Course Title: Shoot material for screen productions

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2023

Course Code: COMM7379C

Course Title: Shoot material for screen productions

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4416 - Certificate IV in Screen and Media

Course Contact: Rowan Humphrey

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4842

Course Contact Email: rowan.humphrey@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Rowan Humphrey

Course Coordinator / Teacher

rowan.humphrey@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 80

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

This course describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to shoot screen material using a single-camera.

Camera operators apply the skills and knowledge described in this course. Their prime responsibility is to capture screen images using a range of video equipment. Operators in this context generally work under direction but perform all camera, sound and lighting functions. Occasionally they will be assisted by a camera assistant or sound recordist. On occasion, they may be required to assist other camera operators with the movement and handling of cameras and cables.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUACAM311 Shoot material for screen productions

Element:

1. Prepare for shoots

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm production and post-production requirements by participating in pre-production briefings

1.2 Arrange equipment and accessories for shoots as directed

1.3 Confirm there are adequate supplies of charged batteries and capture media to meet production requirements

1.4 Prepare and pack lighting equipment

1.5 Identify and report equipment faults to required production personnel

1.6 Complete minor repairs on faulty equipment

1.7 Complete workplace documentation according to organisational procedures prior to shoots

Element:

2. Set up on location

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Contribute ideas to production concepts in discussion with required personnel

2.2 Plan camera positions that ensure composition of shots provides visual interpretation of material or subject according to production requirements

2.3 Set up and secure cameras and other equipment

2.4 Plan repositioning of equipment and accessories during shoots according to production requirements

2.5 Label and load capture media and check camera functions

2.6 Position microphones according to production requirements and conduct audio check

Element:

3. Set up lighting

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Determine whether correction is required by assessing quality and quantity of available light according to production requirements

3.2 Mount and position lighting equipment safely

3.3 Run lighting cables and connect to power sources safely

3.4 Install colour frames and gels according to production requirements

3.5 Select lenses and filters appropriate to prevailing weather conditions

Element:

4. Position and operate camera

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Select camera shots and angles that produce effective cuts between shots according to production requirements

4.2 Shoot and record sequences as directed according to production and post-production requirements

4.3 Implement planned or rehearsed shots according to direction from required personnel by checking camera movements

Element:

5. Manipulate cables and camera positioning

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Confirm final camera and cable movements by participating in rehearsals

5.2 Position and move camera cabling during shoots according to instructions and cues from required personnel

5.3 Avoid undue lapses in timing by responding to cues from required personnel

5.4 Move cameras and cabling without impeding work of camera operators in cooperation with required personnel

5.5 Handle cabling without damaging equipment or causing injury to others

Element:

6. Wrap up shoots

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Use safe lifting techniques when packing equipment and accessories

6.2 Label recorded material and associated documentation according

to organisational procedures

6.3 Identify and report additional equipment faults and complete required documentation

6.4 Leave shoot locations in original or improved condition

6.5 Review and reflect on own performance and note areas for improvement


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will be able to shoot single camera productions, performing all camera, sound and lighting functions.


Details of Learning Activities

In class activities will include a range of teacher directed group activities, projects, class exercises, review discussions/lectures and independent project based work.

Out-of-class activities include completion of individual design and pre-production work, preparation for class presentations and location excursions/production work. Online research and occasional outside of class time group discussions will be required to maintain project work.


Teaching Schedule

WeekTopicAssessment / Learning activities
1 Prepare for shoots Introduction to Cameras & Natural Lighting and the Course guide. Introduction to professional cameras, batteries & tripods. Recording formats. Set up on location Mounting camera to tripod. Position & operate camera to capture shots Framing shots, panning & tilting. Sound. Ambient light.

Home work- Watch TV to develop screen grammar. Read ‘ENG’ chapters from ‘Martha’. Explore the contents of Canvas and check out Lynda.com via the RMIT library.

 
Normalising, manualising. Following the camera check list. Manipulate cables and camera positioning. Basic audio connections. Shooting with available light. Set up lighting Setting up Key, Fill and Backlight. Set up on location A walk in the Lane. ENG style shooting. Setting up for run and gun. What have we forgotten? Shooting off the shoulder & from the hip. Flexifill. Weather. DSLR comparo  
3- 5 

SHOOT1of3 Demonstrate set up of a camera onto a tripod for ‘ENG’ style shooting, following your own camera checklist.  [While waiting other candidates Shoot Depth of Field footage. DSLR option for those with their own cameras can use iphone to capture output from a studio camera

SHOOT1of3 Demonstrate set up of a camera onto a tripod for ‘ENG’ style shooting, following your own camera checklist.  [While waiting other candidates Shoot Depth of Field footage. DSLR option for those with their own cameras can use iphone to capture output from a studio camera]

 ‘Shoot’ a short. Engaging with a professional camera to set recording format, exposure, white balance, focus, composition and viewing angle (focal length), depth of field and aligning audio. Analyse ‘C31 & RMIT’ brief, shooting to styles (‘Top gear’ B&W), focus assists, exposure tools, manipulating depth of field, getting truly on mic sound and guaranteeing quality. Shots that start and finish, cutaways, head shots and cut ins. The ‘in camera’ edit. When do we need Pre and Post roll?  
7-8   SHOOT2of3.  Shoot ‘In camera’ edits, prepping Cam/audio, shooting & reviewing pictures and sound. Follow & Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.  SHOOT2of3.  Shoot ‘In camera’ edits, prepping Cam/audio, shooting & reviewing pictures and sound. Follow & Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.
Break    
 9-10 SHOOT2of3.  Shoot ‘In camera’ edits, prepping Cam/audio, shooting & reviewing pictures and sound. Follow & Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server. SHOOT2of3.  Shoot ‘In camera’ edits, prepping Cam/audio, shooting & reviewing pictures and sound. Follow & Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.
11 Class time to allow preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.  
 12 - 16

SHOOT3of3   (Many students will have commenced this task before this date)

Meet the quality requirements of a Broadcast Television segment in shooting and recording the vision and audio for a TV segment. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.

Shots to include - Subjects sitting & standing - Int/ext – day/night - LS, MS, MCU & CU.

Class time will also allow for preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.

SHOOT3of3   (Many students will have commenced this task before this date)

Meet the quality requirements of a Broadcast Television segment in shooting and recording the vision and audio for a TV segment. Complete LocationCheck Production report and copy files to EDITSHARE server.

Shots to include - Subjects sitting & standing - Int/ext – day/night - LS, MS, MCU & CU.

Class time will also allow for preparation for shoots, review of footage and remedial training.

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Mollison, M., 2010, Producing Videos, 'A Complete Guide' 3rd Ed, Allen and Unwin, Sydne

978174237056


References

Basic Photography, Michael Langford any edition


Other Resources

You are advised to look at myRMIT for ongoing updated information.

Further learning resources will be available through the course canvas shell

It is recommended that you bring materials to classes to make notes, for example;

a pen and notepaper or a laptop computer. You will need to have either a USB thumb drive or a USB/Thunderbolt Harddrive (or both) to store and manage your media. Your teacher will advise you what to get when classes commence.

Remember that the University Library has many resources that will help you and  has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The Learning Lab
 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

English for uni workshops
 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS. 


Assessment Tasks

[Ungraded Course]

 

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments and once you have demonstrated competency you will also receive a result after your final assessment task.

 

Ungraded Assessment Tasks

Shoot1o3: Demonstrate Camera Set Up and answer oral questions. Due weeks 3, 4, 5 Semester 2

Shoot2o3: In camera edit. Due by weeks 7, 8, 9, Semester 2

Shoot3o3: Show reel and Knowledge question Quiz. Due by week 16 of Semester 2

 

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available on myRMIT for full assessment criteria.

 

Results that apply to Ungraded courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA      Competency Achieved

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

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.

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

 

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

 

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.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/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.  

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

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.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview