Course Title: Record sound on location

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

Course Code: VART6429C

Course Title: Record sound on location

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5350 - Diploma of Screen and Media

Course Contact: Course Administrator

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Paul Derons

Email: paul.derons@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 35

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 learn skills and knowledge required to record sound on location for screen productions.

Sound recordists and boom operators apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. They are responsible for recording sound effects and location atmosphere. They are also responsible for using boom mounted microphones and radio microphones to record dialogue in both outdoor and indoor locations. The operation of the boom requires precision and some physical stamina to ensure that the optimum quality sound is captured without interfering with camera operation or the movement of actors.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CUASOU410 Record sound on location
Element:	1. Prepare for location recording
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Interpret production documentation to determine recording requirements in consultation with relevant people 1.2 Check sound equipment and accessories are in working order prior to shoot 1.3 Check that sufficient consumables are available for duration of shoot
Element:	2. Prepare equipment on location
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Rig sound equipment and accessories according to safe work practices and production requirements 2.2 Attach radio or clip microphones to actors’ clothing as required 2.3 Participate in technical run-throughs or rehearsals to determine optimum positioning of boom and microphone for recording shots 2.4 Confirm run up time is sufficient and synchronisation codes are referenced to allow stable sound recording
Element:	3. Capture dialogue
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Move boom according to scripted shots, and respond to direction 3.2 Follow actions and anticipate movements of performers, ensuring boom is unobtrusive and does not generate unwanted noise 3.3 Monitor sound through headphones to confirm unwanted sounds are not being captured 3.4 Communicate appropriately with relevant people, with minimal disruption to operations 3.5 Correct equipment failures with minimal disruption to operations
Element:	4. Capture sound effects
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Record background location sound for use in post-production 4.2 Place multiple microphones in appropriate positions to capture sound perspective of effects being recorded 4.3 Listen to recorded sound and re-record as required to meet production requirements
Element:	5. Finalise sound recording operations
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Label, log and file sound recording according to production requirements and organisational procedures 5.2 Create and save master and backup copies of dialogue, sound files and sound recordings in required format 5.3 De-rig, check and clean sound equipment and accessories according to safety and production requirements 5.4 Clean work environment after use and restore to pre-recording condition 5.5 Evaluate 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 record sound on location for screen productions.

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
• 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 resources.

Week	Class Content	Assessment
1	Overview of the course, assessment and facilities Basic sound theory Introduction to location sound recording equipment WHS: Risks and Hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for the classroom (teaching space)
2	Revision of week 1 Overview of microphone technology (dynamic, condenser, shotgun condensers) Sound Devices 3 channel mixer/recorder introduction Cables and connectors Correct cable rolling Class exercises – practice set up, operation, pack up of equipment
3	Revision of week 2 Optimum recording level Calibrating audio input on Sound Devices recorder, and handout of operational instructions. Difference between mic and line level Awareness of unwanted noise – handling, background and off-mic noise Class exercise – set up Sound Devices recorder and microphone/boom/headphones and record audio in different locations, playback and evaluate results Transferring audio files from Sound Devices recorder SD card to pc.
4	Revision of week 3 Recording sound effects and atmosphere on location File management and identifying sound recordings Includes class exercises and discussion Preparation for Assessment 1	Assignment 1 due next week
5	Assessment Task 1 (ungraded): Record sound effects and atmosphere Demonstrate using camera and audio equipment to record sound effects and atmosphere	Assessment Task 1 (ungraded): Record sound effects and atmosphere
6	Revision of week 5 Review and feedback of Assessment Task 1 Boom set up, operation and technique Microphone placement Radio mic operation and placement Signal to noise ratio and noise floor Class exercises – simulated interview dialogue recording; emphasis on correct equipment set up and microphone positions
7	Revision of week 6 Interview dialogue recording Mixer control, monitoring and level control Class exercises – simulated interview dialogue recording; emphasis on distortion and noise free audio Preparation for Assessment 2	Assignment 2 due next week and week 9
8	Assessment Task 2 (ungraded): Dialogue recording – class 1 Demonstrate using and audio equipment to record dialogue for an interview Assessment 2 class 1 – please read Assessment 2 schedule	Assessment Task 2 (ungraded): Dialogue recording – class 1
9	Assessment Task 2 (ungraded): Dialogue recording – class 1 Demonstrate using camera and audio equipment to record dialogue for an interview Assessment 2 class 2 – please read Assessment 2 schedule Review and feedback of Assessment Task 2 at end of class Preparation for Assessment 3-including hugging the frame with Boom Microphones.	Assessment Task 2 (ungraded): Dialogue recording – class 2   Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production starts next week (Weeks 10 to 13)
10	Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Record Sound on Location Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on canvas	Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production
11	Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Record Sound on Location Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on canvas	Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production
12	Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Record Sound on Location Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on canvas	Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production
13	Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Record Sound on Location Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables – handout and on canvas	Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production
14	Revision of weeks 1 to 13 Finalise submission of Assessment Task 3 (graded) Review and feedback of Assessment Task 3 (graded) Introduction to recording audio for drama shooting Includes class exercises and discussion	Assessment Task 3 (graded): Interview Production – Finalise Assessment Submission
15	Revision of week 14 Drama recording – capturing performance Microphone and boom technique Collaborating with the Camera Operator Includes class exercises and discussion
16	Revision of week 15 Drama recording – working with performers Crew roles and responsibilities Includes class exercises and discussion

 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Viers, R 2008, The Location Sound Bible: How to Record Professional Dialog for Film and TV, Michael Wiese Productions, California.	978-1615931200
Owens, J & Millerson, G 2012, Video production handbook, Focal Press, Massachusetts.	978-0-240-52080-3

Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include participation in practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and may include 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.

Assessment Task (ungraded):

Assessment Task 1 - Record sound effects and atmosphere (ungraded). This is a group based practical demonstration using audio recording equipment to record sound effects and atmosphere. Due Date: week 5

Assessment Task 2 - Dialogue recording for a simulated interview (ungraded). This is a group based practical demonstration using audio recording equipment to record dialogue for an interview. Due Date: weeks 8 and 9

Assessment Tasks (graded):

Assessment Task 3 - Interview production (graded). This is recording the dialogue, atmosphere and sound effects of an approved short interview production. Due Dates: weeks 10 to 14

Assessment tasks 1, 2 and 3 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 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