Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage consistency of characteristics of persons, plots, objects, places and events between shots and scenes in a production, thus facilitating post-production editing.
It applies to individuals who track details of each shooting session and communicate script changes to cast and crew, including information on props, make-up and wardrobe. The notes involved in this work contain details required to recreate continuity of a particular scene, location or action, irrespective of shooting sequence.
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 scripts for continuity | 1.1 Source production documentation with details of scenes to be shot 1.2 Analyse and break down scripts and production schedules to determine continuity implications of scenes to be shot 1.3 Collaborate with relevant production staff to determine most efficient shooting sequence 1.4 Prepare continuity documentation to deliver basic continuity information for each scene 1.5 Identify story days and sequence of story within the script and mark against production schedule 1.6 Note continuity information on script, production schedules or in a continuity diary according to organisational or standard industry practices 1.7 Confirm dialogue requirements with relevant production staff to verify purpose and storyline |
2. Conduct continuity during production phase | 2.1 Log information for each action, or take, on script or in continuity diary 2.2 Produce detailed notes on all elements associated with each scene to enable precise reproduction at a later date if required 2.3 Take photographs of all characters, sets and locations to assist facilitation of continuity 2.4 Time and record duration of all sequences during shoots 2.5 Describe shots in terms of relevant technical information according to organisational requirements 2.6 Provide progress reports to relevant production staff as required and in a timely manner, and update continuity documentation on an ongoing basis during productions |
3. Advise on continuity during productions | 3.1 Recognise implications for production schedules and costs of changes to dialogue and other elements, and promptly inform director 3.2 Communicate approved changes to cast and crew promptly, either verbally or through relevant continuity documentation 3.3 Liaise with personnel from other departments responsible for specific areas of continuity to ensure continuity for the whole production is maintained 3.4 Report to director, according to organisational procedures, identified continuity problems and suggest ways to resolve |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
develop, organise and document detailed continuity information to support the integrity and efficiency of a production
identify continuity problems and implications for props, make-up and wardrobe, and address promptly
maintain a continuity diary and other workplace documentation using appropriate industry 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:
outline the role of continuity work within a screen, media or entertainment production
describe the role and responsibilities of a continuity supervisor or script supervisor and their relationship to key members of the production team
explain relevant protocols and procedures that apply to continuity work in a screen, media or entertainment production
explain how the following continuity conventions are used to support a successful production outcome:
direction and line of action
crossing the line
eyeline
types of shots
angles
position of cameras
position of performers
script changes
explain methods used to visualise and interpret creative and technical concepts required to coordinate all aspects of production continuity
identify typical problems and the main challenges of production continuity work, and briefly describe solutions
identify documentation associated with running a production used to inform continuity work.
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:
productions requiring continuity
scripts for analysis
a range of sets, wardrobe, props and locations.
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, 1.5, 3.4 | Reads information of relevance in documentation to determine and plan continuity documentation and required procedures |
Writing | 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4-2.6 | Organises and updates detailed continuity information using formats, terminology and conventions specific to industry Accurately and legibly records detailed notes for each scene during production |
Oral Communication | 1.3, 1.7, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 | Participates in a verbal exchange of ideas and solutions regarding production and continuity requirements, using appropriate, industry-specific and clear language Contributes information and express requirements with key others, using listening and questioning skills to confirm understanding |
Numeracy | 2.4, 3.1 | Calculates with whole numbers and routine fractions, decimals or percentages, to produce continuity documentation that reflects accurate timing sequences and production time requirements Calculates costs, compares information with available production budget, and identifies cost differences |
Navigate the world of work | 1.6, 2.5, 3.4 | Understands how own role meshes with others Follows organisational procedures and requirements and industry standards in planning and completing continuity work |
Interact with others | 1.3, 1.7, 2.6, 3.1-3.4 | Collaborates and cooperates with production team members to achieve understanding and joint outcomes Provides advice, information and support to others to maintain consistency and continuity throughout production stages |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 2.3, 2.4, 3.3, 3.4 | Adopts a methodical and logical approach to planning and management of continuity tasks Gathers and analyses all relevant information, including by using a stills camera to take continuity photos, and makes continuity decisions cooperatively with others Recognises potential scheduling problems that affect continuity and provides solutions |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Production Planning and Management