Course Title: Shoot a wide range of screen content

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: VART6391C

Course Title: Shoot a wide range of screen content

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5361 - Diploma of Screen and Media (Interactive 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

Peter Kennedy
e: p.kennedy@rmit.edu.au
ph: 9925 8079

Nat Bates
e: nat.bates@rmit.edu.au
ph: 9925 4815

Nominal Hours: 70

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 cover the skills and knowledge required to prepare, set up and shoot a wide range of screen content using professional video equipment in a single camera environment.

It applies to individuals who usually work without supervision, either as employees of a production house or as freelancers on assignment. Individuals often need to collaborate with producers, directors and production professionals to achieve the camera, sound and lighting outcomes of the shoot.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUACAM401 Shoot a wide range of screen content

Element:

1. Prepare for shoots

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Contribute ideas for the visual interpretation of production requirements in pre-production briefings

1.2 Appraise ideas for shots, taking into account the potential impact on costs, timelines, scripts and technical feasibility

1.3 Survey locations prior to shoots as required

1.4 Plan, prepare and pack camera equipment and accessories required for production requirements

1.5 Check equipment is in working order and fix minor faults or arrange to have them fixed

1.6 Select capture media appropriate and sufficient to meet production requirements

1.7 Anticipate work health and safety (WHS) requirements as they apply to preparation and implementation of shoots

1.8 Complete documentation in line with enterprise procedures

Element:

2. Set up shoots

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Survey sites and determine camera positions to achieve shots and compositions best suited to production requirements

2.2 Liaise with production personnel and talent to generate a range of ideas that offer creative solutions for particular productions

2.3 Appraise ideas for potential impact on costs, timelines, scripts, technical feasibility and suitability to meet production requirements

2.4 Implement lighting plans and install required cables

2.5 Confirm light temperature and exposures are sufficient for production requirements

2.6 Position microphones and conduct audio checks

2.7 Rehearse shots as required

Element:

3. Shoot content

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Check camera movements for implementing planned and rehearsed shots

3.2 Employ photographic principles and techniques to achieve technical and aesthetic requirements

3.3 Coordinate inputs from other crew members as required to achieve desired images

3.4 Confirm captured shots meet editing and other post-production requirements

3.5 Collaborate with other production personnel and respond to direction as required

3.6 Record audio or coordinate sound operations as required

3.7 Apply safe work practices at all times

Element:

4. Wrap up shoots

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Use appropriate manual handling techniques when packing and storing equipment

4.2 Label recorded content ready for post-production

4.3 Check locations are left in original state

4.4 Brief editors and producers on post-production issues

4.5 Complete necessary documentation

4.6 Review and reflect on own performance and note areas for improvement


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this competency, you will have developed the skills and knowledge required to prepare, set up and shoot a wide range of screen content using professional video equipment in a single camera environment.


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:

• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT

Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:

• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT


Teaching Schedule

Week

Class content - Film 1

Assessments

Wk 1

Overview of course

Introduction to assessment tasks

  • Students to purchase their own SD card

Visit Screen Worlds permanent exhibition at ACMI at Federation Square. Daily 10am - 5pm FREE

 

Wk 2

Basic Camera Operation

Battery, SD card, power on/off, movie shooting mode, focus, zoom and recording/playback.

A01 - Camera operation

Wk 3

Advanced Camera Operation

Exposure settings, white balance, depth of field

Shots - Wide, medium, close up, 2 shot, over shoulder, reverse shots, cutaways etc.

Camera angles and movement - Pan, tilt, dutch, track

Framing - rule of thirds

Crossing the line and the 180 degree rule

 

Wk 4

Audio Recording

Connection, operation, setting levels, mic placement

Using a separate recorder - slate technique

 A02 - Audio capture

Wk 5

Lighting

Introduction to 3 point lighting & lighting plans

Basic lighting set up & WHS


Introduction to A04 - 1 minute film

 

Wk 6

Lighting assessment session - underground car park

4 groups - 1 camera each, rotate

- 1 group lights a subject and shoots

- 1 group shoots close ups of lighting group at work  

- 1 group shoots mid shots of lighting group at work

- 1 group shoots wide shot of lighting group at work

 

Wk 7

Editing the lighting footage from 4 cameras

Each student does their own individual edit

Outline A04 - 1 Minute Film - schedule

  • Synopsis and treatment
  • Budget and schedule
  • Storyboard and shot list
  • Assemble
  • Rough cut
  • Fine cut

A03 - Basic Lighting setup

Wk 8

WIP review – Present your progress - A04 - 1 Minute Film

Synopsis and treatment

Cameras now available for borrowing

 

Wk 9

Studio class

A04 - 1 Minute Film - Budget and schedule

 

Wk 10

WIP review – Present your progress - A04 - 1 Minute Film

Storyboard and shot list
In class present budget, schedule, storyboard and shot list

 

Wk 11

Studio class

A04 - 1 Minute Film - footage assemble 1

 

Wk 12

Studio class

A04 - 1 Minute Film - footage assemble 2

 

Wk 13

Studio class

A04 - 1 Minute Film - rough cut

 

Wk 14

Studio class

A04 - 1 Minute Film - fine cut

 

Wk 15

Studio class

A04 - 1 Minute Film - submission

 A04 - 1 Minute Film

Wk 16

Studio class

Discussion & Review

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

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


Other Resources

Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.

Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB flash drive, with at least 32Gb capacity.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class discussion, exercises presentations and practical projects.


Assessment Tasks

This course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment.To demonstrate competency you must complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. Once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for Assessment Task(s) x and x and for the course. Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course Blackboard page through MyRMIT.


Ungraded:

A01 - Camera operation
Demonstrate basic DSLR camera operations including; battery installation, SD card installation, power on/off, switching to video mode, zoom, focus, recording and playback.
Due week 2

A02 - Audio capture
Demonstrate ability to record audio while shooting footage with a DSLR camera
Due week 4

A03 - Basic Lighting Setup
a. Lighting - Demonstrate basic 3 point lighting technique using the appropriate safety procedures 
b. Editing - Edit footage captured during lighting assessment into 30 seconds
Due week 7


Graded:


A04 - 1 Minute Film
Shoot a short video (30 seconds to 1 minute) showcasing your skills with a DSLR camera. Pre production is a significant aspect of this assessment and could include a synopsis, treatment, budget, schedule, storyboard, and shot list. Assessment includes compulsory work in progress reviews. This includes compulsory WIP (Work in Progress) reviews in weeks 8 and 10.
Due week 15

Graded assessment in this course uses 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 through myRmit, 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