Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to set up a lighting control system and use the more complex functions of a console for lighting cues and effects.
It applies to individuals who record and implement lighting schemas across a diverse range of productions. They work collaboratively with lighting designers and directors as part of a production team, and as experienced lighting technicians may supervise junior lighting technicians.
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. Connect and format control system for productions | 1.1 Connect dimmers to control desk or console using appropriate control protocols, checking designer’s control channel requirements are met 1.2 Connect to peripheral accessories and control devices, including display, storage and printing equipment 1.3 Check system for nature of soft patch from previous production, and ensure patch meets default or production soft patch according to enterprise requirements 1.4 Integrate geographic, grouping, scaling and use of peripheral accessories into the patching process 1.5 Check dimmer reception of data and operation meets required technical parameters of production 1.6 Complete set-up tasks according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements, test control systems for overall functionality, and resolve problems or escalate as required 1.7 Establish, connect and test remote controls for relevant production personnel |
2. Plot and operate advanced cue types | 2.1 Liaise with relevant production personnel to determine the nature of cue type required, contribute ideas to lighting plots, and use console appropriately to establish capabilities 2.2 Make the elements required for the cue type available, and correctly record them 2.3 Demonstrate cue types to relevant production personnel and modify cues and relevant documentation as required |
3. Plot and operate effects | 3.1 Discuss types of effects required and the console capacity to produce them with relevant production personnel 3.2 Use the effects menu, demonstrating effects to colleagues as required 3.3 Identify and record the sequence of steps needed to achieve chosen effect 3.4 Demonstrate effects to relevant production personnel, make appropriate modifications to effects and documentation as required, and rehearse with relevant items and personnel |
4. Use lighting control system during production | 4.1 Check operational aspects of lighting console, lighting cues and effects, and back-up system are correctly prepared and in working order within required timeframes and according to WHS requirements 4.2 Maintain lighting cues and effects throughout production to meet creative and technical requirements 4.3 Identify lighting problems and faults promptly and use control desk or console features and functions to resolve them safely and effectively within scope of own role and without disrupting the production |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
explore options for implementing lighting cues and effects, using a diverse range of techniques, and operating and interpreting production, creative and technical information
set up, record and operate lighting cues and effects using the full range of console features safely and effectively according to production documentation, performance requirements, enterprise instructions and safety procedures
test lighting cues and effects and associated equipment are prepared and operational pre-production
make decisions about lighting operations quickly and effectively in a high-pressure environment
observe dimmer control protocols during production, including those related to advanced features
identify problems and faults in equipment and operations prior to and during production and resolve in a timely and safe manner within scope of own role
collaborate effectively with creative and technical team members to devise and implement lighting cues and effects that meet production requirements
produce and adjust documentation throughout the process, according to enterprise procedures, using appropriate lighting terminology, and demonstrating attention to detail in recording and reproducing lighting cues.
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 features and purpose of basic elements of the lighting design process and their impact on the set-up of lighting control systems
describe advanced features and effects associated with different lighting systems
explain optical and mechanical features and operations of the main types of lanterns and lantern accessories
describe how different combinations of lanterns and accessories, and lighting and lighting control systems, are used for different types of production cues and effects
describe lighting control concepts used in various lighting systems
discuss operational parameters of automated lighting and lighting effects accessories
describe safety requirements and procedures that apply to operating lighting cues and 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:
lighting equipment including range of dimmers, peripheral accessories, control devices, and control desks or consoles
an appropriate production venue.
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, 1.5, 2.3, 3.2, 4.1 | Interprets sometimes complex legislative and safety regulations, lighting plans, production and equipment schedules, and manufacturer’s specifications and technical manuals relating to tools, equipment and materials Reads information of relevance in production documentation to determine and plan requirements |
Writing | 2.2, 2.3, 3.4 | Uses clear and specialised language, specific terminology and appropriate structure and format to accurately, legibly and concisely complete and update workplace documentation |
Oral Communication | 2.1, 3.1, 3.4 | Uses clear and relevant language to express requirements, provide clear verbal and non-verbal cues, and brief colleagues on lighting cues and effects Participates in an exchange of information and ideas, listening and questioning to seek information and confirm understanding |
Numeracy | 1.1-1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 2.3, 3.4 | Calculates power requirements, settings for dimmers, power settings and load requirements in response to lighting documentation and information from relevant personnel Measures and tests lighting control system components Interprets numbers for channel selections Correctly enters data into cue sheets and automated systems |
Navigate the world of work | 1.3, 1.6, 4.1, 4.2 | Understands nature and purpose of own role and associated responsibilities Follows workplace safety protocols and procedures and enterprise requirements |
Interact with others | 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 | Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to engage others and work collaboratively to achieve shared understanding |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4-1.7, 2.2, 2.3, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1-4.3 | Adopts a systematic approach to planning and implementing tasks required to set up and operate a complex lighting control system Plans for and uses a variety of colour media in lighting Uses acquired knowledge and experience to identify solutions to problems quickly and capably during performances Implements decisions within scope of responsibility |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Lighting