Course Title: Shoot a wide range of screen content

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

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

Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au

 

Teacher: Alex Joseski

Email: aleksander.joseski@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 this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to  familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as the Screen Producers Association and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.

In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

  • demonstrations and practical application
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussions
  • screenings
  • online research
  • independent project based work
  • simulated work activites
  • teacher directed group activities/projects

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 of speakers and 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 

Introduction to HD video camera operations and handling: JVC GY-HM750

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

Audio – on camera mic set up and operation

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

 

3

Revision of week 2

Introduction to HD video camera operations and handling: Cannon EOS 5D DLSR

WHS: DSLR safe handling technique

Introduction to aims of lighting and illuminating the subject

Lighting and cutting with a reflector

Introduction to Composition and Framing

Introduction to camera movement – pan and tilt

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

 

4

Revision of week 3

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

Lighting and illuminating the subject

Camera and lighting plans

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

Reminder

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

5

Assessment Task 1 (ungraded): Essential knowledge quiz

Revision of week 4

Composition and framing – shot selection, camera height, camera angle

3 point lighting – illuminating the subject; offside and onside key; diffusion, scrim and gels

Visual quality of light – hard and soft light sources

Focal length and focal distance

Lighting, exposure and depth of field

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

Assessment Task 1 (ungraded): Essential knowledge quiz

 

 

6

Revision of week 5

Review and feedback of Assessment Task 1

Preparation for Assessment Task 2 (ungraded): Operations test

Exposure and ND Filter

Integrating lighting into the production: a natural style of subject illumination using 4 point lighting

Introduction to correcting mixed lighting

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

Reminder

Assessment Task 2 (ungraded): Operations test due next 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

8

Revision of weeks 1 to 7

Review and feedback of Assessment Task 2

Integrating the sound kit into the production

Positioning the Sound Recordist and mic placement

Lighting an interview using 3 point lighting – offside key

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

 

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/recorder, mic, boom

Lighting – fixtures, stands, diffusion

4 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)

10

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera Assessment Schedule on Canvas for submission of assessment deliverables

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

 

11

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera Assessment Schedule on Canvas for submission of assessment deliverables

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

 

12

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera Assessment Schedule on Canvas for submission of assessment deliverables

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

 

13

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Camera Assessment Schedule on Canvas for submission of assessment deliverables

Assessment Task 3 (ungraded): Interview Production

 

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

WHS: Shoulder mounted and hand held camera technique

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

Location lighting – interiors: Mood, tone & style

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: shoulder mount and hand held

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

WHS: Camera production kit

Location lighting: interiors

Planning the shoot – camera and lighting plans

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

 

2

Revision of week 1 (Semester 2)

Composition, focus pulling and camera movement

Depth of field – focus and distance of subject, background and foreground, focal length, filters, exposure, shot selection and composition

Location Lighting – interiors/exteriors

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

 

3

Revision of week 2 (Semester 2)

Continuity filming – 2 character shot set up

Crossing the line and the 180 degree rule

Depth of field – interior and exterior locations

Positioning the Sound Recordist and mic placement

Shot selection, framing, composition and eye lines

Lighting the scene – 2 character drama lighting

Mixed lighting – colour temperature and lighting gels

Visual and textual lighting continuity

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

 

4

Revision of week 3 (Semester 2)

WHS: Revision - Camera and sound recording, risks and hazards for hand held and shoulder mounted camera operation

Revision: Camera movement: shoulder mounted and hand held

Maintaining focus, framing, continuity and composition

Camera documents

Includes class exercises and discussion

 

Reminder

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

5

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

Review and feedback of Assessment 4 at conclusion of class

 

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

 

6

Revision of weeks 1 to 5

Review and feedback of Assessment Task 4 (ungraded)

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

 

7

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

8

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

9

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

10

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

11

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

12

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

13

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

14

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

15

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

16

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

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

 

Crew roles will change with each production

 

Assessment Task 5 (graded): Major Production

 

 

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


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

For each assessment task you will receive a detailed brief specifying requirements

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard.

You will receive feedback on all assessments 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 Task (ungraded):

Assessment Task 1 - Essential knowledge quiz (ungraded). This is a multiple choice quiz. Due Date: week 5

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

Assessment Task 3 - Interview production (ungraded). This is the practical filming, lighting and sound recording for an approved interview. Due Dates: Rolling assessment, please see assessment schedule on Canvas - 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):

Assessment Task 4 - Camera movement, composition and lighting (ungraded). This is a practical filming and lighting task completed on campus. Due Date: week 5

Assessment Task (graded):

Assessment Task 5 - Major production (graded). This is the production of an approved short film. Due Date: Rolling assessment, please see assessment schedule on Canvas - 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 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