Course Title: Shoot a wide range of screen content

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

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: 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

 

Week 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 
  • 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

 

 

Week 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

 

 

Week 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

 

 

Week 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

 

Reminder

Assessment Task 1 (ungraded): Essential knowledge written test due next week

Week 5

 

Assessment Task 1 (non-graded): Essential knowledge written task

  • 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

 

Assessment Task 1 (ungraded): Essential knowledge written test

 

 

Week 6

 
  • Revision of week 5
  • Review and feedback of Assessment Task 1
  • Preparation for Assessment Task 2 (ungraded): 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

 

Reminder

Assessment Task 2 ungraded): Operations test due next week

Week 7

 

Assessment Task 2 (ungraded): Practical Operations test

  • Please read the assessment schedule (available on Canvas) for your assessment time and location

 

Assessment Task 2 (ungraded): Practical Operations test

Week 8
  • Revision of weeks 1 to 7
  • Review and feedback of Assessment Task 2
  • 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

 

 

Week 9

 
  • Revision of week 8
  • Preparation for Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): 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

Reminder

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production starts next week (Weeks 10 to 13)

Week 10

 

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on Canvas

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

 

Week 11

 

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on Canvas

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Week 12

 

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on Canvas

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Week 13

 

 

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera-Lighting-Sound Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on Canvas

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Week 14

 

 
  • Revision of weeks 1 to 13
  • Review and feedback of Assessment Task 3 (ungraded)
  • Introduction to drama shooting
  • Camera movement: tripod mounted pan, tilt, height, angle and framing
  • Introduction to lighting for drama
  • Includes class exercises and discussion

 

Week 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

 

Week 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

Week 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
  • Lighting plans
  • Includes class exercises and discussion

 

 

Week 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

 

Reminder

Assessment Task 4 (ungraded): Camera movement, composition and lighting due next week

Week 3

 

Assessment Task 4 (ungraded): Camera Movement, Composition and Lighting

  • Review and feedback of Assessment Task 4 at conclusion of class
  • 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

 

Assessment Task 4 (ungraded): Camera movement, composition and lighting

 

Week 4

 
  • Revision of weeks 1 to 3
  • 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

  • Equipment operation revision and preparation for Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production
  • Troubleshoot production equipment issues
  • Includes class exercises and discussion

 

Reminder

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production starts next week

 

Week 5

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 6

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 7

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 8

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 9

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 10

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 11

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 12

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 13

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 14

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 15

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

Week 16

 

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 Canvas

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

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

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


References

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

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

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

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 Canvas


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. 

Grading criteria for graded assessment can be found on the course canvas site.

You will be assessed using 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 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