Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to devise and manage single and multi-camera shoots across a wide range of screen, media and entertainment productions.
It applies to individuals responsible for composing shots and lighting scenes to provide screen productions with their unique visual look. They work closely with directors and camera and lighting crews to achieve the required creative outcomes. The final call on the composition of shots and the look of productions rests with directors.
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 shoot | 1.1 Participate in pre 1.2 Analyse scripts or screenplays to determine required artistic and visual outcomes 1.3 Research issues relevant to production needs and propose creative and technically feasible solutions and ideas 1.4 Develop or refine existing camera plans according to production requirements 1.5 Negotiate amendments to camera plans and circulate final camera specifications to relevant production personnel 1.6 Prepare lists of required equipment, accessories and supplies, and arrange for acquisition in line with available budgets and timelines 1.7 Block shots for use during rehearsals and shoot in collaboration with production personnel, taking into account impact on overall production requirements 1.8 Brief production personnel on equipment, accessories and other production requirements for shoot 1.9 Follow work health and safety (WHS) requirements as they apply to the preparation and implementation of shoot |
2. Manage set up for shoot | 2.1 Manage selection and set-up of equipment and accessories to meet planned shots, ensuring safety of relevant production personnel and other participants 2.2 Confirm cameras are matched correctly and lighting is appropriate for intended shots and scenes 2.3 View proposed shots and set-ups through viewfinder or on monitors and make creative and technical adjustments as required 2.4 Participate in rehearsals, noting required changes and instruct camera and lighting crews accordingly 2.5 Mark up and establish shots and lighting requirements to reflect artistic and style needs of shoot 2.6 Maintain ongoing supervision and collaboration with relevant production personnel to maximise creative outcomes |
3. Direct shoot content | 3.1 Direct camera and lighting crews to achieve required cinematographic outcomes 3.2 Monitor output of camera operations to ensure cuts and dissolves between shots produce required technical and creative outcomes 3.3 Operate camera as required while maintaining overview of creative and technical criteria 3.4 Check camera movements do not obstruct the work of production personnel and talent 3.5 Communicate any variations to predetermined plans to production personnel 3.6 Attend daily viewings of rushes to assess quality and relevance of recorded material and schedule reshoots where necessary |
4. Wrap up shoot | 4.1 Supervise dismantling, packing and storing of equipment and accessories and complete necessary documentation 4.2 Check locations are left in original or improved state 4.3 Participate in post-production editing activities and provide additional materials as required 4.4 Participate in debriefings and reflect on own performance and that of production crews, noting areas for future improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
analyse scripts and undertake research to inform discussions with creative personnel about the visual look of productions
finalise camera plans that outline shots and sequences required to achieve desired visual style for productions
take account of timelines, budget and resource constraints when preparing for shoots
test proposed shots in rehearsals and fine-tune set-up and lighting to optimise quality of shots
direct camera and lighting crews in shoots to achieve required technical and creative outcomes
view film shot each day and organise to shoot material again if required
contribute to post-production editing activities.
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:
describe how crew members and production personnel interact with the person directing cinematography
identify typical problems that arise in the context of directing cinematography and briefly describe solutions
explain how shot lists and camera plans are prepared
explain how production scheduling affects the process of planning cinematography
outline how artistic and style needs of the shoot are met using lighting and camera techniques
describe the role the person directing cinematography plays in the post-production process
outline work health and safety procedures that apply to film shoots.
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 and lighting equipment and accessories
opportunities to plan and direct cinematography work.
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 | 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 2.4 | Interprets, comprehends and analyses information from a range of sources to inform planning and decision making |
Writing | 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 2.4, 2.5, 4.1 | Documents research results for personal use Prepares documents to support productions in suitable formats for the use of others Completes production documentation according to requirements |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4, 2.6, 3.1, 3.5, 3.6, 4.4 | Selects and uses appropriate language to provide information and directions Uses listening and questioning skills to seek and respond to feedback |
Numeracy | 1.6 | Extracts, evaluates and compares numerical information to assist with budgetary and resource constraints |
Navigate the world of work | 1.9, 2.1 | Takes responsibility for legal and regulatory responsibilities within scope of own role and work context |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4, 2.6, 3.1, 3.5, 3.6, 4.4 | Plays a lead role in situations requiring effective collaborative and negotiation skills |
Get the work done | 1.2-1.8, 2.1-2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1-3.6, 4.1-4.4 | Accepts responsibility for planning, sequencing and implementing complex tasks that involve input from various people Recognises and responds to variations in plans and schedules, informing others as required Analyses and evaluates information to make decisions Collaboratively devises innovative approaches to meet production requirements Recognises and responds to problems as they arise |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Camera/Cinematography