Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to direct performers during filming or recording of screen productions.
It applies to individuals responsible for visualising and defining the style and structure of screen productions. They apply high-level communication and management skills to inspire and motivate their team to realise their creative vision. They operate with a high degree of autonomy, need to collaborate with technical and administrative personnel, and require flexibility to make compromises where necessary.
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 Brief performers on technical requirements in collaboration with production personnel where necessary 1.2 Establish lines of communication with production personnel and cast to facilitate smooth running of shoots in line with production timelines 1.3 Update production personnel on changes to production requirements that may have occurred since final rehearsals 1.4 Review dramatic elements dealt with in rehearsals that impact film shoots 1.5 Confirm workplace safety and security requirements are met in line with enterprise procedures |
2. Facilitate performances | 2.1 Run through scenes with performers immediately prior to recording, where time allows 2.2 Create an environment conducive to maximising performances and characterisation, conducting warm-up activities as required 2.3 Collaborate with production personnel and provide feedback throughout shoots 2.4 Identify and rectify creative problems that arise during filming in collaboration with production personnel 2.5 Keep performers informed of filming order of scenes 2.6 Communicate, to performers, the desired mise-en-scène effects, size of each shot or framing, and their role in the context of whole shots or scenes 2.7 Engage performers in control of narratives by using techniques that allow for character sub text |
3. Wrap productions | 3.1 Confirm all scenes are recorded and complete, including spot checks of recordings for quality and accuracy 3.2 Stand down production crew and complete necessary documentation according to enterprise procedures 3.3 Make arrangements for any additional production requirements and inform relevant production personnel 3.4 Evaluate shoot from a director’s perspective, including own performance, and note areas for future improvement 3.5 Provide feedback to production personnel and invite comment on shoots |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
cooperate with production crew to conduct briefings for performers in readiness for shoots
incorporate issues identified in rehearsals into preparation for and direction of shoots
facilitate smooth running of shoots in line with production timelines
keep performers appraised of the order scenes are to be shot in, and how what they are recording fits into the overall picture
adopt a directing approach that brings out the best in performers
address directing problems that arise during shoots
confirm all scenes have been recorded before wrapping shoots
supervise post shoot operations and complete required documentation.
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 practical and theoretical aspects of character development and the craft of screen acting
outline communication strategies and techniques used to direct performers
explain how directors interact with creative and production personnel during shoots
explain artistic and technical elements to consider when directing screen productions
identify typical problems of directing performers in screen productions, and briefly describe solutions
describe conventions and practices of directing for the screen
describe visual story-telling techniques and ways of moving from a written to visual narrative
describe work health and safety procedures that apply to shoots.
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:
screen productions that require direction of performers
performers
shooting locations.
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 | 1.2 | Interprets information to establish job requirements from relevant information |
Writing | 1.3, 3.2 | Uses clear, specific and industry-related terminology to complete and update workplace documentation |
Oral Communication | 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3, 3.5 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Uses clear language to contribute information and express requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 3.2, 3.4 | Meets expectations associated with own role in compliance with protocols and practices of performance direction Ensures work safety practices comply with organisational procedures |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 3.5 | Collaborates with performers and production personnel to achieve joint outcomes, playing a leading role in facilitating effective interaction Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to convey requirements, engage in discussions, and provide and receive feedback |
Get the work done | 1.2-1.4, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3 | Plans, organises and implements work activities of self and others, and manages communication to ensure effective production and optimum performances are achieved Recognises and resolves creative problems in collaboration with others, to maintain production pace |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Directing