Production managers or designers would typically undertake the role outlined in this unit. The unit may apply to any area of technical expertise, e.g. lighting, audio, costume, and stage management. The person in this role brings together the skills and knowledge covered in other specialist units and focuses on the way these must be applied holistically to the realisation of productions.

The Evidence Guide contains very specific information about the extensive practical skill demonstration required to achieve competence in this unit.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Establish and plan for production requirements

1.1. Evaluate production concepts and documentation to establish the nature of production requirements for the area of work

1.2. Confirm the key objectives and scope of the production in consultation with appropriate colleagues

1.3. Develop a realistic plan for the achievement of production requirements, taking account of any operational limitations and other impacting factors

1.4. Agree, allocate and communicate responsibilities, including timelines and budgets

1.5. Reach agreement on suitable progress evaluation mechanisms

1.6. Accurately document work plans and provide relevant information to production colleagues

2. Implement and monitor the pre-production phase

2.1. Implement agreed plan and monitor progress against timelines and objectives

2.2. Identify and respond to any problems promptly

2.3. Analyse problems and assess and action potential solutions in consultation with relevant colleagues

2.4. Take responsibility for resolving the problem within the scope of individual authority, and consult with others in accordance with organisational procedures

2.5. Take appropriate follow-up action to monitor the effectiveness of chosen solutions

2.6. Update and distribute documentation in a timely manner

3. Collaborate with production colleagues

3.1. Treat colleagues with consideration, respect and empathy to develop and maintain harmonious working relationships

3.2. Ensure an effective flow of communication between those representing different areas of expertise to ensure quality of the production

4. Implement and monitor production/event operation

4.1. Action technical responsibilities in accordance with production requirements

4.2. Monitor relevant aspects of the production and take appropriate action to resolve any problems

4.3. Maintain communication with other key production personnel at all times

5. Evaluate the production/event

5.1. Assess the production in relation to key technical and creative objectives in consultation with relevant colleagues and customers

5.2. Where possible make immediate adjustments to improve production quality

5.3. Share information from the evaluation with appropriate colleagues and incorporate information into planning and operation of future productions

Required skills

communication, negotiation and problem solving skills in the particular context of realising a live production

Required knowledge

detailed knowledge of production processes as they apply to the particular area of technical expertise

techniques for planning work in the context of a live production/event

typical problems that occur during pre-production and during live performance, as relevant to the area of work

safety requirements and regulations as they apply to the particular area of work

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:

ability to coordinate the total production process relevant to the particular area of expertise

effective work planning and monitoring

effective problem solving for the realisation of live productions

detailed knowledge of production processes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

collection of evidence which shows that skills have been demonstrated over a period of time through the realisation of at least 5 different productions to ensure integration of skills and consistency of performance in different circumstances

involvement of and interaction with a production team to reflect the collaborative nature of the production process

demonstration of skills in a coordinating role.

Method of assessment

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

review of a diary or log, showing details of productions on which the candidate has worked

evaluation of productions/performances on which the candidate has worked

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 (eg 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:

a production venue (preferably more than one production space)

the full range of equipment, tools and other resources required to stage a production.

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.

Production concepts and documentation may include:

design briefs

designs

financial documentation

scripts

technical plans

venue information

Key objectives and scope may relate to:

community participation

creative objectives

finance/budget/profit requirement

social objectives

technical objectives

Operational limitations and other impacting factors may relate to:

availability of equipment

budget

climate (for outdoor productions)

performance schedule (and impact on equipment, materials)

performers

safety requirements

scope of expertise within the production team

space/venue

Evaluation mechanisms may include:

achievement of financial objectives

audience response

key milestone dates

regular production meetings

other team communication mechanisms

Problems during pre-production/production may include:

budget overruns

emergency situations

equipment malfunction

inadequate numbers of staff/non-availability of staff

need for greater expertise

unexpected delays

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - production planning and management

This unit contains employability skills.