ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Confirm sound-design specifications

1.1 In consultation with relevant personnel confirm sound-design specifications, ensuring that they meet production requirements

1.2 Identify and confirm personnel needed to meet production briefs

1.3 Confirm requirements with regard to content, quality and duration of sound components

1.4 Identify and meet copyright requirements

1.5 Hold ongoing discussions with relevant personnel to consider, confirm and incorporate additional or changed production requirements and new ideas as required

2. Oversee the sound-production process

2.1 Devise and/or obtain sound components to meet creative and technical requirements according to sound-design specifications

2.2 Ensure that sound effects are recorded as required

2.3 Ensure that the manipulation of sound components achieves the desired sonic finish and style

2.4 Identify any changes to sound components in conjunction with relevant personnel

2.5 Obtain feedback from relevant personnel about work in progress and modify as required

2.6 Provide direction, advice and assistance to technical staff as required

2.7 Ensure that the final product is delivered in the required format for playback media

2.8 Make backup copies of recordings in line with enterprise procedures

3. Finalise operations

3.1 Ensure that documentation is prepared and updated as required

3.2 Ensure that recorded masters, version copies and backups are logged, labelled and stored in a secure and safe place

3.3 In consultation with relevant personnel, identify aspects of sound-design implementation that worked well and those that could be improved

3.4 Evaluate own role in operations and note areas for improvement

3.5 Provide feedback to team members on their performance as required

3.6 Document evaluation of operations in line with enterprise procedures

Required skills

literacy skills sufficient to:

read and interpret sound design concept specifications

write reports documenting the evaluation of the sound-design implementation

initiative, enterprise and creativity in the context of:

listening critically to sound recordings and continuously evaluating and adjusting the sound balance

using aural imagination to develop coherent and innovative artistic sound outcomes within the scope of productions

accurately identifying and enhancing the characteristics of sound sources

listening critically to the creative and technical work of others

communication skills sufficient to:

communicate the production vision and concept within the constraints of production requirements

provide feedback to recording personnel on appropriate recording and production techniques

clearly explain/offer suitable alternatives when production recording difficulties cannot be resolved within operational constraints

planning and organisational skills sufficient to prioritise work tasksand meet deadlines

problem-solving skills sufficient to promptly and effectively rectify performance, performance environment and other technical issues that may affect the implementation of sound-design specifications

teamwork skills sufficient to work cooperatively with and provide leadership to personnel involved in sound-design implementation

technology skills sufficient to work with a variety of sound recording, production and playback equipment

self-management skills sufficient toprovide appropriate and timely documentation

Required knowledge

well-developed understanding of psychoacoustic principles, including:

spatial hearing

direct sound

early sound

reverberant sound

studio and control room design

ergonomics

industry knowledge, including:

varied characteristics of sound in a range of recording and performance environments

operational knowledge of a range of sound recording, production and playback equipment

understanding compatibility in mono, stereo or multi-channel systems

principles and techniques involved in achieving a simultaneous balance

computer technologies relevant to sound production

copyright legislation and permissions

styles of musical interpretation and sound production

relevant musical terminology

well-developed knowledge of recording techniques, such as:

microphone and instrument/voice placement

application of special effects

mixing sound sources

issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of implementing sound designs

OHS principles of safe listening, including safeguards against hearing loss

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 ability to:

implement sound designs on at least two occasions that creatively and technically meet sound-design specifications

work creatively and collaboratively with others on implementing sound designs.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to productions that require the implementation of sound designs

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

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:

evaluation of soundaspects of productions implemented by candidate and of their quality in terms of meeting specifications

written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit

case studies to assess ability to implementsound designs for different types of productions or events

authenticated recordings of productions where the candidate implemented sound designs.

Guidance information for assessment

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

CUFCMP501A Manage and exploit copyright arrangements

CUSSOU401A Record sound

CUSSOU407A Coordinate location sound recording

CUSSOU501A Develop sound designs

CUSSOU504A Create a final sound balance.

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:

clients

artists, musicians and performers

directors

producers

post-production personnel

program managers

sound designers and editors

video and sound recorders

audio personnel:

sound engineers

sound technicians

sound editors

sound designers

sound effects personnel

post-production editors

foldback mixers

front-of-house mixers

recordists

re-recording mixers

audio stagehands

broadcasters

broadcast engineers

stage managers

floor managers

film/video crew.

Production requirements may include:

technical

creative

artistic

attributions

audience

budget

confidentiality

content

contractual arrangements

copyright

deadlines

direct quotes

duration

intellectual property

interviews

location

purpose

schedule

style.

Productions may include:

live performance or event

commercial

print advertisement

corporate video

feature film and/or video

filmed event and/or performance

interactive media product

internet production

electronic game production

music recording and/or video

promotional trailer

radio broadcast

short film and/or video

television program

training film and/or video

voice-over.

Sound components are sound sources specified in designs and may include:

dialogues and voice-overs

special effects

music

walla

ambient sound

atmospheric sound

foley.

Copyright requirements may include:

provisions of current Copyright Act

copyright permission procedures

attribution

moral rights and performer's rights

negotiating with copyright organisations, such as:

owners of copyright, e.g. publishers, composers

Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA)

Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Limited (PPCA)

Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS)

Copyright Agency Limited (CAL)

archives.

Specifications may include:

dubbing charts

cue sheets

scripts

storyboards

scores

oral descriptions

recording formats.

Formats may include:

quarter inch audiotape

WAV

AIFF

Apple Lossless

WMA

MP3

Vorbis

ATRAC

AAC.

Media may include:

radio

video

CD

DVD

computer hard drive

internet

mobile device

film.

Documentation may include:

pre-mix scripts

mixing sheets

track sheets

de-noising documents

cue sheets

dubbing sheets

queries

notes

manuals.