Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to shoot material for screen productions using a single
It applies to individuals whose prime responsibility is to capture screen images using a range of video equipment. They generally work under direction, and perform all camera, sound and lighting functions. Depending on the scale of the shoot, they may have an assistant or may be required to assist senior camera operators.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for shoots | 1.1 Participate in pre 1.2 Arrange equipment and accessories for shoots as directed, checking everything is clean and operational 1.3 Check there are adequate supplies of charged batteries and capture media for shoots 1.4 Prepare and pack lighting equipment 1.5 Undertake minor repairs on faulty equipment and report significant faults to relevant production personnel 1.6 Confirm location, shooting schedules and timelines 1.7 Complete workplace documentation prior to shoots |
2. Set up on location | 2.1 Contribute ideas to initial concepts in discussion with crew and talent 2.2 Plan camera positions to ensure composition of shots provides correct visual interpretation of material or subject 2.3 Take safety of personnel on location into account when setting up and securing cameras and other equipment 2.4 Plan repositioning of equipment and accessories during shoots in line with production schedules 2.5 Label and load capture media and check camera functions 2.6 Position microphones and conduct audio check |
3. Set up lighting | 3.1 Assess quality and quantity of available light to determine whether correction is required 3.2 Mount and position lighting equipment following safety guidelines 3.3 Run lighting cables and connect safely to power sources 3.4 Install colour frames and gels according to requirements 3.5 Select lenses and filters appropriate to prevailing weather conditions |
4. Position and operate camera to capture shots | 4.1 Use camera shots and angles that produce effective cuts between shots in line with production requirements 4.2 Take account of editing or other post 4.3 Check camera movements to implement planned or rehearsed shots according to direction from production personnel 4.4 Shoot and record sequences as directed, maintaining focus throughout |
5. Manipulate cables and camera positioning | 5.1 Participate in pre 5.2 Position and move camera cabling during shoots according to instructions and cues from production personnel 5.3 Respond consistently to cues from production personnel to avoid undue lapses in timing 5.4 Cooperate with other crew members to move cameras and cabling without impeding work of camera operators 5.5 Handle cabling without damaging equipment or causing injury to others |
6. Wrap up shoots | 6.1 Use safe lifting techniques when packing equipment and accessories 6.2 Label recorded material and associated documentation correctly 6.3 Report equipment faults and complete required documentation 6.4 Leave locations in original or improved condition 6.5 Review and reflect on own performance and note areas for improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
contribute to pre-production discussions about ways to capture desired style of moving images
assemble equipment and accessories in readiness for camera shoots
position camera on location so shots are captured from the best angles
safely set up and test sound equipment, lighting equipment and accessories
safely operate a range of professional video camera equipment and accessories to capture shots as directed and in a way that facilitates post-production editing
work within production deadlines
work effectively as a team member to position equipment before and during shoots and to pack up gear at the conclusion of shoots
assist with moving cables and cameras during shoots
follow procedures to complete workplace documentation.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline roles and responsibilities of production and post
identify typical problems that arise in the context of shooting material for screen productions, and briefly describe solutions
explain how different image capture media are used
describe basic framing techniques and methods of composition
describe characteristics of microphones and audio equipment commonly used for shooting screen productions
outline the effect different light sources, lenses and filters have on lighting sets and talent
explain basic principles of lighting that apply in the context of shooting material for screen productions
describe techniques for handling and attaching cabling
outline work health and safety procedures that apply to shooting on location.
Assessment Conditions
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:
camera, lighting and sound equipment
locations for shooting video
productions for which material needs to be filmed
production documents
workplace safety and security procedures that apply to shooting video on location
interaction with others.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.6, 3.2, 6.2 | Recognises and interprets textual information to determine and adhere to requirements |
Writing | 1.6, 1.7, 6.2, 6.3, 6.5 | Completes production documentation according to requirements |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 4.3, 5.1-5.3, 6.3 | Listens carefully and responds to verbal and non-verbal instructions Selects and uses appropriate language to report results and faults |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3, 5.5, 6.1 | Takes responsibility for meeting legal and regulatory responsibilities within scope of own role |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 5.1, 5.4 | Works collaboratively with technical experts to achieve desired results |
Get the work done | 1.2-1.6, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1-4.4, 5.2-5.4, 6.2-6.5 | Plans, organises and implements routine tasks according to schedules Follows instructions to complete tasks according to production requirements Makes decisions directly related to own role Recognises and responds to predictable routine problems Seeks assistance when problems are beyond immediate responsibilities or experience |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Camera/Cinematography