Course Title: Operate complex lighting

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: EEET7326C

Course Title: Operate complex lighting

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5332 - Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services

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: Rebekha Naim
Phone: 03 9925 4849
Email: rebekha.naim@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 155

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 develop the skills and knowledge required to use the full capabilities of contemporary lighting systems in ways that are consistent with the aesthetic vision of productions in the screen, media, entertainment and events industries. Lighting operation skills are developed through practice and you will learn to work autonomously and in a team environment as you take responsibility for creating quality lighting installations.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUALGT401 Operate complex lighting

Element:

1. Determine production requirements.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Review production documentation to establish creative and technical parameters, as well as timelines for work

1.2 Liaise with relevant personnel to determine scope of lighting requirements and production parameters

1.3 Assess the capabilities of equipment to deliver required lighting effects and find ways to overcome deficiencies as required

Element:

2. Connect and format advanced fixtures.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Check console fixture library to ensure correct inventory exists and is operational

2.2 Connect console to advanced fixtures through appropriate control protocols and check to ensure designer’s control requirements can be achieved

2.3 Test the capabilities of advanced fixtures through experimentation

2.4 Set up soft patch required for productions to ensure advanced fixtures are connected to appropriate control surfaces

2.5 Format palettes for advanced fixtures according to design requirements

2.6 Maintain electronic and paper plots to take account of changes to original set-up

Element:

3. Program consoles to receive pre-recorded material from external sources.

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Assess protocol, program type and connectivity of external source material for compatibility with main console

3.2 Complete appropriate backups of external source material prior to transfer to main console

3.3 Assess the need for changes to source material and determine whether changes can be made on external device of main console

3.4 Set up main console and external device, transfer material and check that transfer was successful

Element:

4. Plot and operate cues.

Performance Criteria:

4.1 In consultation with relevant personnel, determine the cue types and effects required

4.2 Record cues that include advanced fixture types, standard cues and effects within agreed timeframe

4.3 Create, use and recall palettes

4.4 Participate in technical rehearsals and discussions to test cues and effects

4.5 Modify cues as required and update cue sheets and other documentation accordingly

4.6 Operate cues during shows to create the required lighting effects

4.7 Resolve operational problems with lighting with minimal disruption to performances

Element:

5. Complete post-show procedures.

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Execute power down and disassemble equipment safely

5.2 Pack and store equipment and accessories according to safety regulations and production requirements

5.3 Clean work environment after use, and restore environment to previous condition

5.4 Contribute to evaluations of productions and implement recommendations aimed at improving effectiveness of lighting operations

5.5 Seek feedback from relevant personnel on own work 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 also be able to:

  • record lighting cues to produce a wide range of effects
  • connect and format advanced fixtures to lighting control systems
  • operate a complex lighting control system during at least two performances
  • meet work deadlines
  • work collaboratively


Details of Learning Activities

• lecture and class discussions
• peer learning & sharing of knowledge
• research
• group activities/projects
• ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback
• simulated work place activities

Out of-class self-directed learner activities for this course include, but are not limited to; private research, revision of notes to reinforce classroom content, preparation for assessment, possible out of class assessment tasks. This will be monitored during classes through question/answer sessions.


Teaching Schedule

Note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

<thead> <th scope="col">Class number</th> <th scope="col">Topics/themes</th> <th scope="col">Assessment activities</th> <th scope="col">Elements covered</th> </thead>
1 Course and assessment overview and introduction to resources and course expectations    1
2 What is this? Covers equipment recognition, care and maintenance, rigging and documentation required in Production Lighting    1 & 2
3 General system topology, correct rigging procedures, patching. Lighting Control Systems. Basic lighting rigging and patching    1 & 2
4 In small cooperative teams (2-3) students will safely clarify, prepare, install, test and disassemble a small lighting system or part of a complex lighting system according to the lighting plan, schematic and resource list    1 & 2
Class break      
5 What is invloved in Operating Production Lighting, who has done it and what is invloved. Power loading and different types of power outlets. DMX basics.    1 - 4
6 Patching and operation of a typical 2-preset desk. Introduction to programmable consoles    1 - 4
7 In small cooperative teams (2) students will determine production requirements, safely connect & format control systems, plot & operate advanced cue types & effects and solve problems as they occur    1 - 4
8 Group work on lighting pre-production Theory test in Blackboard (at home)  1 - 4
Mid year break      
9 Class lecture and discussion on Operate Lighting protocols Give feedback to students about test  1 - 4
10 Patching and operation of advanced lighting consoles and programming with moving lights and effects Production lighting work (in class)  1 - 4
11 In small cooperative teams (2) students will determine production requirements, safely connect & format advanced fixtures, program consoles to receive pre-recorded material from external sources and plot & operate cues Production lighting work (in class)  1 - 4
12 In small cooperative teams (2) students will determine production requirements, safely connect & format advanced fixtures, program consoles to receive pre-recorded material from external sources and plot & operate cues Production lighting work (in class)  1 - 4
Class break      
13 In small cooperative teams (2) students will determine production requirements, safely connect & format advanced fixtures, program consoles to receive pre-recorded material from external sources and plot & operate cues Production lighting work (in class)  1 - 4
14 In small cooperative teams (2) students will determine production requirements, safely connect & format advanced fixtures, program consoles to receive pre-recorded material from external sources and plot & operate cues Production lighting work (in class)  1 - 4
15 Elements overview Give students feedback on their assessments  1 - 4
16 Class lecture and discussion from professional industry speaker    1 - 4


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

You are advised to look at the course links and references in Blackboard for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

Your teacher will provide you with the necessary resources in classes and it is recommended that you bring note taking materials, a multitool, torch, electrical tape, small shifter and steel cap shoes.


Overview of Assessment

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


Assessment Tasks

 

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive written feedback on all assessment (refer to MyRMIT for assessment criteria). Once you have demonstrated competency, your assessment task will be graded (refer to Blackboard for grading rubric).

 

Assessment Tasks

1. Theory test in Blackboard

This is an examination of candidates’ technical knowledge and they are expected to answer a range of multiple-choice, short and long answer questions related to the competency unit, class notes/discussions and the course material on Blackboard.

This assessment is due to be complete between weeks 8 - 9 (out of class hours) with verbal feedback in class 9.

2. Production lighting work (in class)

Candidates are expected to operate complex lighting systems according to the plan in simulated work environments following the performance and knowledge evidence.

This assessment is due to be conducted in weeks 10 - 14 with verbal feedback in week 15.

3. Production lighting work (out of class)

In a professional setting in a lighting crew, candidates are expected to operate complex lighting systems according to the plan following the performance and knowledge evidence on at least 2 lighting productions.

This assessment is due to be completed by class 14, with verbal feedback in week 15.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix is available in Blackboard.

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