Course Title: Record sound on location

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: VART6211C

Course Title: Record sound on location

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

Dave Hannan

dave.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

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:

CUSSOU406A Record sound on location

Element:

1. Prepare for location recording

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm recording requirements in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to scripts and other production documentation
1.2 Check that sound equipment and accessories are in working order prior to shoots
1.3 Ensure adequate supply of consumables is available for duration of sound recordings
 

Element:

2. Capture dialogue

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Participate in technical run-throughs or rehearsals to determine optimum positioning of boom and microphone for recording shots
2.2 Rig sound equipment and accessories in line with safety, technical and production requirements
2.3 Attach radio or clip microphones to actors’ clothing as required
2.4 Ensure run-up time is sufficient and synchronisation codes are referenced to allow stable sound recording
2.5 Move boom according to scripted shots and respond to direction
2.6 Follow the actions and anticipate movements of relevant personnel
2.7 Ensure movement of boom is unobtrusive and sympathetic to actions of relevant personnel and does not generate unwanted noise
2.8 Monitor sound through headphones to ensure unwanted sounds are not being captured
2.9 Communicate with relevant personnel with minimal disruption to operations
2.10 Correct equipment failures with minimal disruption to operations

Element:

3. Capture sound effects

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Record background location sound for use in post-production
3.2 Place multiple microphones in different positions to capture sound perspective of effects being recorded
3.3 Listen critically to recorded sound and re-record as required to achieve desired effect

Element:

4. Finalise sound-recording operations

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Save recordings in the appropriate format and log/file in line with organisational procedures
4.2 Make safety copies or backups in line with organisational procedures
4.3 De-rig, check and clean sound equipment and accessories
4.4 Leave locations clean and restored to their pre-recording condition
4.5 Evaluate own performance against technical and creative criteria and note areas for improvement

Learning Outcomes


In this course you will undertake the recording of sound on location, 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 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.

 

Week      
Class content Assessment      
Elements                                                       
Class 1  History of broadcasting technology, introduction to ENG sound recording equipment
 		   Element1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Class 2  Microphone selection and implementation for broadcast
 		   Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10
Class 3  Sound mixing techniques for broadcast
 		   Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10

Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3

 
Class 4  Location and studio dialogue and sfx sound recording techniques.
 		   Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10

Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3 3,3

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3 4.3, 4.4, 4.5

 
Class 5  Microphones, Location and studio sound recording
 		 Formative # 1
 		 Element1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10

Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3 3,3

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3 4.3, 4.4, 4.5

 
Week 6  Studio sound production 1 - Newsline
 		   Element1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10

Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3 3,3

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3 4.3, 4.4, 4.5
Week 7  Studio sound production 2 - Newsline   Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3 3,3

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3 4.3, 4.4, 4.5
Week 8  Studio sound production 3 - Newsline Summative # 2
 		 Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10

Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3 3,3

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3 4.3, 4.4, 4.5


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


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

Practical demonstration of location and studio based recording techniques.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this unit are graded.

To demonstrate competency in this course you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You must submit all pieces of assessment in order for your competency to be assessed in this course.

Formative Assessment
1. Practical demonstration of location/studio recording techniques at week 5.

Summative Assessment
1. Practical demonstration of location/studio recording techniques in conjunction with ’Newsline’ productions in week 8.

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

Attendance
The major learning experience involves theory and practical training and assessment sessions, including individual and group practical exercises. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to achieve competency in this unit.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Feedback - You will receive spoken and written feedback from teachers on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1

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. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration. Special consideration, appeals and discipline http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y

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 go to Academic Integrity
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Work Placement:
It is a requirement of this program that all students participate in authentic work related tasks. These may be either simulated or in a real work environment. On occasion, we are approached by industry and given opportunities for students to apply for short term placements. When these placement opportunities arise, students are required to negotiate the specific details with the relevant program coordinator or teacher. All industry placements require students, RMIT staff and host organisations to sign a written agreement prior to the commencement of the placement.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview