Course Title: Record sound on location

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: VART6428C

Course Title: Record sound on location

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5412 - Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation)

Course Contact: Andrew Harrison

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4350

Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Andrew Harrison

Email: andrew.harrison@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

This course describes the skills and knowledge needed to record dialogue and sound effects on location for a screen production.

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 determineoptimum 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

In this course you will undertake the recording of sound on location which includes outdoor and indoor locations for a range of 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 Screen Producers Australia 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

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Week	Class content	Assessment
1	Overview of the course, assessment and facilities Basic sound theory Introduction to location sound recording equipment. Introduction/explanation of production documentation. WHS: Risks and Hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for the classroom (teaching space)	Assessment Task 1 due in week 4
2	Revision of week 1 Overview of microphone technology (dynamic, condenser, shotgun condensers) and how they work. Sound Devices 3 channel mixer/recorder Introduction to location recording (Dialogue and FX) techniques and methods. Introduction/explanation of issues typically occurring with/on location sound work and how to address them. 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.	Assessment Task 1 due next week.
4	Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Questions and Answers Due Revision of week 3 Recording sound effects and atmosphere on location - 1st practice File management and identifying sound recordings Includes discussion Preparation for Assessment 2	Assessment Task 1 Knowledge Question & Answer Due
5	Review and feedback of Assessment Task 1 Assessment Task 2: Record sound effects and atmosphere - (Practice) Set up and practice recording atmospheres and sound fx Signal to Noise ratio/Recording level (re-iteration) Re-iteration of handling noise and background noise elimination	Assessment Task 2 due next week.
6	Assessment Task 2: Record sound effects and atmosphere Due Demonstrate using audio equipment to record Sound Fx and atmospheres with Boom (Shotgun mic).	Assessment Task 2: Record sound effects and atmosphere Due
7	Boom set up, operation and technique (correct stance for Dialogue recording and frame hugging) Microphone placement Signal to noise ratio and noise floor Class exercises – simulated interview dialogue recording; emphasis on correct equipment set up and microphone positions Preparation for Assessment 3
8	Demonstrate using audio equipment to record dialogue for an interview Final preparation for Assessment 3 Interview recording. Camera Implementation (Frame Line)	Assessment Task 3 starts next week
9	Assessment Task 3: Interview Production Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Record Sound on Location Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables on canvas	Assessment Task 3: Interview Production
10	Assessment Task 3: Interview Production Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Record Sound on Location Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables on canvas	Assessment Task 3: Interview Production
11	Assessment Task 3: Interview Production Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Record Sound on Location Assessment Schedule for submission of assessment deliverables on canvas Assessment Task 3: Interview Production - Due	Assessment Task 3: Interview Production – Finalise Assessment Submission
12	Review and feedback of Assessment Task 3 Boom set up and operation re-iteration Radio mic operation and placement(lapels) Signal to noise ratio and noise floor (Lapels and Booms and differences. Class exercises – Boom and Lapel, emphasis on correct equipment set up and microphone positions (close and mid shots)	Assessment 4 due weeks 14 and 15
13	Dialogue recording-Lapel Level vs Boom level. Mixer control, monitoring and level control Class exercises – simulated interview dialogue recording; emphasis on distortion and noise free audio Radio mic operation and placement (lapels) and Boom Distance (Boom-close and mid shots) Preparation for Assessment 4	Assessment 4 due next week and week 15
14	Assessment Task 4: Boom & Lapel recording – session 1 Demonstrate using audio equipment to record dialogue and atmospheres with Boom (Shotgun mic) and Lapel (radio) mic Assessment 4 session 1 – please read Assessment 4 schedule	Assessment Task 4: Boom & Lapel recording – session 1
15	Assessment Task 4: Boom & Lapel recording – session 2 Demonstrate using audio equipment to record dialogue and atmospheres with Boom (Shotgun mic) and Lapel (radio) mic Assessment 4 session 2 – please read Assessment 4 schedule Assessment Task4: Boom & Lapel recording – Due	Assessment Task 4: Boom & Lapel recording – session 2 Assessment Task 4 - Finalise Assessment Submission
16	Revision of Assessment 4 finalisation and evaluation.

 

 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None

References

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information.

Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through Study Support:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

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/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.

Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

Assessment Task 1 - This assessment is a short answer knowledge assessment designed to assess knowledge in relation to production documentation and sound recording equipment and techniques to a competent standard. Due Date: week 4

Assessment Task 2 - Record sound effects and atmosphere. This is a group based practical demonstration using audio recording equipment to record sound effects and atmosphere. Due Date: week 6

Assessment Task 3 - Dialogue recording for an interview. This is a group based practical demonstration using audio recording equipment to record dialogue and atmospheres for an interview. Due Date: weeks 9 to 11

Assessment Task 4 - Boom and Lapel dialogue recording. This is a group based practical demonstration using boom and lapel audio recording equipment to record  recording the dialogue and atmosphere's on location for a screen production. Due Dates: weeks 14 to 15

Assessment tasks 1, 2, 3 and 4 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16.

Results that apply to 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 are available through the course contact in 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 Student Essentials 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

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview