Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rig cabling and dolly tracks for relatively complex multi-camera, or occasionally single-camera, productions. As a rule, cable installations and laying of dolly tracks follow predetermined camera plans and are supervised by a technical producer. Typically the skills set out in this unit apply to television productions but may have relevance to other activities within the cultural industries. Sophisticated rigs are a feature of outside broadcasts, with studio-based productions generally having access to a basic plug-in infrastructure for cameras. Productions may include sporting events, entertainment at venues, drama, comedy and other multi-camera activities. Skills associated with manipulating cables during productions are covered in: CUFCAM301A Shoot material for screen productions. Skills associated with the erection of camera towers and platforms (for which a scaffolder's licence is required) are covered in: CUFCAM403A Plan and implement the installation of camera supports. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Prepare for cable rigs | 1. Confirm cabling requirements for shoots with relevant production staff and select appropriate camera cables 2. Repair minor cable faults or defects according to safety requirements and manufacturer instructions 3. Refer complex repairs to technical specialists according to enterprise procedures 4. Complete documentation, according to enterprise requirements 5. Ensure that camera cables are operational and available on time at the correct location |
Rig camera cables | 6. Check that power source is appropriate and available 7. Use the camera plan and other available cabling information to confirm cable points and cable runs 8. Establish cable points, runs and lengths to meet anticipated camera movements and minimise cable cross-overs 9. Lay out excess cable to avoid knotting or twisting during use 10. Run power cables from power source to cameras and other relevant equipment 11. Secure cables to avoid strain on plugs and sockets 12. Ensure that cable routing and patching to camera control units, cable slinging and cable ramping is completed according to camera plans and completed in a safe manner 13. Check that camera cables are run from correct outlet points to cameras and do not impede the movement of cameras involved in productions 14. Ensure that installed camera cables are not a hazard to personnel involved in shoots or to the general public |
Lay tracks for dolly mounts | 15. Position tracks according to production requirements and confirm final positioning with relevant production staff 16. Lay tracks safely, taking account of ground conditions and according to site safety plans 17. Ensure that tracks are placed without risk to production staff involved in shoots and that they are smooth, level and secure throughout the route 18. Ensure that tracks do not intrude on proposed shots and allow free movement of camera equipment and staff 19. Secure dolly to track and check fastenings |
Disassemble camera cables and dolly tracks | 20. Break down cabling and ensure that cables are coiled or wound onto drums to avoid strains or damage 21. Break down and carry track equipment, employing safe lifting techniques 22. Report damage to equipment to relevant production staff and complete required documentation 23. Clean and safely pack equipment to avoid damage and prepare for transport as required 24. Leave worksites in original or improved condition, ensuring that there has been no adverse impact on sites |
Required Skills
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Required skills |
communication skills sufficient to interpret camera plans initiative in the context of making practical suggestions that result in minor modifications to camera plans technical skills sufficient to: undertake basic repairs to a range of different cables use tools and test equipment required to install and maintain cables ability to work and communicate closely with other team members problem solving skills in the context of anticipating and addressing equipment set-up problems self-management skills sufficient to: prioritise work tasks meet deadlines seek expert assistance when problems arise literacy skills sufficient to interpret written and verbal instructions |
Required knowledge |
industry knowledge, including: roles and responsibilities of production personnel broadcast/film language and terminology issues and challenges that arise in the context of rigging camera infrastructure compatibility of a range of video cameras and camera equipment with: a range of cables and connectors different power sources OHS regulations and requirements, and procedures in relation to the use of electrical equipment, cables and dolly tracks duty of care to colleagues and the general public |
Evidence Required
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 following is essential: correct rigging of cables according to a camera plan in a variety of production contexts safe construction and laying of dolly tracks safe work practices cooperative attitude in a team environment. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: access to a real or simulated workplace environment that reproduces all the elements of a television production access to video cables and equipment as listed in the range statement access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance observation of the candidate laying cables and setting up dolly tracks on location to determine if correct procedures have been followed written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: CUFCAM301A Shoot material for screen productions MEM18001C Use hand tools. |
Range Statement
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. | |
Shoots may include: | digital film multi-camera single-camera. |
Relevant production staff may include: | camera operator director director of photography floor manager gaffer grip head of department lighting personnel other specialist staff other technical staff safety officer supervisor technical director. |
Camera cables may include: | auxiliary cables camera cables power cables. |
Documentation may include: | camera plan fault reports production schedules rig plans stock orders stock reports. |
Locations may include: | day exterior interior night outside broadcasts studio. |
Power sources may include: | battery power generator mains power. |
Camera movements may include: | crab dolly pan static tilt track in/out. |
Equipment may include: | cameras monitors power supply video assists. |
Productions may include: | animated productions commercials documentaries EFP (electronic field production) ENG (electronic news gathering) feature films filmed events or performances live or prerecorded television productions music video short films television productions, e.g. music, drama, comedy, variety, sport. |
Ground conditions may include: | broken dry firm level sloping soft studio flooring undulating wet. |
Fastenings may include: | bolts carabiners harnesses clamps fixings joiners knots lashings ropes. |
Sectors
Unit sector |
Competency Field
Media and entertainment production - Camera/cinematography |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.