Course Title: Record sound on location
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2017
Course Code: VART6429C
Course Title: Record sound on location
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5350 - Diploma of Screen and Media
Course Contact: Course Administrator
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher:
Nat Bates
nat.bates@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
In this course you will learn skills and knowledge required to record sound on location for screen productions.
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 some physical stamina to ensure that the optimum quality sound is captured without interfering with camera operation or the movement of actors.
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
On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to record sound on location for screen productions.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will take place in the classroom and on locations where sound will be recorded. Activities will include, but are not limited to:
Demonstrations
Practical industry style tasks
Tutorials
Discussion
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Class Content |
Assessment Task Due |
1 |
Introduction to the course and assessment tasks
|
|
2 |
Introduction to the recording equipment continued
Class activity - Practice using the equipment |
|
3 |
Class activity - set up camera and mic/mixer and record audio in different locations, playback and evaluate results |
|
4 |
Introduction to Sound Design
|
|
5 |
Class activity - assessment task 01 - You are required to demonstrate your ability to use the camera and audio equipment to record sound effects and atmosphere. |
Assessment 01 - Record sound effects and atmosphere. Ungraded |
6 |
Class activity - simulated interview dialogue recording; emphasis on correct set up and microphone positions |
|
7 |
Class activity - simulated interview dialogue recording; emphasis on correct set up and microphone positions and mixer control |
|
8 |
Class activity - simulated interview dialogue recording; emphasis on correct set up and microphone positions, mixer control, monitoring and level control |
|
9 |
Class activity - assessment task 02 - You are required to demonstrate your ability to use the camera and audio equipment to record dialogue in a mock interview situation. |
Assessment task 02 - Dialogue recording for simulated interview. Ungraded |
10 - 13 |
Recording of location based interviews in production teams, for assessment. |
|
14 |
Screening, review and feedback of completed interview productions. Opportunity for students to fine tune work before assessment submission. |
|
15 |
Screening, review and feedback of completed interview productions. |
Assessment Task 03 Interview dialogue recording (and sfx, atmos if required). Graded |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Viers, R 2008, The Location Sound Bible: How to Record Professional Dialog for Film and TV, Michael Wiese Productions, California. |
978-1615931200 |
Owens, J & Millerson, G 2012, Video production handbook, Focal Press, Massachusetts. |
978-0-240-52080-3 |
Other Resources
Cameras and audio equipment will be provided to you.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include participation in practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and may include practical team based projects.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments and where indicated, you will receive a grade. The graded assessment task will determine your final result for this course.
Ungraded
- Assessment Task 01 - Record sound effects and atmosphere. Due week 5
You are required to demonstrate your ability to use the camera and audio equipment to record sound effects and atmosphere.
- Assessment Task 02 - Dialogue recording for simulated interview. Due week 9
You are required to demonstrate your ability to use the camera and audio equipment to record dialogue in a mock interview situation.
Graded
- Assessment Task 03 - Interview dialogue recording (and sfx, atmos if required). Due week 15
You are required to be a sound recordist on location for one of the location based interview productions undertaken by your team. You will submit the final video for assessment.
Grading criteria for the graded assessment can be found on the course Blackboard site. You will be assessed using the following grades;
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
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.
The assessment matrix for this course can be found on Blackboard or from your teacher.
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