problems and inform relevant personnel of any ongoing problems
4. Operate follow spots
   • Operate follow spots to meet performance requirements and on cue or direction from relevant personnel or running sheet
   • Synchronise follow spot operation with other lighting and staging effects
   • Modify follow spot cues and operation as required to enhance performance requirements and for unexpected contingencies, and to cater for audience experience and own comfort
   • Identify and rectify problems safely and according to venue procedures, and inform relevant personnel as required
   • Identify the need for back-up systems and implement as required
   • Recalibrate follow spots after changing lamps as required
5. Shut down and disassemble equipment
   • Turn off power to follow spots and dismantle, store or cover equipment according to enterprise procedures and performance requirements
   • Note changes to cue sheets and update and file documentation as required according to enterprise procedures
   • Participate in reviews of overall performance to maximise creative outcomes in future productions

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

set up, operate and power off follow spots and associated equipment safely and effectively, according to production documentation, performance requirements, enterprise instructions and safety procedures

collaborate with production team and performers during process, responding to the artistic and technical elements of a production, including cues, directions and performance requirements, in a timely and efficient manner

demonstrate different technical techniques in responding quickly and effectively to changing lighting cues, and sustained and unexpected movement by performers during productions

identify and rectify follow spot problems during pre-production and production according to enterprise procedures and with minimum disruption to work flows, informing relevant personnel of ongoing or complex problems as required

produce and adjust documentation throughout process according to enterprise procedures to support a smooth production and a review of outcomes to inform future productions.

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

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Knowledge Evidence

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

describe key optical and mechanical features and operations of the main types of lanterns, lamps and lantern accessories

describe different types and features of follow spots and their accessories, including incandescent and discharge units

explain the relationship between follow spot operation and other lighting effects

outline roles and responsibilities of lighting technicians, lighting assistants and particularly follow spot operators in the creative arts industry

identify typical problems with installing and operating follow spots and briefly describe solutions

discuss the impact of technology on lighting aspects of production operations

explain duty of care to the safety of colleagues and the general public while performing follow spot work, especially when on location

discuss work health and safety procedures that apply to installing and operating follow spots.

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