CUEAUD03C
Operate vision systems

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a range of vision systems during a live production or event. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

Technicians working with audio visual equipment in the screen, media and entertainment industries typically apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. They are responsible for interpreting vision system production requirements and participating in run-throughs prior to performances. Often their duties also include setting up and disassembling equipment.

This unit also has strong linkages to the following units, and combined training and/or assessment with those units may be appropriate, e.g.:

CUEAUD02C Prepare, rig, test and modify vision systems.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Participate in technical or creative run through

1.1. Liaise with relevant personnel and read production documents to determine the technical and production requirements for vision systems

1.2. Participate in any required technical or creative run- through, note any equipment deficiencies or technical adjustments to be made

1.3. Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant personnel and according to equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements

1.4. Make any necessary changes to cues and modify cue sheets as required

1.5. Execute any necessary changes to equipment according to modifications required

2. Prepare for vision system operation

2.1. Check that final requirements for vision systems operation have been identified, implemented and documented

2.2. Check communications equipment to ensure that it is in working order

2.3. Power up and conduct a check on all primary and back-up equipment and accessories to ensure that they are in working order

2.4. Rectify any faults or problems and inform relevant personnel of any ongoing problems

3. Operate vision systems

3.1. Execute on cue all vision system operations in accordance with the running sheet and/or direction from relevant personnel

3.2. Use all equipment features correctly and liaise with other technical personnel, as required, to ensure delivery of the required vision system effect

3.3. Modify cues, as required, to cater for unexpected contingencies

3.4. React to any equipment malfunctions by rectifying the fault safely and efficiently and inform relevant personnel

3.5. Use back-up systems appropriately if required

4. Shut down and disassemble the equipment

4.1. Safely power down the equipment following manufacturer instructions and enterprise procedures

4.2. Secure vision systems to avoid damage when unattended

4.3. Break down and carry vision system and, accessories employing safe lifting techniques

4.4. Safely pack all equipment to avoid damage and prepare for transport if required

4.5. Leave the work site in the original or improved condition, ensuring that there has been no adverse impact on the site

4.6. Complete any organisational documentation accurately and provide copies to relevant personnel

Required Skills

Required skills

effective communication techniques for working with others during a live performance/production

literacy skills sufficient to interpret documentation and plans, running sheets

Required knowledge

the role and responsibilities of the vision systems technician during the actual operation of a production/performance, including appropriate protocols to be followed

problem solving techniques during live production in relation to issues which arise with vision systems

the technical operational aspects of the main types vision systems

the performance capacities and limitations of various projectors and other elements used in vision systems

understanding other technical elements of the production/event such as staging, lighting and sound elements to be used in conjunction with vision systems

general knowledge of rigging procedures, including licencing requirements and restrictions

relevant organisational and legislative occupational health and safety requirements, including safe manual handling techniques

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

technical knowledge of and ability to operate functions of a range of vision systems

collect interpretation of vision system running sheets

effective communication with clients and other technical personnel

knowledge of occupational health and safety principles, procedures and regulations, especially safe lifting techniques.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills using a variety of vision systems during a live production or event

operating vision systems within typical workplace time constraints

operation of equipment according to more than one running/cue sheet to ensure that skills can be adapted to different contexts and vision system requirements

use of industry-current equipment.

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess practical skills and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

direct observation of the operation of vision systems by the candidate

evaluation of vision system presentations operated by the candidate

project or role play activities which allow the candidate to demonstrate skills in interpreting and amending running/cue sheets

role play and test activities which highlight fault detection and rectification

written or oral questioning to test technical knowledge of typical vision systems and occupational health and safety issues and regulations

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the job performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

use of vision system running/cue sheets

a range of standard industry current vision systems

a venue where a full range of vision systems can be operated.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant personnel may include:

client

designer

director

editors

graphic artists

head of department

lighting and stage crew

photographers

sound engineers

supervisor

other specialist staff

Vision systems may be used in a range of environments, including:

attractions and theme parks

clubs

events

festivals

hotels

live theatre, front or back of house

meeting and conference facilities

outdoor venues

shopping centres

showgrounds

Equipment may include:

amplifiers and PA systems

cable or infra-red controllers

communications systems (talkback)

computerised operating console

computers

connectors

lighting control or computers

lighting fixtures

microphones (cabled and wireless)

monitors

projection equipment, including:

35mm slides

data grade projectors

film of any gauge

overhead projectors

surtitles

video projectors

recording and playback devices for audio and images

show relay

speakers

televisions

two-way communication sets

video players

video, digital and still cameras

Accessories may include:

chains and other rigging

curtaining

flats

masking

mounting brackets

rostrum

screens

stands

trolleys

truss

other staging effects


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Media and entertainment production - vision systems


Co-Requisites

It is strongly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after the following unit:

CUEAUD06B

Apply a general knowledge of vision systems to work activities


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.