ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Confirm scope of soundtrack project

1.1 Liaise with relevant personnel to confirm production values and expectations in relation to the soundtrack

1.2 Confirm role of all personnel involved in compiling the soundtrack for a production, including own role

1.3 Identify factors that may affect the compilation of the soundtrack and plan own work accordingly

2. Determine technical and musical requirements

2.1 Confirm studio arrangements to ensure that all resources are sufficient to meet agreed technical requirements

2.2 Obtain a shot list and music components for the soundtrack and map musical events and duration to film shots

2.3 Assess whether any specific equipment is needed to produce required music score in line with the shot list

2.4 Ensure that required equipment is available on time to meet production requirements

2.5 Check which music components are live and which are to come from other sources and ensure that all components will be available in line with production schedules

3. Compile soundtracks for moving image sequences

3.1 Determine moving image sequences that require theme, incidental or other music

3.2 Establish routines with the director and film editor for viewing, assessing and discussing shot material

3.3 Source, secure and prepare music components for the soundtrack ensuring that copyright requirements are met

3.4 Monitor the acoustic quality of the soundtrack to consistently achieve the required sound

3.5 Incorporate feedback from others on work in progress as required

4. Synchronise music components of soundtracks to moving image sequences

4.1 Identify and observe correct frame rate for video or film to ensure synchronisation between sound and images

4.2 Match music components to screen images or sequences

4.3 Confirm with relevant personnel that the quality of music/sound components aligns with overall production concept and style

4.4 Modify settings or sound quality of musical components in soundtracks according to feedback and other sound elements as required

4.5 Ensure the integrity of timing, sequencing, sound quality and integration with other elements of soundtracks

4.6 Present completed soundtrack to relevant personnel in line with production requirements

5. Evaluate work

5.1 In consultation with relevant personnel identify aspects of the process of compiling music for a soundtrack that worked well and those that could be improved

5.2 Evaluate the quality and success of the music soundtrack in meeting production requirements and planned outcomes

5.3 Evaluate own role in operations and note areas for improvement

5.4 Compare work against previous compositions to assess innovation and the development of techniques and ideas

5.5 Provide feedback to team members on their performance as required

5.6 Document evaluation of operations in line with enterprise procedures and use results of evaluation to improve own work practices

Required skills

research skills sufficient to locate musical components for soundtracks

literacy skills sufficient to:

read and interpret design briefs

follow a full notated music score

listening and technical skills sufficient to:

make music sequencing decisions based on timeframes and beats

discriminate sound texture and colour

sequence sound in time with pictures for appropriate textures, harmonies, duration and dynamics at each required point

ensure soundtrack quality

use sound effects and sound samples in compiling soundtrack

operate industry-standard sound editing and synchronisation software

communication and teamwork skills sufficient to:

work cooperatively with composers, directors, producers and other artists

work effectively in a production team

initiative, enterprise and creativity in the context of:

matching the most appropriate musicto screen images in line with overall artistic vision of productions

using innovative approaches to meet soundtrackrequirements

listening critically to continuously evaluate and adjust the sound balance

listening critically to the creative and technical work of others

planning and organisational skills sufficient to:

work within established budgets and timeframes to achieve planned outcomes

demonstrate reliability in all agreed work commitments

use time-management strategies to set priorities

self-management skills sufficient to:

meet deadlines

provide appropriate and timely documentation

Required knowledge

well-developed understanding of:

principles and techniques involved in compiling music for soundtracks

computer technologies relevant to compiling music for soundtracks

film-making aesthetics, processes and technologies

issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of compiling music for soundtracks

music knowledge, including:

musical styles

musical concepts and ideas in the context of compiling music for soundtracks

typical formats for musical plans

relevant musical terminology

copyright law and permissions

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:

compile at least three music soundtracks that:

demonstrate well-developed critical-listening and aural-discrimination skills

meet creative and artistic requirements

meet technical requirements for screen soundtracks

work creatively, collaboratively and constructively in a team environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a range of industry-current equipment as listed in the range statement

access to productions that require music soundtracks

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 the quality of music soundtracks compiled by candidate in terms of meeting artistic and technical requirements

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

case studies or scenarios to discuss issues, methods and strategies in compiling music soundtracks for screen productions

authenticated recordings of productions where the candidate compiled the music soundtrack.

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

CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis

CUSMCP501A Compose music using electronic media

CUSMCP502A Compose music for screen.

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

musician

performer

composer

musical assistant

music mixer

music supervisor

effects editor

effects mixer

recordist

re-recording mixer

audio operators and dubbing machine operator

audio and sound engineer

broadcaster

director

producer

post-production editor

program manager

sound designer.

Production values may include:

artistic style and quality

overall sound quality aligned with production vision

performance quality manifested in recordings

position and blend of sound sources

relative levels of sound sources

transitions between sound sources

overall sound balance

clarity of sound

colour of sound

sound textures

timbre

orchestration

attack

articulation

dynamics

melody and harmony

mood/phrasing and expression.

Productions may include:

feature films

documentaries

animated productions

short films

commercials

filmed events or performances

music videos

television productions of any type.

Factors may include:

design briefs

available personnel

number of people required to complete task

recording requirements

available resources

communication requirements

production values

available budget

provision of a quote for services

complexity of soundtrack

intellectual property

production schedules

technical considerations

timelines.

Technical requirements may include:

working sympathetically with musical elements in productions

coordinating performances of music to be included in a soundtrack

sourcing additional sound and effects

recording a range of different types of instruments from live and synthesised sources

plotting sound to picture

sequencing

prescoring

animatics

voice-over.

Equipment may include:

music-recording equipment

MIDI

electronic hardware and software for generating or orchestrating music

timecode systems

preamp, signal processor and compressor

mixers

sequencers

DAT

special effects devices.

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.

Music components may include:

original music scored for screen productions

music tracks

music sequences

samples

themes

temp tracks

incidental music.

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: publishers, composers, etc.

Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA)

Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Limited (PPCA)

Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS)

Copyright Agency Limited (CAL)

archives.