Elements and Performance Criteria

Environments where cameras may be used include:

in a studio

on location - interior

on location - exterior

outside broadcast

day

night

Shoots may include:

single

multi camera

Types of production may include:

feature films

documentaries

short films

animated productions

commercials

filmed events or performances

music video

television productions of any type, eg music, drama, comedy, variety, sport

live or pre-recorded television productions

Relevant personnel may include:

supervisor

head of department

director of photography

director

camera operator

camera assistant

grip

gaffer

lighting personnel

producer

technical director

other technical staff

other specialist staff

designers

floor manager

Camera plans and other documentation may be:

computer generated

manually written

hand sketched

formal plan

inclusive of details of studio

Equipment may include:

cameras

lenses

filters

lights

special effects equipment

camera supports, eg mounts, cranes, dollies, track, tripods, spreaders, fluid heads

Production requirements may include:

artistic

technical

Shot requirements may include :

composition

continuity

shot type

framing

aesthetics

movement

timing

duration

camera position

camera height and distance from subject

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of essential knowledge of, and skills in, the following areas:

collecting and interpreting creative information, scripts and images
interpretation of creative requirements to technical operation
production scheduling
resource management including human resources
team leading skills
budget management
projects management
report writing
negotiation skills
occupational health and safety requirements
a range of cameras and operational functions
basic concept of load and balance
cinematographic language
framing techniques and methods of composition
lens theory and application including range
characteristics of lenses
camera to subject practice, framing and composition, ie lens to eyeline, jump cuts, crossing the line, matching shots and general continuity
preparation of shot cards and shot description
different types of light measuring devices and their use, eg use of light meters
camera supports
basic concepts and techniques of cable handling and compatibility with other equipment
duty of care to colleagues and the general public
occupational and public health and safety procedures in relation to lifting, climbing rigs, using electrical equipment
principles of clear communication and negotiation of problems
detailed knowledge of the Australian film industry recommended safety code

Linkages to other units:

This unit has linkages to the following unit and combined training delivery and/or assessment is recommended:

CUFCAM03A Compose camera shots and operate a camera

Critical aspects of evidence
This unit of competence applies to a range of industry sectors. The focus of assessment will depend on the industry sector. Assessment must be customised to meet the needs of the particular sector in which performance is being assessed. Assessment should only address those variable circumstances, listed in the range of variables statements, which apply to the chosen context.

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

the development of creative camera plans which meet practical requirements including venue requirements, type of production and resource constraints, in particular budgetary constraints
effective verbal and written communication with a range of individuals/organisations

Method and context of assessment
Assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a mix of both of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment.

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

work samples or simulated workplace activities
oral questioning/interview aimed at evaluating the processes used in developing and realising the creative concept
projects/reports/logbooks
third party reports and authenticated prior achievements
portfolios of evidence which demonstrate the processes used in developing and realising the creative concept

Resource requirements
Assessment requires access to a range of equipment listed in the range of variables statement, currently used by the cultural industries.

Communicating ideas and information
(3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(3)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(3)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(2)