Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, erect and install mounts for cameras for a range of screen productions.
It applies to individuals who work from camera plans provided by technical producers. For productions such as live broadcasts of sporting or entertainment events, they can be responsible for laying dolly tracks and erecting towers and platforms from which cameras are operated by remote control.
A scaffolder’s licence is required for the erection of camera towers and platforms.
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. Plan camera support installation | 1.1 Refer to camera plans and confirm equipment and support requirements for production 1.2 Assess risks and work health and safety (WHS) issues associated with installing camera supports and operating cameras from supports 1.3 Develop strategies to minimise risk and address WHS issues and incorporate these strategies into the planning process 1.4 Identify aspects of camera plans that may require modification and negotiate changes to camera plans with relevant production staff 1.5 Recommend alternative camera mounts where risk or cost of mount outweighs value of required shots 1.6 Purchase supplies and equipment within budget constraints 1.7 Check equipment is operational and organise repair of faults as required 1.8 Confirm availability of equipment and supports for installation on location, according to production schedules 1.9 Complete documentation according to enterprise requirements |
2. Erect camera platforms and towers | 2.1 Construct platforms and towers that are level, secure, on solid ground and capable of holding the required maximum load 2.2 Secure equipment fastenings and personnel harnesses 2.3 Check operational and electrical equipment meet WHS guidelines 2.4 Review final structures and confirm they are safe |
3. Prepare cranes for cameras | 3.1 Confirm camera cranes are in safe working order before work commences 3.2 Confirm the maximum safe working load of cranes before camera mounting commences 3.3 Display signage on cranes to indicate their safe working load 3.4 Fix snap plates or hothead mounts according to manufacturer’s specifications |
4. Attach and secure cameras | 4.1 Attach cameras to mounts so they are secure, level and steady 4.2 Attach appropriate camera mounts to supports or directly to moving object or vehicle being used to capture shots 4.3 Check power supply is appropriate and run power cables from source to cameras and remote-control consoles and monitors 4.4 Confirm camera operators are able to operate equipment without being a hazard to personnel involved in shoots or to the general public 4.5 Secure cameras and cabling safely to avoid damage and exposure to the elements when unattended |
5. Disassemble tracks, platforms and towers | 5.1 Use safe manual handling techniques to break down and carry equipment 5.2 Clean and pack equipment to avoid damage and prepare for transport 5.3 Report and document equipment that requires repairs or maintenance according to enterprise procedures 5.4 Leave worksite in original or improved condition |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
plan safe installation of camera supports to meet production requirements
undertake pre-shoot checks of equipment and supplies
erect safe camera towers and platforms and attach camera mounts in line with production requirements
construct a variety of rigs for moving and static objects safely
deconstruct and remove camera supports at conclusion of shoots safely
apply work health and safety (WHS) guidelines when working with electrical equipment, camera cranes and supports.
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 crew members involved in installing camera supports
identify typical problems that arise in the context of installing camera supports for film and television shoots, and briefly describe solutions
describe features of support equipment used to mount a range of cameras
explain basic techniques for harnessing, rigging and fastening when mounting cameras on supports
describe WHS regulations and requirements that apply to installing camera supports.
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:
professional equipment used to install camera supports
productions that require installation of camera supports
WHS guidelines relevant to installing camera supports.
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 | 1.1-1.4, 3.4 | Recognises and interprets textual information to determine and adhere to requirements |
Writing | 1.9, 5.3 | Uses specific and accurate language to complete production documentation |
Oral Communication | 1.4, 1.5, 5.3 | Listens carefully and responds to verbal instructions and creative directions as required, asking questions as necessary Provides information using correct industry terminology |
Numeracy | 1.5, 1.6 | Uses basic mathematical formulae to calculate costs and budgetary requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.9, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1-3.3, 3.5, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1-5.3 | Takes responsibility for meeting organisational, legal and regulatory responsibilities within scope of own role and work context, ensuring safety requirements are implemented |
Interact with others | 1.4, 1.5, 5.3 | Uses appropriate communication practices and protocols to report issues Works collaboratively with technical experts to achieve desired results Negotiates with, and instructs, production staff as required |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.3-1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1-4.5, 5.1-5.4 | Plans and organises routine tasks, taking responsibility for decisions regarding sequencing and timing Prioritises work tasks meeting deadlines as required Recognises and responds quickly to installation problems Plans, assembles and checks for sufficient supply of equipment and conducts equipment checks as required |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Camera/Cinematography