Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement lighting designs for screen, media and entertainment productions.
It applies to individuals who, as experienced technicians, apply knowledge of the correlation between lighting and the cameras, lenses and stock formats being used in a given production. They may plan and install filler lighting and lights for presenters on location, or work collaboratively with a lighting designer who has devised the lighting plan.
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. Clarify design requirements | 1.1 Discuss lighting designs and plans with relevant production personnel to determine overall production needs 1.2 Generate a range of creative ideas to resolve technical and production issues relating to lighting and effects 1.3 Seek feedback on ideas from relevant production personnel to maximise creative input into lighting effects 1.4 Confirm availability of lighting equipment and lighting accessories to implement different options for lighting effects 1.5 Use a range of criteria to decide which options are most feasible and obtain necessary equipment and accessories according to enterprise procedures 1.6 Select design options that provide a correct visual interpretation of the script and production |
2. Set up and test lighting options | 2.1 Set up lighting equipment and accessories to test different options for lighting effects using appropriate light and exposure meters 2.2 Interpret information readouts and make necessary adjustments to achieve desired light quality 2.3 Adjust lighting equipment and lighting accessories to take account of camera types and capture media to be used 2.4 Correct mixed light sources to achieve a uniform colour balance, using corrective filters to meet creative and technical requirements 2.5 Participate in production meetings and evaluation of work-in-progress on lighting effects 2.6 Consult with relevant production personnel to reach agreement on final lighting configuration to be used and inform others as required |
3. Participate in technical rehearsals | 3.1 Rehearse technical aspects of a production and make changes to the lighting set-up according to production requirements and within required timeframes 3.2 Modify cue sheets and update pre-programmed automated systems according to final shooting requirements 3.3 Amend lighting effects in consultation with relevant production personnel to take account of limitations imposed by the type of camera or other aspects of productions 3.4 Check required changes to lighting operations are implemented and relevant documentation is completed prior to actual production 3.5 Arrange appropriate supervision to maintain continuity of lighting throughout the production period |
4. Monitor lighting operations during productions | 4.1 Check operational aspects of lighting equipment and lighting set-up are correctly prepared for production within required timeframes 4.2 Confirm placement of lighting equipment and accessories is mapped and connections to correct power sources and consoles meet legislative and work health and safety (WHS) requirements are recorded 4.3 Maintain lighting conditions throughout production so image and light quality meet required stylistic effects and technical quality requirements for editing and post-production 4.4 Identify and rectify basic problems and faults using appropriate test equipment and according to enterprise and WHS procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
devise and implement lighting designs that address the creative and technical requirements of productions according to production documentation, performance requirements, enterprise instructions and safety procedures
explore options for implementing lighting designs, using a diverse range of techniques to create lighting effects and operating and interpreting information readouts from a colour temperature meter
set up and test that lighting options meet creative and technical requirements pre-production
adjust lighting equipment and accessories safely and effectively during rehearsals and productions to suit camera types and capture the media being used, with minimum disruption to work flows
identify problems and faults in lighting equipment and undertake basic maintenance within scope of own role
collaborate effectively with creative and technical team members to devise and implement lighting effects that meet production requirements
produce and adjust documentation throughout process according to enterprise procedures and using appropriate lighting terminology.
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:
explain roles and responsibilities of senior lighting technicians, lighting designers and other lighting personnel in the film and television production industry
describe key features and purpose of basic elements of the lighting design process
identify typical problems and the main challenges of installing and testing lighting equipment, and briefly describe solutions
discuss the impact of technology on planning and operating lighting for productions
describe key safety requirements and procedures that apply to implementing lighting designs and working with lighting equipment
explain key creative and technical components of lighting plans and how key photographic principles and techniques can be used
describe how key features of lighting equipment and accessories, lighting systems and lighting concepts can be used in a lighting plan
explain, in detail, attributes of cameras and lenses used in film and television productions and how they can be used in lighting designs
explain characteristics of a range of film, tape and digital capture formats
describe properties and behaviour of light and effects on film and television production
explain the effect of different light sources, diffusion materials, filters and reflectors on the lighting environment
describe, in detail, a range of techniques for creating lighting 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:
indoor and outdoor locations requiring lighting
production documentation
lighting equipment, systems and accessories and cameras.
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, 2.2, 3.1 | Interprets sometimes complex legislative and safety regulations, lighting plans, production and equipment schedules, and manufacturer’s specifications relating to tools, equipment and materials Reads information of relevance in production documentation to determine and plan requirements |
Writing | 3.2, 3.4, 4.2 | Uses clear and specialised language, specific terminology and appropriate structure and format to accurately, legibly and concisely record, modify and report job outcomes and follow-up requirements |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.3, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3 | Uses clear and relevant language to express requirements and convey required changes using relevant language suitable to diverse audiences Participates in an exchange of information, listening and questioning to seek information and confirm understanding |
Numeracy | 2.3, 3.1, 3.2 | Completes simple mathematical calculations using a scale ruler Measures and recalculates lighting cues Interprets channel numbers on lighting boards Calculates power requirements, power settings and load requirements in response to lighting documentation and information from relevant personnel Correctly enters data into cue sheets and automated systems |
Navigate the world of work | 1.5, 4.2, 4.4 | Takes personal responsibility for following enterprise requirements and regulatory safety practices and procedures in planning and completing work |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3 | Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to work collaboratively to reach creative and technical goals |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.4-1.6, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.3-3.5, 4.1-4.4 | Adopts a systematic approach to workload required to implement lighting designs, monitor lighting operations and manage required communication Analyses requirements to generate creative ideas Tests options and makes adjustments to decide on lighting effects that meet script, technical and creative requirements Evaluates results of decisions and makes final changes to ensure lighting set-up and operation meet stylistic and production requirements throughout filming Identifies and solves routine problems safely using standard techniques |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Lighting