Course Title: Direct television programs and segments

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2011

Course Code: VART5929C

Course Title: Direct television programs and segments

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4197 - Certificate IV in Creative Industries

Course Contact : Adam Lovell

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4976

Course Contact Email:adam.lovell@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Andrew Harrison
Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

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

There are no pre-requisites or co-requisites for this unit.

The competency VART5929C Direct television programs and segments is taught alongside PERF5064C Implement lighting designs

Course Description

Television producers and directors who work on programs with a clearly defined format apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit.
Directors are responsible for directing the crew, as well as program guests, interviewees or any member of the public being filmed for programs. Even though directors act with a fair degree of autonomy, they are members of a production team. In general they report to an executive producer, news editor or program producer.
In some circumstances, the role of director and producer may be combined.
The competency VART5929C Direct television programs and segments is taught alongside PERF5064C Implement lighting designs


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUFDRT401A Direct television programs and segments

Element:

1 Undertake pre-production

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Determine program format, location and requirements in consultation with relevant personnel.
1.2 Determine optimal approach to achieve creative and technical aspects of programs and program segments.
1.3 Devise camera coverage in consultation with relevant personnel and within own level of responsibility.
1.4 Ensure that all program elements are listed on running sheets in line with enterprise procedures.
1.5 Brief contributors and talent according to enterprise procedures.
1.6 Where appropriate, conduct rehearsals with talent and technical personnel to achieve required style and adjust approach to directing as required.
1.7 Ensure that production documentation is distributed in a timely fashion to relevant personnel.

Element:

2 Direct program segments

Performance Criteria:


criteria2.1 Oversee camera and sound check and rehearsal of shots.
2.2 Provide final briefings to talent and crew and respond to queries as required.
2.3 Direct talent and crew to achieve required style and in a way that minimises the need for editing.
2.4 Review recorded segments to determine if they meet production requirements and re-shoot as required.
2.5 Direct the editing of segments as required, in line with production requirements and deadlines.

Element:

3 Direct programs

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Oversee camera and sound check and rehearsal of shots.
3.2 Provide final briefings to talent and crew and respond to queries as required.
3.3 Check that two-way communication equipment is functioning.
3.4 Direct cameras and operations to achieve required style.
3.5 Direct live switches as required.
3.6 If directing live programs, be prepared to make decisions on the fly in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
3.7 Monitor pace and flow of programs and take action to bring them back on track if necessary.

Element:

4 Review programs.

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Debrief with relevant personnel about how well programs achieved creative and technical goals.
4.2 Incorporate suggestions for improvement into future programs.
4.3 Finalise requisite documentation and ensure required copies of programs are kept in accordance with legislative and enterprise procedures.

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to apply creative directing techniques to a range of media productions.


Details of Learning Activities

Learning Activities will consist of
• demonstrations
• workshops
• practical exercises
• productions
• discussions
• screenings
• reading set texts
• research
• planning and development of directing assessments
You will be responsible for your learning and will be expected to engage in independent research, reading, study, practice and screenings


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.


Week Class Content Assessment Elements
Week 1
1A-08/02/11
1B-
10/02/11
  • Orientation to the course
• Introduction to resources, assessments and course expectations
• Screening – previous students work
• TV Studio OH&S and operational procedures
• Introduction to TV crews roles – lighting, floor manager, camera operator, sound recording, auto cue, staging
• Introduction to Pedestal Camera’s – focus, framing, exposure, tilt, pan, track, dolly
• Introduction to directing screen talent
• Introduction to directing floor crew
• Introduction to studio lighting
Includes – class exercises and discussion		  Assignment 1:
Still picture multi camera production handed out.
Due weeks 6 and 7		  CUFDRT401A-
1,2
CUFLGT401A-
1,2
 Week 2
1A-15/02/11
1B-
17/02/11		  • Revision of week 1
• Continue studio orientation and production roles
• Introduction to the control room – director, vision mixer, audio panel, VTR’s, monitors, Inscriber (text and graphics), CCU.
• Studio floor operation – camera’s, mics, lighting, staging
• Class Exercise – directing screen talent, camera operators, studio lighting, audio mixer and vision mixer
• Initiate formation of production groups		  Assignment 2: Magazine style program production handed out.
Due weeks 13 to 16		  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3
CUFLGT401A-
1,2
 Week 3
1A-22/02/11
1B-
24/02/11		  • Revision of week 2
• Introduction to lighting planning, safe operation and production technique
• OH&S operation and procedures
• Types of lighting
• Aims of lighting
• Three point lighting
• Designing lighting plans
• Class Exercise – creating lighting moods
• Finalise formation of production groups		  Assignment 1:
Still picture multi camera production –
Production Groups finalised
Assignment 3:
Lighting written test due week 11		  CUFDRT401A-
1
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
 Week 4
1A-
01/03/11
1B-
03/03/11		  • Revision of week 3
• TV Studio communication protocols and directors role
• Set up, test and operate lighting – floor lights, studio lights
• Class Exercise – Camera, vision mixing, control room, studio floor integration
• Assignment 1 – group production meeting and tutor consultation		  Assignment 1:
Still picture multi camera production – Finalise group shooting order.
Due: Groups 1&2 week 6
Groups 3&4 week 7		  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3
CUFLGT401A-
1,2
 Week 5
1A-
08/03/11
1B-
10/03/11		  • Revision of week 4
• Assignment 1 – project rehearsal
• Groups to alternate – control room, studio floor, lighting
• Assignment 1 – group production meeting and tutor consultation		  Assignment 1:
Still picture multi camera production.
Due: Groups 1&2 week 6
Groups 3&4 week 7		  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3
 Week 6
1A-
15/03/11
1B-
17/03/11		  • Assignment 1 – shoot
• Group 1 shoot – group 3 crew, group 4 assist, group 2 backup
• Group 2 shoot – group 4 crew, group 3 assist, group 1 backup		  Assignment 1:
Still picture multi camera production.
Group 1&2 shoot
Group 3&4 crew		  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3,4
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
 Week 7
1A-
22/03/11
1B-
24/03/11		  • Assignment 1 – shoot
• Group 3 shoot – group 1 crew, group 2 assist, group 4 backup
• Group 4 shoot – group 2 crew, group 1 assist, group 3 backup		  Assignment 1:
Still picture multi camera production.
Group 3&4 shoot
Group 1&2 crew		  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3,4
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
 Week 8
1A-
29/03/11
1B-
31/03/11		  • Screening and review of Assignment 1
• Interview program –
• Lighting for an interview
• Director protocols and practice
• Control room and studio floor practice
• Class Exercise – direct and lighting an interview program
• Assignment 2 – group production meeting and consultation		  Assignment 1:
Still picture multi camera production.
Results and feedback		  CUFDRT401A-
2,3,4
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,4
 Week 9
1A-
05/04/11
1B-
07/04/11		  • Revision of week 8
• Green Screen (Chroma Key) for TV programs –
• Lighting for a variety/game show/interview program(s)
• Director protocols and practice
• Control room and studio floor practice
• Class Exercise – direct and lighting a green screened TV program
• Assignment 2 – group production meeting and consultation		 Assignment 2: Magazine style program production due weeks 13 to 16
Assignment 3:
Lighting written test due week 11		  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
 Week 10
1A-
12/04/10
1B-
14/04/10		  • Revision of week 9
• Live music program –
• Lighting for a live music program
• Director protocols and practice
• Control room and studio floor practice
• Class Exercise – direct and lighting a live music program
• Assignment 2 – group production meeting and consultation		  Assignment 2: Magazine style program production due weeks 13 to 16
Finalise group shooting order
Assignment 3:
Lighting written test due next week		  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
 Week 11
1A-
19/04/11		  • Lighting written test
• Assignment 2 – project rehearsal
• Groups to alternate – control room, studio floor, lighting		  Assignment 3:
Lighting written test due Assignment 2: Magazine style program production due weeks 13 to 16 Group shooting order finalised		  CUFDRT401A-
1
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
   MID SEMESTER BREAK - 21 to 27 APRIL
    
Week 11
1B-
28/04/11		 • Lighting written test
• Assignment 2 – project rehearsal
• Groups to alternate – control room, studio floor, lighting		 Assignment 3:
Lighting written test due Assignment 2: Magazine style program production due weeks 13 to 16 Group shooting order finalised		 CUFDRT401A-
1
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
 Week 12
1A-
03/05/11
1B-
05/05/11		  • Assignment 2 – project rehearsal
• Groups to alternate – control room, studio floor, lighting
 Assignment 3:
Lighting written test results and feedback
Assignment 2: Magazine style program production due weeks 13 to 16
   CUFDRT401A-
1,3
CUFLGT401A-
1,2
 Week 13
1A-
10/05/11
1B-
12/05/11		  • Assignment 2 – shoot
• Group 1 shoot – group 3 crew, group 2 and 4 assistant crew and screen talent
• Group 1 – review and feedback of Assignment 2		  Assignment 2: Magazine style program production: Group 1 shoot  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3,4
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
 Week 14
1A-
17/05/11
1B-
19/05/11		  • Assignment 2 – shoot
• Group 2 shoot – group 4 crew, group 1 and 3 assistant crew and screen talent
• Group 2 – review and feedback of Assignment 2		  Assignment 2: Magazine style program production: Group 2 shoot  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3,4
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
 Week 15
1A-
24/05/11
1B-
26/05/11		  • Assignment 2 – shoot
• Group 3 shoot – group 1 crew, group 2 and 4 assistant crew and screen talent
• Group 3 – review and feedback of Assignment 2		  Assignment 2: Magazine style program production: Group 3 shoot  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3,4
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
 Week 16
1A-
31/05/11
1B-
02/06/11		  • Assignment 2 – shoot
• Group 4 shoot – group 2 crew, group 1 and 3 assistant crew and screen talent
• Group 4 – review and feedback of Assignment 2		  Assignment 2: Magazine style program production: Group 4 shoot  CUFDRT401A-
1,2,3,4
CUFLGT401A-
1,2,3,4
Week 17 Assessment and review    


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Mollison, M 2004, Producing videos: A Complete Guide (2nd Ed), Allen and Unwin, Australia


References

Curvy, I 2010, Directing and Producing For Television (4th Ed), Focal Press, USA (available in the library)
Utterback, A 2007, Studio Television Production and Directing, Focal Press, USA (not available in the library)
Jackman, J 2010, Lighting for Digital Video and Television (3rd Ed), Focal Press, USA (available in the library)
Viera, D, Viera, M 2004, Lighting for Film and Digital Cinematography (2nd Ed), Wadsworth Publishing, USA (available in the library)
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

• Portable Hard Drive – Firewire 800
• USB Stick or passport drive
• HDV/DV Tapes
• Production documents on Creative Industries blackboard
• Creative Industries Production Guide
• Creative Industries Safety Checklist


Overview of Assessment

 Assessment will involve practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and practical group projects.

This course will be delivered and assessed in conjunction with implement lighting designs- CUFLGT401A.


Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.

ASSESSMENT TASKS:
# Assessment Task Value Due Date
1 Assignment 1: Still picture multi camera production Week 6 & 7
- Pre-production and Group Collaboration 10%
- Completed Take 1 10%
- Completed Take 2 10%
- Crew/Talent Collaboration 5%
2 Assignment 2: Magazine/Variety style program production Weeks 13 to 16
- Pre-production and Group Collaboration 15%
- Completed Take 1 20%
- Completed Take 2 20%
- Crew/Talent Collaboration 10%
Total 100%


For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.

Grades used in this unit are as follows:

80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrated alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration

Other Information

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
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 extension.
Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1;

Course Overview: Access Course Overview