This unit describes the skills and knowledge required by camera operators participating in multi-camera productions.

Generally they work as members of a team and under the direction of a floor manager or director.

The programs may be studio-based or outside broadcasts. Typical productions include drama, comedy, light entertainment, concerts, sport, news and current affairs and audience forums. Cameras may be in fixed positions, on pedestals or hand-held.

Camera operators work collaboratively and creatively with other members of a production team, including producers, directors, technical producers and talent. They can be employed by television networks or production houses, or work as freelancers on assignment.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Plan shots and camera movements

1. Participate in pre-production meetings and briefings to discuss visual interpretation, requirements and locations for intended productions

2. Liaise with relevant production personnel to confirm that planned shots and camera movements meet technical and script criteria

3. Assess camera plan to ensure individual role is consistent with overall production needs and plans

4. Interpret camera plan and other documentation to create shot lists for use during rehearsal, recording or live transmission

5. Appraise ideas for shots, taking into account the potential impact on schedules, technical feasibility and production requirements

6. Anticipate occupational and health and safety requirements as they apply to the preparation and implementation of shoots

Set up for shoots

7. Assemble camera, equipment and accessories to meet predetermined camera positions and camera movements

8. Position camera for shots to ensure the safety of relevant production personnel, talent and general public

9. Ensure appropriate camera cables are run from correct outlet points to cameras and do not impede camera movements involved in productions

10. Ensure that cameras are lined up and matched to meet production requirements

11. Charge and install headsets and ensure talkback function is operational to allow communication with relevant production personnel

12. Liaise and collaborate with other relevant production personnel and talent to maximise creative outcomes

Shoot content

13. Participate in rehearsals and adjust shot lists and schedules according to required changes

14. Re-create camera shots and movements established in rehearsal during recording or communicate clearly to production personnel unavoidable variations from the predetermined plans

15. Respond to cues received from relevant production personnel in a timely manner

16. Consider shots and angles required of other camera operators to assess how cuts and dissolves between shots can produce the required creative outcomes

17. Move camera without impeding the operation of other team members, including other camera operators and technical personnel

18. Ensure safe work practices are applied at all times

Wrap up shoots

19. Dismantle, pack and store equipment and accessories as required

20. Participate in post-production debriefings and reflect on own performance, noting areas for future improvement

21. Ensure locations are left in original state

22. Complete necessary documentation

Required skills

communication skills sufficient to interpret creative requirements of productions

ability to work and communicate effectively as a team member

technical skills sufficient to:

operate a range of professional camera equipment in a multi-camera environment in the context of a range of program styles

communicate effectively using two-way communication devices during multi-camera shoots

initiative and enterprise in the context of:

making creative contributions to program ideas and outcomes

responding quickly to changes in planned camera shots and movements

self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

work under pressure

balance creative and technical requirements

evaluate own contribution to creative solutions

literacy skills sufficient to interpret and provide written and verbal instructions, e.g. shot lists, labelling and scripts

numeracy skills sufficient to make decisions that take account of budgetary constraints

Required knowledge

features of a range of cameras and accessories

framing techniques and shot composition

concepts and techniques of cable handling and compatibility with other equipment

duty of care to colleagues and general public, especially on location

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of production and post-production team members

sound understanding of the creative and technical elements of a range television productions

broadcast language and terminology

issues and challenges that arise in the context of shooting television content in a multi-camera environment

well-developed understanding of photographic principles, such as:

exposure

tonal relationships

focus

light sources

sensitivity and balancing

camera's interpretation of colour

colour correction techniques

colour temperature and compensation

OHS procedures, particularly as they relate to lifting, climbing rigs and use of electrical equipment

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to work within production deadlines and to plan and organise shot lists for a multi-camera shoot

ability to contribute creative interpretations and ideas in the context of planning shots to meet production requirements

collaborative approach to work, including ability to work under direction

ability to operate cameras and ancillary equipment in a multi-camera environment

knowledge and application of photographic principles.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to professional equipment based on items listed in the range statement.

access to facilities to produce a show tape, which demonstrates aptitude across a reasonable spectrum of program types and the ability to work effectively in a multi-camera environment

opportunities to work on multi-camera shoots

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of a range of screen content shot by the candidate in a multi-camera environment to determine whether production requirements have been met

observation of the candidate setting up and operating a camera in a multi-camera environment

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process

CUFCAM401A Shoot a wide range of television content.

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.

Locations may include:

day

exterior

interior

night

studio.

Productions may include:

events or performances

live or prerecorded television productions , e.g.:

music

drama

comedy

variety/infotainment

sport

studio debates

news

current affairs.

Production personnel may include:

camera operator

designers

director

director of photography

floor manager

gaffer

head of department

lighting personnel

other specialist staff

other technical staff

producer

supervisor

technical director.

Shots may include:

close-up

cutaway shot

establishing or master shot

extreme close-up

eye-level shot

high-angle

long shot

low angle

mid shot

point-of-view shot

wide shot.

Camera movements may include:

crab

dolly

pan

static

tilt

track in/out

zoom in/zoom out.

Documentation may include:

camera plan

computer generated/manually written

emails/SMS

production schedule

running sheets

scripts

shot lists.

Shoots may include:

combined video and audio function

fixed/supported

hand-held operation

separate video and audio record functions

single-camera.

Equipment and accessories may include:

cables

cameras

camera supports, e.g.:

pedestal

mounts

cranes

dollies

track

tripods

spreaders

fluid heads

cue card holders

filters

headsets

lenses

lights

special effects equipment

two-way communication devices.

Talent may include:

actors

general public, e.g. studio audiences, spectators

interviewees

interviewers

journalists/reporters

performers

presenters.

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - Camera/cinematography

This unit contains employability skills.