Course Title: Vision mix television productions

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2020

Course Code: VART6385C

Course Title: Vision mix television productions

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4374 - Certificate IV in Screen and Media

Course Contact: Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4842

Course Contact Email: rowan.humphrey@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

rowan.humphrey@rmit.edu.au

ron.frim@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 50

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 course introduces the skills and knowledge that vision mixers need to operate in a multi-source environment from a studio control room or an outside broadcast van.  

Vision mixers work closely with the director or producer and are responsible for creating the required composite images, transitions and effects for live and pre recorded television productions.



National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUABRD402 Vision mix television productions

Element:

1. Prepare vision mixing documentation.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm with production personnel the quantity, nature and style of effects required for productions, and recommend creative solutions where appropriate

1.2 Mark actions, effects and processes on scripts or production schedules according to enterprise procedures

1.3 Prepare contingency plans for unscripted effects and processes that may arise during recordings in consultation with relevant personnel

1.4 Contribute to the creative process as required and explore potential for creating original ideas and proposals

Element:

2. Set up for vision mixing.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Select vision mixing methods to achieve required creative and technical output

2.2 Negotiate alternative strategies where designated effects and processes are beyond the capability of available equipment

2.3 Check identified effects and processes are ready to go and monitors are working within specifications

2.4 Check vision sources can be accessed on the vision mixing unit and previewed on monitoring equipment

2.5 Note key reference points and complexities that require special attention during productions

2.6 Test equipment in advance and arrange for repairs or replacements as required

2.7 Seek advice from relevant personnel or consult reference material to resolve technical problems

Element:

3. Mix vision.

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Communicate with relevant production personnel throughout the mixing process to achieve desired effects and resolve problems

3.2 Preview sources throughout the production process and put to air on cue

3.3 Respond promptly to cues from production personnel

3.4 Perform transitions between vision sources and reassign sources to meet production requirements

3.5 Assign effects and processes to appropriate storage devices

3.6 Respond quickly and efficiently to equipment failure and unanticipated situations by applying alternative effects and processes

3.7 Monitor quality of creative and technical output during productions

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will be able to prepare rundowns, demonstrate technical knowledge and practical operation of vision mixing consoles and use correct terminology.


Details of Learning Activities

In class activities will include a range of teacher directed group activities, projects, class exercises, review discussions/lectures and independent project based work.

Out-of-class activities include completion of individual design and pre-production work, preparation for class presentations and location excursions/production work. Online research and occasional outside of class time group discussions will be required to maintain project work.


Teaching Schedule

VE Week

 Planned activities (subject to change)

1

 1 - Introduction; Overview; Program/Preset

Objectives

  • List the roles of a vision switcher

  • Demonstrate the P/P functions of a vision mixer

Key learnings

  • Program rail

  • Preview rail

  • Transitions on P/P

2 

 2 - Auxillaries

Objectives

  • Demonstrate the auxillary functions of a vision mixer

  • Patch digital signals in the studio via the VSM

  • Physically patch signals in the studio via the wall box

Key learnings

  • Outline of the auxillary rail and their functions

  • Set up auxiliary outputs from the mixer

  • Operate the VSM panel to route inputs to the studio

  • Understand how to patch into and out of the the studio floor wall box

  • Save wipes in Studio A vision mixer

3 

 3 - Setup checklist; Keys; Supers

Objectives

  • Confirm requirements for Assignment 1

  • Create a vision mixer setup checklist

  • Define a fill and key signal

  • Switch a super to air via a key on P/P

Key learnings

  • Vision mixer setup requirements

  • Fill and key signals

  • P/P Key 1 or Key 2 GFX1 setup

  • Contingency P/P Key 3 GFF1 (or GFX2) setup

4+5

 Assignment 1

Objectives

  • Assess practical component of Assignment 1

  • Practise key learnings from Weeks 1-3

6

 6 - The Chromakey in the Studio

Objectives

  • Define the requirements of Assignment 2

  • Light a background and foreground for a chromakey effect

  • Create a live studio chromakey with different sources behind

Key learnings

  • Chromakey lighting principles

  • Fill and key signals

  • How a chromakey is created

  • ME1 and ME2

  • Key layers

  • Key source, key type, cutting the key on

  • Sony mixer chromakeying

  • Ross mixer chromakeying

 7

 7 - The Chromakey from EVS; EVS basics

Objectives

  • Create a chromakey effect using vision from EVS

  • Navigate pages and banks on the EVS

  • Ingesting vision into the EVS

  • Recording live vision into the EVS

  • Playing live vision from the EVS

Key learnings

  • Fill and key signals

  • How a chromakey is created

  • ME1 and ME2

  • Key layers

  • Key source, key type, cutting the key on

  • Sony mixer chromakeying

  • Ross mixer chromakeying

  • EVS ingesting - Studio A and C

  • EVS pages and banks

  • EVS recording

  • EVS playback

8

 8 - Boxes

Objectives

  • Create a "picture-mount" effect on the Sony and Ross vision mixers

  • Create “2-way” boxes on the Sony and Ross vision mixers

  • Create "overlay" boxes on the Sony and Ross vision mixers

  • Create a multi-box effect on the Sony and Ross vision mixers

Key learnings

  • Fill and key signals

  • Linear key

  • Key layers

  • Key source, key type, cutting the key on

  • Sony mixer key Resizer

  • Ross mixer DVE key

 

 Mid-semester break

9a (Mon)

 9a (Monday) - Capturing images into the vision mixer

Objectives

  • Communicate 2 assessment schedule

  • Capture images into the Sony Frame Memory and the Ross Media-Store

Key learnings

  • Sony mixer Frame Memory

  • Ross mixer Media-Store

9b (Tues)

 9b (Tuesday) - The Brady Bunch!

Objectives

  • Communicate 2 assessment schedule

  • Compose a vision mixer effect using multiple ME's and effects

Key learnings

  • Fill and key signals

  • Linear key

  • Chromakey

  • Key layers

  • Key source, key type, cutting the key on

  • Sony mixer key Resizer

  • Sony mixer Resizer cropping

10

 10 - The studio interview

Objectives

  • Explain the principles of vision mixing craft

  • Vision switch an interview

  • Demonstrate when to super talent during an interview

Key learnings

  • Staging an interview  (1+1)

  • Lighting an interview

  • Principles of vision switching

  • Vision switching hand position

  • Vision switching an interview

  • Supering talent

11

 11 - 2-way crosses; 3-way crosses; The Complex Interview

Objectives

  • Vision switch a live cross (2-way Skype)

  • Vision switch a complex studio interview that involves a remote guest

  • Vision switch a complex studio interview that involves 2 remote guests (3-way Skype)

Key learnings

  • Connecting a live Skype remote guest

  • 2-way boxes for a remote guest

  • 3-way boxes for a remote guest

  • Technical setup for studio-studio interviews

  • Chromakey background for remote studio guests

  • Staging a complex interview  (1+2, 1+3, 1+4)

  • Lighting a complex interview

  • Principles of vision switching

  • Vision switching hand position

  • Vision switching an complex interview +/- remote guest

  • Supering talent

12

 12 - TBC  (Assignment 2 assessment)

Allocated for student-produced and crewed studio activities.

There will be a vision mix assessment conducted at the end of the session  (Assignment 2).

10 minutes will be allocated per assessment to demonstrate creating a chromakey and box effects.

15 minutes will be allocated per assessment which will constitute 2 rehearsals and 1 take.

5 minutes will be allocated afterwards for assessment questions.

13

 13 - Newsline practise (Assignment 2 assessment)

This week we will be in Studio C practising with a shortened Newsline rundown.

We will practise rolling EVS items, supering, studio interviews and live crosses.

14

 14 - Newsline (Tues and Fri - Assignment 2 assessment)

Newsline production live-to-air on Channel 31 and Livestream.

15

 15 - Studio Karaoke! (Assignment 2 assessment)

We will use this as a class exercise for vision mix assessments (Assignment 2).

You will continue to develop your skills in directing, vision switching, EVS, camera and lighting.

16a (Mon)

 16a (Monday) - Studio Karaoke! (Assignment 2 assessment)

We will use this as a class exercise for vision mix assessments (Assignment 2).

You will continue to develop your skills in directing, vision switching, EVS, camera and lighting.

 

16b (Tues)

 16b (Tuesday) - Revision of unit and outstanding Assignment 2 assessments


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

You are advised to look at myRMIT for ongoing updated information.

 

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

a pen and notepaper or a laptop computer. You will need to have either a USB thumb drive or a USB/Thunderbolt Harddrive (or both) to store and manage your media. Your teacher will advise you what to get when classes commence.

 

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. Lynda.com is available via your Library login.

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


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course will involve demonstration of practical tasks and testing of your knowledge.


Assessment Tasks

[Ungraded Course]

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments and once you have demonstrated competency you will also receive a result after your final assessment task.

 

Ungraded Assessment Tasks

Mix1o2: Complete vision mixing flow diagram.  Due by weeks 4 & 5, Semester 2

Mix2o2: Vision mix for a 'Quiz Show' segment and / or 'Newsline' and submit a marked up rundown.  Due by week 16, Semester 2

 

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available on myRMIT for full assessment criteria.

 

Results that apply to Ungraded courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA      Competency Achieved

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 matrices are available through 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: 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