Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CUFCAM03A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Compose camera shots and operate a camera

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUFCAM03A - Compose camera shots and operate a camera
Description This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to compose shots, position the camera, select the appropriate lens and lighting equipment, and operate a camera to achieve the required moving image in any environment, for single or multicam film or television productions.This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to compose shots, position the camera, select the appropriate lens and lighting equipment, and operate a camera to achieve the required moving image in any environment, for single or multicam film or television productions
Employability Skills Not applicable.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Compose shots
  • Liaise with the relevant personnel and interpret and confirm the shot requirements so that aesthetic and technical production and script/production requirements are met
  • Generate a range of ideas for the composition of shots which provide creative solutions to the production issues
  • Discuss ideas and collaborate, as required, with relevant personnel to ensure contribution of ideas to the initial concept
  • Reflect on and appraise ideas for implications on cost and time, technical feasibility, and suitability to meet the production requirements
  • Devise shots to ensure that correct visual interpretation of the script/production requirements is met through close liaison with relevant personnel
  • Ensure that composition of shots meets the aesthetic requirements and provides the correct visual interpretation of the script/production requirements
       
Element: Address lighting conditions
  • Assess the quality and quantity of available light and determine the amount of correction required, if necessary
  • Confirm that the available light is sufficient for the production requirements by utilising appropriate meters
  • Correct mixed light sources to achieve a uniform colour balance
  • Ensure corrective actions are taken to address changing or inadequate lighting conditions
  • Liaise closely with lighting personnel to achieve the required image and agree to the use of artificial light sources
       
Element: Select and use corrective filters
  • Make use of corrective filters to: ; meet the creative/and or technical requirements of the production ; change the effects of available light to the quality required to suit film in use ; ensure that correct colour balance and light conditions are attained
       
Element: Select and use lens
  • Determine the required focal length, depth of field and select lens according to technical and creative requirements and available light
  • Select focal length according to the type and stability of the camera mounting and degree of intended camera movement during the shot
  • Control exposure by use of correct aperture
       
Element: Coordinate crew to position camera
  • Communicate the start and end of the moving shot clearly to all relevant personnel, as required
  • Identify and clearly communicate the route and timing of camera movements
  • Identify and discuss problems with relevant personnel and modify movements accordingly
       
Element: Position and operate camera to capture shots
  • Liaise with relevant personnel regarding the shots required and ensure that their sequence is clear and coherent
  • Position camera for shots to ensure the safety of all personnel, performers and the general public
  • Select camera positions to meet aesthetic and technical requirements and in consultation with the appropriate personnel
  • Consider all camera shots and angles to ensure cuts between shots produce the desired result
  • Consider editing and other post-production requirements whilst filming
  • Adjust and move equipment, as required, during the shoot with consideration to the timelines and deadlines of the production schedule
  • Move camera to capture planned or rehearsed shots, according to direction received from relevant personnel
       
Element: Monitor the quality of the moving image during filming
  • Employ photographic and composition techniques to achieve the aesthetic requirements and to capture well composed and focused shots
  • Maintain the desired composition by ensuring that any camera movement is steady and smooth throughout the duration of the shot
  • Maintain focus throughout the filming
  • Execute zoom movements and focus changes to achieve the required image, and in accordance with any instructions from relevant personnel
  • Maintain camera and lighting conditions throughout filming to ensure that image and light quality meet the stylistic effect required
  • Coordinate the efforts of other personnel to achieve the desired image
       


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.

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of essential knowledge of, and skills in, the following areas:

interpretation of creative requirements to technical operation

a range of cameras and operational functions

cinematographic language

framing techniques and methods of composition

lens theory and application including range

camera to subject practice, ie lens to eyeline, crossing the line, matching shots

film and video types and differences, and compatibility of stock to equipment

a range of film types and their characteristics - black and white/colour, light sensitivity, speed and latitude, temperature requirements

different film and video formats and their uses

shutter speeds

relevant photographic principles such as exposure, tonal relationships, light sources, sensitivity and balancing, camera's interpretation of colour, colour correction techniques, colour temperature and compensation and how this determines the selection of gels and filters

operation and interpretation of information readout of colour temperature meter

different types of light measuring devices and their uses

use of light meters

the effect of different light sources, diffusion materials, filters and reflectors on the lighting environment which includes both performers and set

properties and behaviour of light and effects on film making - absorption, refraction, reflection, visible light waves, division by wavelength into colours

types of artificial/introduced light sources available to a camera operator

performance characteristics of lenses

types of lenses available to the camera operator and their structure, physical composition and mechanical operation

use of exposure meters

exposure control exercised by aperture and effects of increase and decrease in f/stop

use of printed table to determine aperture

use of depth of field tables and methods of calculation involved in determining correct f/stop

focal length and relationship to depth of field

basic concepts and techniques of cable handling and compatibility with other equipment

basic concepts and techniques for maintaining battery power and loading film stocks

communication and conflict resolution techniques

basic understanding of ethics for the capture of news reports, where applicable

duty of care to colleagues and the general public

occupational and public health and safety procedures in relation to lifting, climbing rigs, using electrical equipment

detailed knowledge of the Australian film industry recommended safety code

Linkages to other units

This unit has linkages to the following units and combined training delivery and/or assessment may be appropriate:

CUFCAM04A - Operate a camera under special conditions

CUFCAM11A - Set up a camera

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

the interpretation of creative and/or technical requirements and provision of additional ideas in order to produce the desired style of the moving image captured

knowledge and application of photographic principles

technical knowledge of a range of cameras

Method and context of assessment

Assessment of this unit would most effectively be undertaken on the job due to the specific workplace environment requirements. However, assessment of this unit can be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment which reproduces all the elements of a production situation including operating to a production schedule. The assessment event in the simulated workplace environment should involve all the team members that would normally participate in a film or television production and the use of current industry standard equipment.

Assessment methods must include observation of performance during a practical demonstration. Direct observation may need to occur on more than one occasion to establish consistency of performance. A range of methods to assess the application of essential underpinning knowledge must support this and might include:

practical demonstration, direct observation may need to occur on more than one occasion to establish consistency of performance

role play

case studies

work samples or simulated workplace activities

oral questioning/interview aimed at evaluating the processes used in developing and realising the creative concept

projects/reports/logbooks

third party reports and authenticated prior achievements

portfolios of evidence which demonstrate the processes used in developing and realising the creative concept

Resource requirements

Assessment requires access to a range of equipment listed in the range of variables statement, currently used by the cultural industries.

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of essential knowledge of, and skills in, the following areas:

interpretation of creative requirements to technical operation

a range of cameras and operational functions

cinematographic language

framing techniques and methods of composition

lens theory and application including range

camera to subject practice, ie lens to eyeline, crossing the line, matching shots

film and video types and differences, and compatibility of stock to equipment

a range of film types and their characteristics - black and white/colour, light sensitivity, speed and latitude, temperature requirements

different film and video formats and their uses

shutter speeds

relevant photographic principles such as exposure, tonal relationships, light sources, sensitivity and balancing, camera's interpretation of colour, colour correction techniques, colour temperature and compensation and how this determines the selection of gels and filters

operation and interpretation of information readout of colour temperature meter

different types of light measuring devices and their uses

use of light meters

the effect of different light sources, diffusion materials, filters and reflectors on the lighting environment which includes both performers and set

properties and behaviour of light and effects on film making - absorption, refraction, reflection, visible light waves, division by wavelength into colours

types of artificial/introduced light sources available to a camera operator

performance characteristics of lenses

types of lenses available to the camera operator and their structure, physical composition and mechanical operation

use of exposure meters

exposure control exercised by aperture and effects of increase and decrease in f/stop

use of printed table to determine aperture

use of depth of field tables and methods of calculation involved in determining correct f/stop

focal length and relationship to depth of field

basic concepts and techniques of cable handling and compatibility with other equipment

basic concepts and techniques for maintaining battery power and loading film stocks

communication and conflict resolution techniques

basic understanding of ethics for the capture of news reports, where applicable

duty of care to colleagues and the general public

occupational and public health and safety procedures in relation to lifting, climbing rigs, using electrical equipment

detailed knowledge of the Australian film industry recommended safety code

Linkages to other units

This unit has linkages to the following units and combined training delivery and/or assessment may be appropriate:

CUFCAM04A - Operate a camera under special conditions

CUFCAM11A - Set up a camera

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

the interpretation of creative and/or technical requirements and provision of additional ideas in order to produce the desired style of the moving image captured

knowledge and application of photographic principles

technical knowledge of a range of cameras

Method and context of assessment

Assessment of this unit would most effectively be undertaken on the job due to the specific workplace environment requirements. However, assessment of this unit can be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment which reproduces all the elements of a production situation including operating to a production schedule. The assessment event in the simulated workplace environment should involve all the team members that would normally participate in a film or television production and the use of current industry standard equipment.

Assessment methods must include observation of performance during a practical demonstration. Direct observation may need to occur on more than one occasion to establish consistency of performance. A range of methods to assess the application of essential underpinning knowledge must support this and might include:

practical demonstration, direct observation may need to occur on more than one occasion to establish consistency of performance

role play

case studies

work samples or simulated workplace activities

oral questioning/interview aimed at evaluating the processes used in developing and realising the creative concept

projects/reports/logbooks

third party reports and authenticated prior achievements

portfolios of evidence which demonstrate the processes used in developing and realising the creative concept

Resource requirements

Assessment requires access to a range of equipment listed in the range of variables statement, currently used by the cultural industries.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Not applicable.

Environments where cameras may be operated include:

in a studio

on location - interior

on location - exterior

day

night

Shoots may include:

single

multi camera

Types of production include:

electronic field production (EFP)

electronic news gathering (ENG)

feature films

documentaries

short films

animated productions

commercials

filmed events or performances

music video

television productions of any type, eg music, drama, comedy, variety, sport, current affairs

live or prerecorded television productions

Shots may include:

extreme close up

close up

mid shot

long shot

wide shot

high angle

eye level shot

low angle

establishing or master shot

point of view shot

cutaway shot

Camera movement may be:

static

pan

tilt

track in

track out

crab

crane

Film gauges may include:

super 16mm

16mm

35mm

65mm

Equipment and accessories may include:

Arriflex

Bolex

Aaton

IMAX

Panavision

rostrum camera

platten glass

video split monitor

cables

mounts

filters

lenses:

lens hood

lens filters

matte box

lens support

wide angle adaptor

Betacam

Betacam SP

Digital betacam

Digital DVC pro

DV Cam

Mini DV

1 inch tube

2/3 inch tube

2/3 inch CCD in both large format and portable configuration

video split monitor

lighting kit

lighting bulbs

lights

filter wheel

viewfinders

diopter

zoom demands

focus demands

shot boxes

cue card holders

headphones

autocue monitor

talkback

tallies and return video

Video camera may:

be manually controlled

be computer controlled

combine camera and recorder function

separate the camera function from record function

Operation of camera may include:

hand held operation

fixed/supported camera

Meters used to determine lighting conditions and requirements may include:

light meter

exposure meter

colour temperature meter

Lenses may include:

normal

long

zoom

fixed

macro

micro

Performance characteristics of lenses may include:

resolution

contrast

image shift

sharpness

zoom

mechanical operation

Filters may include:

colour correction

colour

graduated: hard edge, soft edge, attenuated coloured, neutral density

correction filters

ultraviolet

polarising

chromatic

starburst

non specific colour

enhancers

Introduced light sources may include:

key light

fill light

back light

bounced light

effect light, eg on backgrounds

Artificial light sources may include:

interior lights

spot light

flood light

HMI

tungsten

Power sources may include:

mains power

generators

batteries

Battery types may include:

Ni-Cad

lead/acid

lithium ION

Requirements for the shoot may include:

specific lighting conditions

technical

creative

Relevant personnel may include:

supervisor

head of department

director of photography

director

camera operator

focus puller

grips

camera assistants

gaffer

lighting personnel

technical director

other technical staff

other specialist staff

floor manager

safety officer

Reports may be:

computer generated

manually written

Documentation may include:

stock order forms

fault reports

film and battery labels

shotlists

script

production schedule

running sheet

Environments where cameras may be operated include:

in a studio

on location - interior

on location - exterior

day

night

Shoots may include:

single

multi camera

Types of production include:

electronic field production (EFP)

electronic news gathering (ENG)

feature films

documentaries

short films

animated productions

commercials

filmed events or performances

music video

television productions of any type, eg music, drama, comedy, variety, sport, current affairs

live or prerecorded television productions

Shots may include:

extreme close up

close up

mid shot

long shot

wide shot

high angle

eye level shot

low angle

establishing or master shot

point of view shot

cutaway shot

Camera movement may be:

static

pan

tilt

track in

track out

crab

crane

Film gauges may include:

super 16mm

16mm

35mm

65mm

Equipment and accessories may include:

Arriflex

Bolex

Aaton

IMAX

Panavision

rostrum camera

platten glass

video split monitor

cables

mounts

filters

lenses:

lens hood

lens filters

matte box

lens support

wide angle adaptor

Betacam

Betacam SP

Digital betacam

Digital DVC pro

DV Cam

Mini DV

1 inch tube

2/3 inch tube

2/3 inch CCD in both large format and portable configuration

video split monitor

lighting kit

lighting bulbs

lights

filter wheel

viewfinders

diopter

zoom demands

focus demands

shot boxes

cue card holders

headphones

autocue monitor

talkback

tallies and return video

Video camera may:

be manually controlled

be computer controlled

combine camera and recorder function

separate the camera function from record function

Operation of camera may include:

hand held operation

fixed/supported camera

Meters used to determine lighting conditions and requirements may include:

light meter

exposure meter

colour temperature meter

Lenses may include:

normal

long

zoom

fixed

macro

micro

Performance characteristics of lenses may include:

resolution

contrast

image shift

sharpness

zoom

mechanical operation

Filters may include:

colour correction

colour

graduated: hard edge, soft edge, attenuated coloured, neutral density

correction filters

ultraviolet

polarising

chromatic

starburst

non specific colour

enhancers

Introduced light sources may include:

key light

fill light

back light

bounced light

effect light, eg on backgrounds

Artificial light sources may include:

interior lights

spot light

flood light

HMI

tungsten

Power sources may include:

mains power

generators

batteries

Battery types may include:

Ni-Cad

lead/acid

lithium ION

Requirements for the shoot may include:

specific lighting conditions

technical

creative

Relevant personnel may include:

supervisor

head of department

director of photography

director

camera operator

focus puller

grips

camera assistants

gaffer

lighting personnel

technical director

other technical staff

other specialist staff

floor manager

safety officer

Reports may be:

computer generated

manually written

Documentation may include:

stock order forms

fault reports

film and battery labels

shotlists

script

production schedule

running sheet

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 the relevant personnel and interpret and confirm the shot requirements so that aesthetic and technical production and script/production requirements are met 
Generate a range of ideas for the composition of shots which provide creative solutions to the production issues 
Discuss ideas and collaborate, as required, with relevant personnel to ensure contribution of ideas to the initial concept 
Reflect on and appraise ideas for implications on cost and time, technical feasibility, and suitability to meet the production requirements 
Devise shots to ensure that correct visual interpretation of the script/production requirements is met through close liaison with relevant personnel 
Ensure that composition of shots meets the aesthetic requirements and provides the correct visual interpretation of the script/production requirements 
Assess the quality and quantity of available light and determine the amount of correction required, if necessary 
Confirm that the available light is sufficient for the production requirements by utilising appropriate meters 
Correct mixed light sources to achieve a uniform colour balance 
Ensure corrective actions are taken to address changing or inadequate lighting conditions 
Liaise closely with lighting personnel to achieve the required image and agree to the use of artificial light sources 
Make use of corrective filters to: ; meet the creative/and or technical requirements of the production ; change the effects of available light to the quality required to suit film in use ; ensure that correct colour balance and light conditions are attained 
Determine the required focal length, depth of field and select lens according to technical and creative requirements and available light 
Select focal length according to the type and stability of the camera mounting and degree of intended camera movement during the shot 
Control exposure by use of correct aperture 
Communicate the start and end of the moving shot clearly to all relevant personnel, as required 
Identify and clearly communicate the route and timing of camera movements 
Identify and discuss problems with relevant personnel and modify movements accordingly 
Liaise with relevant personnel regarding the shots required and ensure that their sequence is clear and coherent 
Position camera for shots to ensure the safety of all personnel, performers and the general public 
Select camera positions to meet aesthetic and technical requirements and in consultation with the appropriate personnel 
Consider all camera shots and angles to ensure cuts between shots produce the desired result 
Consider editing and other post-production requirements whilst filming 
Adjust and move equipment, as required, during the shoot with consideration to the timelines and deadlines of the production schedule 
Move camera to capture planned or rehearsed shots, according to direction received from relevant personnel 
Employ photographic and composition techniques to achieve the aesthetic requirements and to capture well composed and focused shots 
Maintain the desired composition by ensuring that any camera movement is steady and smooth throughout the duration of the shot 
Maintain focus throughout the filming 
Execute zoom movements and focus changes to achieve the required image, and in accordance with any instructions from relevant personnel 
Maintain camera and lighting conditions throughout filming to ensure that image and light quality meet the stylistic effect required 
Coordinate the efforts of other personnel to achieve the desired image 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUFCAM03A - Compose camera shots and operate a camera
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

CUFCAM03A - Compose camera shots and operate a camera

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: