Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to record dialogue and sound effects on location for a screen production.
It applies to individuals who record dialogue and live sound effects in outdoor and indoor locations for a range of screen productions. They must work cooperatively with performers and other production crew members.
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 location recording | 1.1 Interpret production documentation to determine recording requirements in consultation with relevant people 1.2 Check sound equipment and accessories are in working order prior to shoot 1.3 Check that sufficient consumables are available for duration of shoot |
2. Prepare equipment on location | 2.1 Rig sound equipment and accessories according to safe work practices and production requirements 2.2 Attach radio or clip microphones to actors’ clothing as required 2.3 Participate in technical run-throughs or rehearsals to determine optimum positioning of boom and microphone for recording shots 2.4 Confirm run up time is sufficient and synchronisation codes are referenced to allow stable sound recording |
3. Capture dialogue | 3.1 Move boom according to scripted shots, and respond to direction 3.2 Follow actions and anticipate movements of performers, ensuring boom is unobtrusive and does not generate unwanted noise 3.3 Monitor sound through headphones to confirm unwanted sounds are not being captured 3.4 Communicate appropriately with relevant people, with minimal disruption to operations 3.5 Correct equipment failures with minimal disruption to operations |
4. Capture sound effects | 4.1 Record background location sound for use in post-production 4.2 Place multiple microphones in appropriate positions to capture sound perspective of effects being recorded 4.3 Listen to recorded sound and re-record as required to meet production requirements |
5. Finalise sound recording operations | 5.1 Label, log and file sound recording according to production requirements and organisational procedures 5.2 Create and save master and backup copies of dialogue, sound files and sound recordings in required format 5.3 De-rig, check and clean sound equipment and accessories according to safety and production requirements 5.4 Clean work environment after use and restore to pre-recording condition 5.5 Evaluate own performance and note areas for improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
set up and use sound equipment and accessories to record dialogue and live sound effects on location for screen productions according to safety and production requirements
work collaboratively in a team environment to meet production requirements
follow procedures for finalising sound recordings at the conclusion of production.
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:
describe the types of production documentation and what information they contain
explain the operational principles for a range of sound equipment and accessories, including microphone operation
explain the main techniques and methods of recording dialogue and live sound effects on location
explain the issues and challenges that typically arise when recording dialogue and live sound effects on location, and how to address them
outline the safety considerations that relate to the operation of sound equipment and accessories.
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:
sound equipment and accessories
screen productions where dialogue and live sound effects are recorded
production documentation
interaction with others.
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, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1 | Recognises and interprets textual information from scripts and production documentation to determine requirements |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 4.3 | Participates in a verbal exchange of ideas/solutions using language and features appropriate to context Uses listening skills to assess quality of recordings |
Numeracy | 1.3, 2.4 | Uses mathematical skills to calculate capacity of recording media at various speeds and quantity of consumables |
Navigate the world of work | 2.1, 5.1-5.4 | Follows organisational protocols and procedures for safety and production purposes |
Interact with others | 1.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.4 | Collaborates with others to achieve joint production outcomes Uses communication practices appropriate to the context |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.3, 2.4, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 | Plans and implements tasks required to meet production requirements Addresses problems and make decisions related to task completion Uses familiar digital systems and tools to access, organise, analyse and store information relevant to role |
Sectors
Media and entertainment production – audio/sound