Course Title: Shoot material for screen productions

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

Course Code: VART6206C

Course Title: Shoot material for screen productions

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4295 - 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

Rowan Humphrey
(03) 99254842
rowan.humphrey@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

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 unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to shoot screen material using a single-camera.
Camera operators apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. Their prime responsibility is to capture screen images using a range of video equipment.
Operators in this context generally work under direction but perform all camera, sound and lighting functions. Occasionally they will be assisted by a camera assistant or sound recordist. On occasion, they may be required to assist other camera operators with the movement and handling of cameras and cables.
Mainstream activities include shooting for news and current affairs, short documentaries, and corporate and training videos.
More specialised duties may include the capture of materials for animations and stop-motion animated productions.
Typically camera operators are employed by television stations, production houses or corporate video units. In addition, there is a growing body of camera operators who work on a freelance basis.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUFCAM301A Shoot material for screen productions

Element:

Element 1    Prepare for shoots

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Participate in pre-production briefings as required to confirm production and post-production requirements
1.2 Arrange equipment and accessories for shoots as directed, ensuring that everything is clean and operational
1.3 Safely charge batteries according to manufacturer specifications and ensure sufficient supply of charged batteries to meet the needs of production schedules
1.4 Select required capture media and ensure sufficient supply for the intended production
1.5 Prepare and pack lighting equipment, including gels and cables as required
1.6 Undertake minor repairs on faulty equipment or report significant faults to relevant production personnel
1.7 Confirm location, shooting schedules and timelines with relevant production personnel
1.8 Complete appropriate documentation prior to shoots
 

Element:

Element 2    Set up on location

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Determine camera positions to ensure that composition of shots provides correct visual interpretation of production requirements
2.2 Liaise and collaborate with crew and talent and contribute ideas to initial concepts
2.3 Set up equipment and accessories to ensure the safety of personnel on location
2.4 Consider requirements for repositioning equipment and accessories during shoots taking into account production schedules
2.5 Ensure cameras and other equipment are safely secured
2.6 Label and load capture media and check camera functions
2.7 Position microphones as required and conduct audio check
 

Element:

Element 3    Set up lighting

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Assess the quality and quantity of available light and determine the amount of correction required if necessary
3.2 Mount and position lighting equipment following safety guidelines
3.3 Run lighting cables and connect safely to power sources
3.4 Install colour frames and gels in accordance according to requirements for the specific shoot
3.5 Select lenses and filters appropriate to the prevailing conditions
 

Element:

Element 4    Position and operate camera to capture shots

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Consider camera shots and angles, where feasible, to ensure cuts between shots produce the desired result
4.2Take account of editing or other post-production requirements while shooting
4.3 Ensure camera set-up meets criteria for shoot
4.4 Check camera movements to implement planned or rehearsed shots according to direction from relevant production personnel
4.5 Shoot and record sequences as directed, maintaining focus throughout
 

Element:

Element 5    Manipulate cables and camera positioning

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Participate in pre-production meetings and rehearsal, if required, and ensure that final camera and cable movements are understood
5.2 Communicate with relevant production personnel during shoots and position and move camera cabling according to instructions and cues received
5.3 React consistently to cues received from relevant production personnel and ensure consistency of timing without undue lapses
5.4 Move cameras and cabling without impeding the operation of camera operators and work in cooperation with other personnel to achieve the desired camera movements
5.5 Ensure that camera operators do not collide with other elements
5.6 Complete cabling handling operations without damage to equipment or injury to personnel
 

Element:

Element 6    Wrap up the shoot.

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Check and pack equipment and accessories using safe lifting techniques
6.2 Ensure recorded material is labelled properly, together with relevant documentation
6.3 Report equipment faults and complete required documentation
6.4 Leave locations in original condition to ensure no adverse effect on the site
6.5 Review and reflect on performance and note areas for improvement

 


Learning Outcomes


In this course you will shoot material for screen productions.


Details of Learning Activities

In class activities will include a range of teacher directed group activities/projects class exercises to review discussions/lectures independent project based work online research group discussion
Out-of-class activities include completion of individual design and pre-production work, preparation for class presentations and location excursions.


Teaching Schedule

Please 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 
 

  Please 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     
Class Content Assessment                                     
Week 1

 

Prepare for shoots Introduction to Cameras & Natural Lighting and the Course guide. Introduction to professional cameras, batteries & tripods. Recording formats. Set up on location Mounting camera to tripod. Position & operate camera to capture shots Framing shots, panning & tilting. Sound. Ambient light Complete Sherpa Roster.doc
Home work- Watch TV to develop screen grammar. Read ‘ENG’ chapters from ‘Martha’. Explore the contents of Blackboard and check out Lynda.com via the RMIT library.

 

 

Week 2

 

Normalising, manualising. Following the camera check list. Manipulate cables and camera positioning. Basic audio connections. Shooting with available light. Set up lighting Setting up Key, Fill and Backlight. Set up on location A walk in the Lane. ENG style shooting. Setting up for run and gun. What have we forgotten? Shooting off the shoulder & from the hip. Flexifill. Weather.

 

 
Week 3

 

SHOOT task 1 of 3 Demonstrate set up of a camera onto a tripod for ‘ENG’ style shooting, following your own camera checklist. [While waiting other candidates Shoot Depth of Field footage.]

 

 Task 1
Week 4

 

SHOOT task 1 of 3 Demonstrate set up of a camera onto a tripod for ‘ENG’ style shooting, following your own camera checklist. [While waiting other candidates Shoot Depth of Field footage.]

 

Task 1 
Week 5

 

SHOOT task 1 of 3 Demonstrate set up of a camera onto a tripod for ‘ENG’ style shooting, following your own camera checklist. [While waiting other candidates Shoot Depth of Field footage.]

 

 Task 1
Week 6 Engaging with a professional camera to set recording format, exposure, white balance, focus, composition and viewing angle (focal length), depth of field and aligning audio. Analyse ‘C31 & RMIT’ brief, shooting to styles (‘Top gear’ B&W), focus assists, exposure tools, manipulating depth of field, getting truly on mic sound and guaranteeing quality. Shots that start and finish, cutaways, head shots and cut ins. The ‘in camera’ edit. When do we need Pre and Post roll?  
Week 7 SHOOT task 2 of 3. Shoot ‘In camera’ edits, prepping Cam/audio, shooting & reviewing pictures and sound. Follow & Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.

 Task 2

Week 8 SHOOT task 2 of 3. Shoot ‘In camera’ edits, prepping Cam/audio, shooting & reviewing pictures and sound. Follow & Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.  Task 2
Week 9 SHOOT task 2 of 3. Shoot ‘In camera’ edits, prepping Cam/audio, shooting & reviewing pictures and sound. Follow & Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.  Task 2
Week 10 SHOOT task 3 of 3 (Some students will have commenced this task before this date)
Meet the quality requirements of a Broadcast Television segment in shooting and recording the vision and audio for a segment of ’24 Melbourne’. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.
Shots to include - Subjects sitting & standing - Int/ext – day/night - LS, MS, MCU & CU

Class time will allow preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.

Task 3

 

 Week 11  SHOOT task 3 of 3 (Some students will have commenced this task before this date)
Meet the quality requirements of a Broadcast Television segment in shooting and recording the vision and audio for a segment of ’24 Melbourne’. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.
Shots to include - Subjects sitting & standing - Int/ext – day/night - LS, MS, MCU & CU

Class time will allow preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.

 Task 3
Sem Break    
 Week 12  SHOOT task 3 of 3 (Some students will have commenced this task before this date)
Meet the quality requirements of a Broadcast Television segment in shooting and recording the vision and audio for a segment of ’24 Melbourne’. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.
Shots to include - Subjects sitting & standing - Int/ext – day/night - LS, MS, MCU & CU

Class time will allow preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.

 Task 3
Week 13 SHOOT task 3 of 3 (Some students will have commenced this task before this date)
Meet the quality requirements of a Broadcast Television segment in shooting and recording the vision and audio for a segment of ’24 Melbourne’. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.
Shots to include - Subjects sitting & standing - Int/ext – day/night - LS, MS, MCU & CU

Class time will allow preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.

 Task 3
Week 14 SHOOT task 3 of 3 (Some students will have commenced this task before this date)
Meet the quality requirements of a Broadcast Television segment in shooting and recording the vision and audio for a segment of ’24 Melbourne’. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.
Shots to include - Subjects sitting & standing - Int/ext – day/night - LS, MS, MCU & CU

Class time will allow preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.

 Task 3
Week 15 SHOOT task 3 of 3 (Some students will have commenced this task before this date)
Meet the quality requirements of a Broadcast Television segment in shooting and recording the vision and audio for a segment of ’24 Melbourne’. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.
Shots to include - Subjects sitting & standing - Int/ext – day/night - LS, MS, MCU & CU

Class time will allow preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.

 Task 3
Week 16 SHOOT task 3 of 3 (Some students will have commenced this task before this date)
Meet the quality requirements of a Broadcast Television segment in shooting and recording the vision and audio for a segment of ’24 Melbourne’. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.
Shots to include - Subjects sitting & standing - Int/ext – day/night - LS, MS, MCU & CU

Class time will allow preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.

Deadline for shooting is last week of October 2015 with final viewing and assessment by assessor on 4 November 2015

 Task 3


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Mollison, M., 2010, Producing Videos, ‘A Complete Guide’ 3rd Ed, Allen and Unwin, Sydney


References


Other Resources

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

  • a pen and notepaper
  • a laptop computer


Overview of Assessment

Complete pre-production and production tasks to shoot a range of television productions and compile shot material for later editing.


Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback on all assessment and where indicated, you will receive a grade. Graded assessment tasks are equally weighted and will determine your final result for this course. (refer to MyRMIT for grading rubric).
You must submit all pieces of assessment in order for your competency to be assessed in this course.


Assessment

1. Set up a camera on a tripod for ‘ENG’ style shooting and record footage. Ungraded - In weeks 3, 4 & 5.
2. Shoot ’In Camera’ edits, prepping Cam/audio, shooting, reviewing pictures and sound. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server. Ungraded - In weeks 7, 8 & 9
3. Shoot and record the vision and audio for a segment of ’24 Melbourne Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server. Graded - In weeks 10 to 16


For further information on the assessments and grading criteria, please refer to the course Blackboard site.

Grades used in this unit are as follows:

CHD    Competent with High Distinction
CDI     Competent with Distinction
CC      Competent with Credit
CAG   Competence 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. These are available through the course contact in 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: 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.

Attendance:
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Assessment Feedback:
Assessment feedback is used to enable and enhance student learning. You will receive spoken and/or written feedback on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can improve your work. www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qwxbqbg739rl1

Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress

Assessment:
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. To support student success, RMIT University provides a range of adjustments to assessment. 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. www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
You may be eligible for credit towards this course if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning. You can find out more about this process on the RMIT website.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview