Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, set up and shoot a wide range of screen content using professional video equipment in a single camera environment.
It applies to individuals who usually work without supervision, either as employees of a production house or as freelancers on assignment. Individuals often need to collaborate with producers, directors and production professionals to achieve the camera, sound and lighting outcomes of the shoot.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for shoots | 1.1 Contribute ideas for the visual interpretation of production requirements in pre-production briefings 1.2 Appraise ideas for shots, taking into account the potential impact on costs, timelines, scripts and technical feasibility 1.3 Survey locations prior to shoots as required 1.4 Plan, prepare and pack camera equipment and accessories required for production requirements 1.5 Check equipment is in working order and fix minor faults or arrange to have them fixed 1.6 Select capture media appropriate and sufficient to meet production requirements 1.7 Anticipate work health and safety (WHS) requirements as they apply to preparation and implementation of shoots 1.8 Complete documentation in line with enterprise procedures |
2. Set up shoots | 2.1 Survey sites and determine camera positions to achieve shots and compositions best suited to production requirements 2.2 Liaise with production personnel and talent to generate a range of ideas that offer creative solutions for particular productions 2.3 Appraise ideas for potential impact on costs, timelines, scripts, technical feasibility and suitability to meet production requirements 2.4 Implement lighting plans and install required cables 2.5 Confirm light temperature and exposures are sufficient for production requirements 2.6 Position microphones and conduct audio checks 2.7 Rehearse shots as required |
3. Shoot content | 3.1 Check camera movements for implementing planned and rehearsed shots 3.2 Employ photographic principles and techniques to achieve technical and aesthetic requirements 3.3 Coordinate inputs from other crew members as required to achieve desired images 3.4 Confirm captured shots meet editing and other post-production requirements 3.5 Collaborate with other production personnel and respond to direction as required 3.6 Record audio or coordinate sound operations as required 3.7 Apply safe work practices at all times |
4. Wrap up shoots | 4.1 Use appropriate manual handling techniques when packing and storing equipment 4.2 Label recorded content ready for post-production 4.3 Check locations are left in original state 4.4 Brief editors and producers on post-production issues 4.5 Complete necessary documentation 4.6 Review and reflect on own performance and note areas for improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
communicate and collaborate with production personnel and talent during shoots
work within production deadlines
set up, test and disassemble camera, sound and lighting equipment on location
safely operate a professional video camera and ancillary equipment
apply photographic and composition techniques to capture shots that produce desired visual effect.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
explain roles and responsibilities of key personnel involved in shooting screen content
describe key creative and technical considerations relevant to shooting screen content in a single camera environment
identify typical problems that may arise in the context of shooting a wide range of screen content, and briefly describe solutions
explain how cameras and accessories are used to produce different effects
explain key framing techniques and principles of shot composition
describe key features of different types of light-measuring devices
outline basic principles of lighting that apply in the context of shooting content for screen productions
describe types of artificial light sources available to camera operators
outline work health and safety procedures that apply to shooting on location
describe characteristics of microphones commonly used when shooting screen content.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
camera equipment and accessories
productions which require a range of material to be filmed.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 1.7, 2.3, 4.2 | Recognises and interprets textual information to determine and adhere to plans and requirements Identifies, and analyses workplace documentation to ensure accuracy of data |
Writing | 1.8, 2.3, 4.2, 4.5, 4.6 | Uses specific and accurate language to complete production documentation including recording creative ideas |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 2.2, 3.4, 4.4 | Listens carefully and responds to verbal instructions, asking questions as required Use language and non-verbal features appropriate to audience and context |
Numeracy | 1.2 | Extracts, evaluates and compares numerical information to determine costs Calculates lighting requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 1.7, 1.8, 3.7, 4.1 | Follows organisational and legislative responsibilities within scope of own role |
Interact with others | 1.1, 2.2, 3.4, 4.4 | Uses effective interpersonal skills to liaise and collaborate to achieve production requirements |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.8, 2.1-2.7, 3.1-3.4, 3.6, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6 | Plans, organises and implements tasks to achieve required outcomes Analyses information to make decisions related to the shoot Identifies and responds to routine problems, seeking assistance when problems are beyond immediate responsibilities Reflects on outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Camera/Cinematography