CUFPOS404A
Cut and match film negative

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to cut and match negative against computer generated edit decision lists (EDLs) to produce a final cut negative or rolls of select takes.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

Negative cutters apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit.

They work closely with a range of post-production personnel and are responsible for producing negative cut in preparation for the production of a final exhibition print. This involves transferring footage shot on film to a digital format and using a non-linear editor to generate an EDL. They then cut and splice the original camera negative to conform to the EDL, or select sections of negative for further digital processing.

Negative cutters carry a significant level of responsibility to ensure accuracy and total care of original negative film.

They work generally in a broader production team and rely on detailed information from clients and other editing personnel. They may be responsible for supervising the work of others.

Skills associated with preparing film for editing and non-linear editing are covered in:

CUFPOS301A Prepare motion picture film for printing or transfer

CUFPOS401A Edit screen content for fast turnaround.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Prepare for negative matching

1. Ensure that source material for productions is filed correctly and available as required

2. Liaise with relevant personnel to confirm production requirements to ensure negative matching is processed promptly

3. Retrieve original negative from storage and ensure that equipment is in good working order

4. Establish frame sequence required for final negative or for select takes according to production requirements

5. Review requirements as noted on edit decision lists prior to proceeding with negative matching

6. Manage negative with care to avoid damage during production process using appropriate protective gloves

Extract and match negative

7. Check frame sequence required for selected negative according to instructions and select designated takes

8. Identify and locate required frames on negative to match EDLs

9. Accurately cut selected frames until the negative matching process has been completed according to production requirements

10. Extract negative for opticals or digital treatment, complete necessary documentation and dispatch to required destination according to enterprise procedures

11. Supervise the work of others as required, ensuring that negative matching conforms with EDLs

12. Deal promptly and efficiently with problems that arise during the negative matching process to ensure that production deadlines are met

Assemble, clean and check negative

13. Attach leader film and label negative appropriately according to enterprise procedures

14. Assemble selected frames into correctly sequenced A and B rolls if required

15. Splice negative using correct editing procedures to meet final print criteria or scanning requirements

16. Assemble and label unused negative takes and store safely or return to relevant personnel according to enterprise procedures

17. Ensure that completed negative is clean and free from faults

Wrap up operations

18. Produce required documentation to report on the quality of selected negative

19. Ensure that negative is dispatched to the required destination according to enterprise procedures

20. Provide feedback on negative extraction and matching process to team members in a way that fosters a positive work environment

21. Review own performance on a regular basis and note areas for future improvement

Required Skills

Required skills

excellent communication and organisational skills sufficient to:

liaise with relevant production personnel, e.g. editors, directors, producers

supervise team members

plan and schedule aspects of post-production processes related to negative matching

organise content logically and accurately

self-management skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks

work under pressure

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance when problems arise

problem solving skills sufficient to anticipate and deal with problems that arise in the context of extracting and matching negative

technical skills sufficient to:

use a range of negative extraction and matching equipment

use relevant file management protocols for specified operating systems

observe safety procedures when handling negative and work print rolls, and hazardous materials, such as cleaner solvents

literacy and numeracy skills sufficient to:

interpret relevant documentation

prepare reports in relation to the negative extraction and matching process

document, log and file source and edited materials

implement and record time codes and copies

Required knowledge

attributes of a range of film types

film handling techniques

the properties and applications of different types of cleaning solvents

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of project team members, e.g. post-production personnel, laboratory technicians, archivists, telecine and video operators

issues and challenges that arise in the context of extracting and matching negative

film language and terminology

phases in the production and post-production process

well-developed understanding of current editing techniques and application of different methods

OHS requirements as they relate to working for periods of time on close-up work, manual handling of film negative and cleaning solvents

duty of care to colleagues

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

extraction and matching of negative that demonstrates an ability to:

correctly interpret computer generated EDLs and job instructions

handle negative cleanly, carefully and accurately

follow correct safety procedures when handling film negative and hazardous materials

work to deadlines

attention to detail

a collaborative approach to work, including the ability to supervise the work of others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to editing equipment and software that enables the management of EDLs and other data

opportunity to work on a range of relatively complex materials

involvement with film laboratory procedures

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 negative extraction and matching process undertaken by the candidate to determine whether the output meets requirements

direct observation of candidate cutting and matching film negative

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:

CUFPOS301A Prepare motion picture film for printing or transfer

CUFPOS401A Edit screen content for fast turnaround

BSBWOR402A Promote team effectiveness.


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:

assistant editor

colour grader/colourist

director

director of photography

editor

producer

sound editor.

Production requirements may include:

deadlines

grading requirements

special effects.

Negative may be:

black and white negative

colour negative

duplicate negative

negative produced from exposed camera film footage

original negative.

Equipment may include:

cement and ultrasonic splicers

commercial processing machines

computers

edit bench

film rewind benches

film splicers

synchronisers

ultrasonic cleaning machines, of a commercial or industrial nature

video replay decks.

Edit decision lists may include instructions regarding:

composition

dialogue

effects transitions, e.g.:

wipes

dissolves

fades

use of graphics

frame ratio and rate

frame numbers:

head

tail

glitches, faults, drop-outs

image treatment or digital repair

music

soundtrack

special effects

speed

takes

tempo - duration of shots and segments

timing.

Digital treatment may include:

digital animations

digital image repair

digital opticals

digital visual effects

graphics

motion effects

titles

transitions.

Documentation may be:

can labels

client instructions

computer generated

edited fine cut work print

EDLs (edit decision lists)

job code, title and client details

log sheets

manually written

roll numbers

shot/camera lists

stock type.

Print criteria may include:

correct alignments

flush edge splices

jump free rolls

pressure resistant.

Faults may include:

broken splices

data errors

dust

emulsion distortion

machine malfunction

scratches

solvent stains.


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Media and entertainment production - post-production


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.