Course Title: Shoot a wide range of screen content

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: VART6391C

Course Title: Shoot a wide range of screen content

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5350 - Diploma of 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

Teacher: Andrew Harrison

Phone: 03 9925 4350

Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au

Teacher: Angela How

Phone: 03 9925 4350

Email: angela.how@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

None

Course Description

In this course you will cover the skills and knowledge required to prepare, set up and shoot a wide range of screen content using professional video equipment in a single camera environment.

It applies to individuals who usually work without supervision, either as employees of a production house or as freelancers on assignment. Individuals often need to collaborate with producers, directors and production professionals to achieve the camera, sound and lighting outcomes of the shoot.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUACAM401 Shoot a wide range of screen content

Element:

1. Prepare for shoots

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Contribute ideas for the visual interpretation of production requirements in pre-production briefings

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

1.3 Survey locations prior to shoots as required

1.4 Plan, prepare and pack camera equipment and accessories required for production requirements

1.5 Check equipment is in working order and fix minor faults or arrange to have them fixed

1.6 Select capture media appropriate and sufficient to meet production requirements

1.7 Anticipate work health and safety (WHS) requirements as they apply to preparation and implementation of shoots

1.8 Complete documentation in line with enterprise procedures

Element:

2. Set up shoots

Performance Criteria:

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

2.2 Liaise with production personnel and talent to generate a range of ideas that offer creative solutions for particular productions

2.3 Appraise ideas for potential impact on costs, timelines, scripts, technical feasibility and suitability to meet production requirements

2.4 Implement lighting plans and install required cables

2.5 Confirm light temperature and exposures are sufficient for production requirements

2.6 Position microphones and conduct audio checks

2.7 Rehearse shots as required

Element:

3. Shoot content

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Check camera movements for implementing planned and rehearsed shots

3.2 Employ photographic principles and techniques to achieve technical and aesthetic requirements

3.3 Coordinate inputs from other crew members as required to achieve desired images

3.4 Confirm captured shots meet editing and other post-production requirements

3.5 Collaborate with other production personnel and respond to direction as required

3.6 Record audio or coordinate sound operations as required

3.7 Apply safe work practices at all times

Element:

4. Wrap up shoots

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Use appropriate manual handling techniques when packing and storing equipment

4.2 Label recorded content ready for post-production

4.3 Check locations are left in original state

4.4 Brief editors and producers on post-production issues

4.5 Complete necessary documentation

4.6 Review and reflect on own performance and note areas for improvement


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this competency, you will have developed the skills and knowledge required to prepare, set up and shoot a wide range of screen content using professional video equipment in a single camera environment.


Details of Learning Activities

In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• demonstration and practical application
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• screenings
• online research
• independent project based work
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• group planning & development of camera & lighting assessments.

Out-of-class activities include, but are not limited to,
• reading set texts
• research
• screenings
• production work
• 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 resources.

Week Class Content - Semester 1 Assessment
1 Overview of the course, assessment and facilities  
WHS: Risks and Hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for the TV studio (teaching space)
Crew roles and responsibilities 
Essential knowledge quiz
Introduction to HD video camera operations and handling: JVC GY-HM700/750
Introduction to professional lighting for digital video: safety, equipment handling, types of lights, lighting terminology
2 Revision of week 1  
WHS: Camera, tripod and field monitor Risks and Hazards
Operation of professional production equipment: HD video camera & tripod
Recording: SDHC cards, formatting, formats, slate
Camera shot fundamentals: focus, frame, filters, f-stop
Aims of lighting and illuminating the subject
Includes class exercises and discussion
3 Revision of week 2  
Electrical safety – volts, amps, watts, GPO’s, cables
WHS: Risks and Hazards lighting operation: heat, glare, stands, shot bags, liquids, cables, lighting placement, pack up procedure
Introduction to 3 point lighting: basic set up
Introduction to Composition and Framing
Camera and lighting plans
Includes class exercises and discussion
4 Revision of week 3  
Introduction to Sound Recording
OH&S: Sound recording kit Risks and Hazards
Introduction to the Sound Recording Kit – connection, operation, handling technique, troubleshooting, cable coiling
3 point lighting – illuminating the subject; offside and onside key; diffusion, scrim and gels
Visual quality of light – hard and soft light sources
Includes class exercises and discussion
5 Assessment Task 1 (non-graded): Essential knowledge written task Assessment Task 1 (non-graded): Essential knowledge written test
Revision of week 4
Integrating the sound kit into the production – recording dialogue, atmos track, location sounds and room tone (buzz track)
Composition and framing – shot selection, camera height, camera angle
Integrating lighting into the production: a natural style of subject illumination using 3 point lighting
Includes class exercises and discussion
6 Revision of week 5  
Review and feedback of Assessment Task 1
Preparation for Assessment Task 2 (non-graded): Operations test
Exposure and ND Filter
Introduction to correcting mixed lighting
Introduction to camera movement – tilt, pan, safe operation for shoulder mount/handheld technique
Includes class exercises and discussion
7 Assessment Task 2 (non-graded): Practical Operations test Assessment Task 2 (non-graded): Practical Operations test
Please read the assessment schedule (available on blackboard) for your assessment time and location
8 Revision of weeks 1 to 7  
Review and feedback of Assessment Task 2
Composition and framing: shot selection, camera height, camera angle, pan, tilt
Focal length and focal distance
Camera and Lighting plans
Positioning the Sound Recordist and mic placement
Lighting an interview using 3 point lighting – offside key
Visual quality of light – hard and soft light sources
Includes class exercises and discussion
9 Revision of week 8  
Preparation for Assessment Task 3 (non-graded): Interview Production
Equipment operation and revision:
Camera – calibration, operation, recording format
Sound Recording – mixer, mic, boom
Lighting – fixtures, stands, diffusion
2 point lighting – offside/onside key, integrating a background light
Revision – WHS: Camera, lighting, sound recording
Includes class exercises and discussion
10 Assessment Task 3 (non-graded): Interview Production Assessment Task 3 (non-graded): Interview Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on Blackboard
11 Assessment Task 3 (non-graded): Interview Production Assessment Task 3 (non-graded): Interview Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on Blackboard
12 Assessment Task 3 (non-graded): Interview Production Assessment Task 3 (non-graded): Interview Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on Blackboard
13 Assessment Task 3 (non-graded): Interview Production Assessment Task 3 (non-graded): Interview Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on Blackboard
14 Revision of weeks 1 to 13  
Review and feedback of Assessment Task 3 (non-graded)
Introduction to drama shooting
Camera movement: tripod mounted pan, tilt, height, angle and framing
Introduction to lighting for drama
Includes class exercises and discussion
15 Revision of week 14  
Lighting for dramatic mood and texture: single point lighting, position, height, visual quality and modelling
Interpreting the brief – shot selection, composition, camera movement, exposure
Correcting mixed lighting: colour temperature and lighting gels
Indirect and diffused lighting
Includes class exercises and discussion
16 Revision of week 15  
WHS: Camera, tripod, field monitor Risks and Hazards
Camera movement: pan, tilt, handheld, shoulder mount
Location lighting – interiors: Mood, tone & style
Includes class exercises and discussion
     
Week Class Content - Semester 2 Assessment
1 Revision of weeks 1 to 16 from Semester 1  
Preparation for Drama Productions
Composition and focus pulling
Depth of field – focus and distance of subject, background and foreground, focal length, filters, exposure, shot selection and composition
Location lighting: interiors
Includes class exercises and discussion
2 Revision of week 1 (Semester 2)  
Composition, focus pulling and camera movement
Depth of field – interior and exterior locations
Positioning the Sound Recordist and mic placement
Location Lighting – interiors/exteriors, emphasise and subduing elements of the shot
Includes class exercises and discussion
3 Assessment Task 4 (non-graded): Camera Movement, Composition and Lighting Assessment Task 4 (non-graded): Camera movement, composition and lighting
Review and feedback of Assessment Task 4 at conclusion of class
4 Revision of weeks 1 to 3  
Review and feedback of Assessment Task 4 (non-graded)
Continuity filming – 2 character shot set up
Crossing the line and the 180 degree rule
Shot selection, framing, composition and eye lines
Lighting the scene – 2 character drama lighting
Visual and textual lighting continuity
Includes class exercises and discussion
5 Revision of week 4 (Semester 2)  
WHS: Camera and sound recording Risks and Hazards for hand held and shoulder mounted camera operation
Camera movement: shoulder mounted and hand held
Maintaining focus, framing, continuity and composition
Camera documents
Includes class exercises and discussion
6 Revision of week 5 (Semester 2)  
Equipment operation revision and preparation for Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Troubleshoot production equipment issues
Includes class exercises and discussion
7 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production
8 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production
9 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production
10 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production
11 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production
12 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production
13 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production
14 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production
15 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production
16 Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables– handout and on Blackboard
Crew roles will change with each production


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

VIDEO PRODUCTION HANDBOOK, FifthEdition Gerald Millerson and Jim Owens, Focal Press

LIGHTING FOR DIGITAL VIDEO AND TELEVISION, Third Edition John Jackman, Focal Press


References

Musberger, R Single-camera Video Production (5th Ed) Focal Press 2010 (available in the Library)

Langford, M Langford's Basic Photography Focal Press 2007 (available in the Library but everyone should own a copy of this reference)

Bordwell, D & Thompson, K. Film Art: An Introduction McGraw-Hill, 2003

Katz, S Film Directing Shot By Shot: Visualizing From Concept To Screen, Michael Wiese, 1991


Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Blackboard


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and practical team based projects.


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.

Semester 1
ASSESSMENT TASKS (ungraded):
1. Assessment Task 1: Essential knowledge written task (ungraded). This is a short answer written test. Due Date: week 5
2. Assessment Task 2: Practical operations test (ungraded). This is a timed practical test of the set up, operation and pack up of video production equipment . Due Date: week 7
3. Assessment Task 3: Interview Production (ungraded). This is the practical filming, lighting and location sound recording for an approved interview. Due Dates: Rolling assessment, please see assessment schedule (on blackboard), weeks 10 to 13

Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3 to be finalised by no later than end of semester 1 Week 16.

Semester 2
ASSESSMENT TASK (ungraded):

4. Assessment Task 4: Camera Movement, Composition and Lighting (ungraded). This is a practical filming and lighting task completed on campus. Due Date: week 3

ASSESSMENT TASK (graded):
5. Assessment Task 5: Major Production (graded). This is the production of an approved short film. Due Date: Rolling assessment, please see assessment schedule (on blackboard), weeks 7 to 16.

Assessment Tasks 4 and 5 to be finalised by no later than end of semester 2 Week 16. 

 

Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:

CHD      Competent with High Distinction
CDI        Competent with Distinction
CC         Competent with Credit
CAG      Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC      Not Yet Competent
DNS      Did Not Submit for Assessment


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

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