Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate cameras under special conditions for film or television productions.
It applies to individuals who may be working on productions that require capturing shots from moving vehicles, aircraft, trains or underwater, using digital or film cameras. Generally they work under direction but in situations such as deep underwater shoots, they carry responsibility for most if not all of the filming.
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. Plan shoots | 1.1 Liaise with relevant production personnel to interpret and confirm overall production requirements 1.2 Collaborate with production personnel to devise creative solutions for capturing required shots that take technical considerations into account 1.3 Interpret camera plans, identify required special effects and create shot lists for use during rehearsals and shoot 1.4 Brief production personnel assisting with shoot and determine an execution plan for each shot 1.5 Participate in pre-shoot safety briefings and identify risks of shooting under the special conditions 1.6 Confirm potential hazards and risks that may affect decisions to proceed with shoot and reduce problems where feasible |
2. Select and set up equipment | 2.1 Assess nature of special conditions and discuss issues with production personnel 2.2 Select required equipment, accessories and cabling, and install safely 2.3 Check equipment and accessories do not impede operations of other people involved in shoot 2.4 Participate in rehearsals and agree on final camera shots and movements 2.5 Adjust shot lists as required |
3. Capture shots | 3.1 Communicate with production personnel throughout shoot and operate camera according to instructions and cues 3.2 Apply photographic principles and techniques to achieve technical and aesthetic requirements 3.3 Re-create and capture shots established during rehearsals and advise relevant production personnel of variations to predetermined plans 3.4 Minimise movement of equipment and accessories and the impact on filming 3.5 Operate camera and special equipment to maintain safety of production personnel and others involved in shoot 3.6 Cooperate with other personnel to achieve desired camera movements and visual effects 3.7 Complete operations without damage to equipment and without interference to operators of moving equipment 3.8 Participate in debriefing sessions to evaluate effectiveness of shoot and to identify areas for future improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
interpret production requirements and camera plans to create shot lists
make technical and creative contributions to the planning and execution of filming under a range of special conditions
identify and minimise potential risks and hazards when filming under special conditions
install and operate cameras and ancillary equipment to film under special conditions, working collaboratively to meet production requirements
apply safe work practices when filming under special conditions.
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:
identify typical problems that arise in the context of filming under special conditions, and briefly describe solutions
describe the process for preparing and adjusting shot lists
describe key camera movements for a range of special conditions and how they are used to achieve particular visual effects
describe work health and safety requirements that apply to shooting under a range of special conditions and associated use of special effects.
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 camera equipment and accessories
film shoots that require filming under special conditions
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 | 1.1, 1.3 | Recognises and interprets textual information to determine and adhere to production requirements and plans |
Writing | 1.2-1.4 | Uses specific and accurate language to complete production documentation including record of creative ideas Generates complex written texts for briefing purposes |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8 | Listens carefully and responds to verbal instructions, asking questions as required Selects and uses appropriate language when briefing personnel |
Navigate the world of work | 1.5, 1.6, 2.2, 3.5, 3.7 | Takes responsibility for meeting legal and regulatory responsibilities within scope of own role and work context |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8 | Uses effective interpersonal skills to liaise and collaborates with a range of people to achieve requirements of the creative brief |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.6, 2.1-2.5, 3.1-3.8 | Plans and organises tasks, taking responsibility for decisions made under pressure to meet tight deadlines Identifies potential problems and alerts production members to possible risk situations Collaboratively devises creative solutions to assist production requirements Manages communication utilising feedback and suggestions from production personnel to improve production outcomes Manages equipment to achieve production requirements, addressing issues and making last minute adjustments as required |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Camera/Cinematography