Course Title: Record sound on location

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: VART6428C

Course Title: Record sound on location

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4374 - Certificate IV in Screen and Media

Course Contact: Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

david.hannan@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 35

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This course describes the skills and knowledge needed to record dialogue and sound effects on location for a screen production.

Sound recordists and boom operators apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. They are responsible for recording sound effects and location atmosphere. They are also responsible for using boom mounted microphones and radio microphones to record dialogue in both outdoor and indoor locations. The operation of the boom requires precision and physical stamina to ensure that the optimum quality sound is captured without interfering with camera operation or the movement of actors. Well-developed understanding of how sound is used in screen productions is essential, along with the ability to work cooperatively and sensitively with performers and other production crew members.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUASOU410 Record sound on location

Element:

1. Prepare for location recording.

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

2. Prepare equipment on location.

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

3. Capture dialogue.

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

4. Capture sound effects.

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

5. Finalise sound recording operations.

Performance Criteria:

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


Learning Outcomes


In this course you will undertake the recording of sound on location which includes television studios, from preparation to final sound recordings.


Details of Learning Activities

In class activities will include a range of teacher directed group activities, projects, class exercises, review discussions/lectures and independent project based work.

Out-of-class activities include completion of individual design and pre-production work, preparation for class presentations and location excursions/production work. Online research and occasional outside of class time group discussions will be required to maintain project work.


Teaching Schedule

Note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Week 1 - A Brief History of Broadcast Technology.
A short retrospective of the last 160 years, examining the most important people, along with
their achievements and discoveries, that have carried broadcast technology to where it is
today.


Week 2 - Electronic News Gathering Sound 1
Sound recording equipment familiarisation. Location sound microphone
types/selection/applications in broadcast


Week 3 - Electronic News Gathering Sound 2
Sound recording equipment familiarisation. E.N.G. location sound mixers. Sound mixer features
and uses. Equipment interconnection. Signal routing. Mixing during recording.


Week 4 - On-location recording of dialogue & sound atmospheres.
Practical outdoor location shoot with single ENG camera and full sound kit. Capturing dialogue
and SFX.


Week 5 - Assessment 1
Outside-location sound recording of vox-pops dialogue and SFX.


Week 6 - Broadcast studio sound recording/mixing techniques.
TV studio sound recording techniques. “Coming Clean” rehearsal/live record session of studio
drama.


Week 7 - Broadcast studio sound recording/mixing techniques.
TV studio sound recording techniques. “Coming Clean” rehearsal/live record session of studio
drama.


Week 8 - Assessment 2
“Coming Clean” live studio drama record session. Recording drama dialogue using studio
sound facilities.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

You are advised to look at myRMIT for ongoing updated information.

 

It is recommended that you bring materials to classes to make notes, for example;

a pen and notepaper or a laptop computer. You will need to have either a USB thumb drive or a USB/Thunderbolt Harddrive (or both) to store and manage your media. Your teacher will advise you what to get when classes commence.

 

The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. Lynda.com is available via your Library login.

The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course will involve demonstration of practical tasks and testing of your knowledge.


Assessment Tasks

[Ungraded Course]

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments and once you have demonstrated competency you will also receive a result after your final assessment task.

Ungraded assessment tasks

Sound1of2: ENG sound recording on location.  Due by 18th April, semester 1

Sound2of2: Live studio drama sound recording for 'Coming Clean' productions.  Productions take place weeks 13, 14, 15 Semester 1

 

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available on myRMIT for full assessment criteria.

Results that apply to Ungraded courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA      Competency Achieved

NYC   Not Yet Competent

DNS   Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students

Cover Sheet for Submissions:

You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Assessment Feedback:

You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work.  Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress

Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):

If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview