Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to install and operate follow spots for productions in the screen, media and entertainment industries.
It applies to individuals who have the ability to modify spot cues in response to unexpected movements during performances. Follow spot operators work with other members of the team and are typically supervised by a senior lighting technician or lighting designer.
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. Install follow spots | 1.1 Position follow spots and accessories according to relevant documentation and safety procedures, ensuring operator and audience safety 1.2 Install and secure spot technical support requirements according to procedures and specifications 1.3 Install manual colour changer correctly and colour according to lighting plans 1.4 Test follow spots to confirm they are operational and accessories are in working order, and seek assistance if required 1.5 Focus follow spots and check multiple spots for consistency of focus and colour temperature |
2. Participate in technical or creative run-throughs | 2.1 Rehearse technical aspects of production and communicate with performers and relevant personnel as required 2.2 Set back-up options in the event of an equipment malfunction and test to ensure they are in working order 2.3 Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant personnel and according to equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements 2.4 Note required equipment deficiencies or technical adjustments to equipment and cues, and modify cue sheets as required 2.5 Execute necessary changes according to modifications required |
3. Prepare to operate follow spots | 3.1 Power up and check follow spots and follow spot accessories and dimmer are in working order according to power-up procedures 3.2 Check colours and operation of colour changer 3.3 Confirm final requirements for equipment operation have been identified, implemented and documented 3.4 Check working order of communication equipment and back-up system and seek assistance if required 3.5 Identify and safely rectify minor faults or problems and inform relevant personnel of any ongoing problems |
4. Operate follow spots | 4.1 Operate follow spots to meet performance requirements and on cue or direction from relevant personnel or running sheet 4.2 Synchronise follow spot operation with other lighting and staging effects 4.3 Modify follow spot cues and operation as required to enhance performance requirements and for unexpected contingencies, and to cater for audience experience and own comfort 4.4 Identify and rectify problems safely and according to venue procedures, and inform relevant personnel as required 4.5 Identify the need for back-up systems and implement as required 4.6 Recalibrate follow spots after changing lamps as required |
5. Shut down and disassemble equipment | 5.1 Turn off power to follow spots and dismantle, store or cover equipment according to enterprise procedures and performance requirements 5.2 Note changes to cue sheets and update and file documentation as required according to enterprise procedures 5.3 Participate in reviews of overall performance to maximise creative outcomes in future productions |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
set up, operate and power off follow spots and associated equipment safely and effectively, according to production documentation, performance requirements, enterprise instructions and safety procedures
collaborate with production team and performers during process, responding to the artistic and technical elements of a production, including cues, directions and performance requirements, in a timely and efficient manner
demonstrate different technical techniques in responding quickly and effectively to changing lighting cues, and sustained and unexpected movement by performers during productions
identify and rectify follow spot problems during pre-production and production according to enterprise procedures and with minimum disruption to work flows, informing relevant personnel of ongoing or complex problems as required
produce and adjust documentation throughout process according to enterprise procedures to support a smooth production and a review of outcomes to inform future productions.
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 key optical and mechanical features and operations of the main types of lanterns, lamps and lantern accessories
describe different types and features of follow spots and their accessories, including incandescent and discharge units
explain the relationship between follow spot operation and other lighting effects
outline roles and responsibilities of lighting technicians, lighting assistants and particularly follow spot operators in the creative arts industry
identify typical problems with installing and operating follow spots and briefly describe solutions
discuss the impact of technology on lighting aspects of production operations
explain duty of care to the safety of colleagues and the general public while performing follow spot work, especially when on location
discuss work health and safety procedures that apply to installing and operating follow spots.
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:
production documents
follow spots and accessories
a production requiring follow spots.
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, 4.1, 5.2 | Interprets sometimes complex emergency and safety procedures, equipment lists and manuals and manufacturers’ specifications relating to tools, equipment and materials Identifies relevant information in lighting plans and performance scripts, sheets and notes |
Writing | 2.4, 3.3, 5.2 | Uses clear sequenced language, specific terminology and appropriate structure and format to record changes and finalise requirements |
Oral Communication | 2.1, 2.3, 4.1, 4.4, 5.3 | Uses clear language to convey information and report operational problems Participates in an exchange of ideas, opinions and information, listening and questioning to clarify and confirm instructions |
Numeracy | 1.1, 2.3, 4.2 | Uses documentation and information from relevant personnel to determine equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements Calculates and keeps a record of required quantities and location of follow spots and accessories |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 3.5, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2 | Understands dimensions of own role and associated responsibilities and the need for coordination with others Follows established enterprise and venue protocols and procedures in performance of tasks Ensures work practices comply with regulatory safety requirements |
Interact with others | 2.1, 5.3 | Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve joint outcomes Contributes to review process using appropriate communication methods and practices |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.5, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1-4.5 | Organises, installs and checks operation of equipment in logical sequences for all stages of production Uses equipment and associated computer programs and makes adjustments that conform to technical and aesthetic changes in requirements Tests reliability of back-up arrangements and makes rapid decisions regarding their implementation Identifies problems and implements logical solutions |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Lighting