Course Title: Shoot a wide range of television content

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: VART5931C

Course Title: Shoot a wide range of television content

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5332 - Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Rowan Humphrey
Phone: (03) 99254842
Email: rowan.humphrey@rmit.edu.au

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

No pre-requisites or co-requistes are required.

Course Description

The aim of this course is to enable learners to compose shots, position a camera and microphones, select appropriate lens, and lighting equipment, operate a camera and field mixer. The course aims to develop  the skills and knowledge required by a camera person who usually works without supervision to shoot television content using professional video equipment. The person undertakes the preparation and technical aspects of a shoot, including camera, sound and lights.
On occasion, the camera person works with a sound recordist or lighting technician and may coordinate their operations. Other duties may include manipulation of cameras, e.g. on dolly tracks and cable control.

Program styles covered by this unit include news and current affairs, corporate videos, coverage of events and relatively complex documentary materials. Typically the camera person contributes creatively to outcomes and works collaboratively with producers or directors, either as an employee of a production house or as a freelancer on assignment.

 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUFCAM401A Shoot a wide range of television content

Element:

Prepare for shoots

Performance Criteria:

1. Attend pre-production briefings and contribute creative ideas for the visual interpretation of intended productions

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

3. Survey locations prior to shoots as required

4. Plan, prepare and pack required equipment and accessories for shoots, including special requirements, such as lenses and filters

5. Ensure equipment is in working order and fix minor faults or arrange to have them fixed

6. Select capture media that is appropriate and sufficient to meet production requirements

7. Anticipate OHS requirements as they apply to the preparation and implementation of shoots

8. Complete required documentation

Element:

Set up shoots

Performance Criteria:

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

10. Generate a range of ideas that offer creative solutions for particular productions

11. Appraise ideas for potential impact on cost, schedules, technical feasibility and suitability to meet production requirements

12. Set up and implement lighting plans, and install required cables

13. Confirm light temperature and exposures are sufficient for production requirements by utilising appropriate light meters

14. Position microphones and conduct audio checks

15. Liaise and collaborate with other production personnel and talent to maximise creative outcomes

16. Rehearse shots as required

Element:

Shoot content

Performance Criteria:

17. Check camera movements to implement planned and rehearsed shots where applicable

18. Ensure captured shots meet editing and other post-production requirements

19. Employ photographic and composition techniques to achieve aesthetic requirements and to capture well-composed and well-focused shots

20. Collaborate with other production personnel where applicable and respond to directions as required

21. Coordinate inputs from other crew members as required to achieve the desired images

22. Ensure safe work practices are applied at all times

23. Record audio using appropriate microphones or coordinate sound operations as required

Element:

Wrap up shoots

Performance Criteria:

24. Pack and store equipment using safe lifting practices

25. Ensure recorded content is identified, labelled and available for post-production

26. Ensure locations are left in original state

27. Brief editors and producers on post-production issues as required

28. Complete necessary documentation

29. Review and reflect on own performance and note areas for improvement


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.

You will be able to:
• Set up and operate a professional video camera
• Compose shots/address lighting conditions
• Select and use corrective filters and lens
• Coordinate crew to position and operate camera
• Monitor the quality of the moving image
• Set up and operate a professional field mixer
• Operate as a ‘News’ style crew to record short interviews
• Operate as a crew to produce a television segment


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• lectures
• group discussion
• demonstrations

Out of class activities include, but are not limited to:
• online research
• independent project based work


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
1 Shoot ENG Introduction to small crew ENG style production. Preparing for Shoots including compose shots, position a camera and microphones, select appropriate lens, and lighting equipment, operate a camera and field mixer  
2 Shoot ENG Setting up Shoots and operating a professional video camera, Compose shots/address lighting conditions, Select and use corrective filters and lens, Coordinate crew to position and operate camera. Monitor the quality of the moving image  
3 Shoot ENG Prepare for a shoot and set up for shooting Audio. Setting up and operating a professional field mixer  
4 ENG ‘News’ exercise field rotations Shoot content for Channel 1 News. Operating as a ‘News’ style crew to record short interview. Operating as a crew to produce a television segment. Uploading footage to a typical non-linear editing program to produce short news/documentary programs. And Wrap up the shoot.
Shoot & Edit ENG Assessment Task 1 of 3 Carry out crew roles of camera, sound and direction in ‘News rounds’. Performance of practical demonstrations of Shooting setups in classroom and on location.
Task 1 of 3
5  As for week 4 ’Channel 2’ Task 1 of 3
6   As for week 4 ’Channel 3’ Task 1 of 3
7   As for week 4 ’Channel 4’ Task 1 of 3
8  Shooting ENG ‘Location Interview’ Shoot Assessment 2 of 3
Direct, shoot and sound record a series of interviews for ‘ENG’. Perform the role of Director/interviewer for a short interview segment. See "The Brief" & Complete Directors report. Perform the role of Camera operator for another student’s interview. Complete Camera Report. Perform the role of Sound Recordist as above. Complete Sound recordist report.
 Task 2 of 3
9  Shoot ENG ‘Location Interview’  Task 2 of 3
10  Shoot ENG ‘Location Interview’  Task 2 of 3
11  Shoot ENG ‘Location Interview’  Task 2 of 3
12  Shoot Assessment #2. Camera reports due. Show Assessor:-Completed Directors panel on Prod’n report. Completed Camera panel on Prod’n report . Completed Sound panel on Prod’n report  Task 2 of 3
13  Review camera shots against Production report on Flow Logger. Feed back on shot selection, exposure, colour balance etc.  
14  Review camera shots against Production report on Flow Logger. Feed back on shot selection, exposure, colour balance etc.  
15  Review camera shots against Production report on Flow Logger. Feed back on shot selection, exposure, colour balance etc.  
16  Review camera shots against Production report on Flow Logger. Feed back on shot selection, exposure, colour balance etc.  
Sem 2    
1  Shoot EFP. Introduction to large crew EFP style production/ Pre-production, Scheduling and Location Management  
2  Shoot EFP Camera Exercises. Light meter with contrast range 5 stops picking exposure stop for face and range below to black and above to peak white. Also set exposure value for meter when on daylight and daylight with ND.  
3  Shoot EFP Sound Exercises  
4  Shoot EFP Assessment # 3 [can also be assessed at Open day, SPAVIS & Kaleide events]. Shoot a drama production on location around RMIT. Locations to be selected and modified according to weather conditions. Each production will have a director selected and various crew doing camera, sound and light.  Task 3 of 3 Shooting
5  Shoot EFP. Shooting on location Several weeks of shooting allow all participants to operate camera under observation.  Task 3 of 3
6  Shoot EFP. Shooting on location  Task 3 of 3
7  Shoot EFP. Shooting on location  Task 3 of 3
8  Shoot EFP. Shooting on location  Task 3 of 3
9  Shoot EFP reserve Shooting (Logging and loading) Opportunity for reshooting after footage reviewed over next three weeks.  Task 3 of 3
10  Shoot EFP reserve Shooting (Logging and loading)  Task 3 of 3
11  Shoot EFP reserve Shooting (Logging and loading)  Task 3 of 3
12  Shoot EFP Review shots on Flow logger to complete self evaluation. Critical self evaluation of shot material reviewed by assessor over three weeks.  Task 3 of 3 Evaluation
13  Shoot EFP Review shots on Flow logger to complete self evaluation  Task 3 of 3
14  Shoot EFP Review shots on Flow logger to complete self evaluation  Task 3 of 3
15  Shoot EFP Complete assessment # 3 Review shots on Flow logger to complete self evaluation  Task 3 of 3
16  Shoot EFP Complete assessment # 3 Review shots on Flow logger to complete self evaluation Task 3 of 3 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

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


References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. Students are expected to make full use of University library facilities, in researching about operation of professional video cameras.


Other Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this
course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access of the library resources.
It is recommended that you bring materials to classes and productions to make notes, for example;
• a pen and notepaper
• a laptop computer with word and excel type programs, if you have access to one


Overview of Assessment

Assessment invovles the demonstration of crew roles and technical camera, lighting and sound recording skills in a range of settings.


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.

Assessments

Semester 1
1. Carry out crew roles of camera, sound and direction in ‘News rounds’. Due weeks 4 to 7 of semester 1.
2. Direct, shoot and sound record a series of interviews for ‘ENG’. Due weeks 8 to 12 of semester 1.

Semester 2

3. Shoot or record a series of short films/segments for ‘EFP’, ‘SPAVIS’ and/or ‘Kaleide’ and complete evaluation. Shooting Due from week 4 of semester 2 and evaluation from week 12. Graded.


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

Attendance

The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency. Non-attendance may seriously jeopardise the chances of success in a course. Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. Where visa conditions apply, attendance is compulsory.

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.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (web link)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which people can gain entry to, or credit in, recognised courses based on competencies gained. The competencies may have been gained through experience in the workplace, in voluntary work, in social or domestic activities or through informal or formal training or other life experiences. Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) applies if a student has previously successfully completed the requirements of a unit of competency or module and is now required to be reassessed to ensure that the competency has been maintained.

Assessment and Feedback (web link)

You will receive verbal feedback during scheduled class times, 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 Progress (web link)

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Special consideration for Late Submission (web link)

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.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism (web link)

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

Course Overview: Access Course Overview