Elements and Performance Criteria

Environments where follow focus units may be set up and operated 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

Relevant personnel may include:

supervisor

head of department

director of photography

camera operator

director

gaffer

lighting personnel

technical director

other technical staff

other specialist staff

floor manager

client

performers

crane crew

grips

Equipment may include:

cameras

lenses

follow focus unit

varied speed unit

speed aperture unit

filters

lights

special effects equipment

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

Types of lens may include:

fixed

zoom

Split focus may encompass:

circle of confusion

format

lens focal length

aperture

focus point

Information relayed to continuity may include:

lens size

marks

stop

footage

Problems may include:

position of props

position of scenery

position of performers

failing light

position of lights

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:

understanding of principles of photography and cinematography
principles and techniques of camera operation, lenses and composition
understanding of the types and capabilities of lenses in common use
requirements for changes particularly in camera movements, subject and production requirements
basic mathematic calculation for focal calculation
principles of clear communication
detailed knowledge of the Australian film industry recommended safety code

Linkages to other units
This unit has linkages to the following units and combined training delivery and/or assessment may be appropriate:
CUFCAM09A Perform pre-shoot camera tests
CUFCAM11A Set up a camera

Critical aspects of evidence

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

the interpretation of creative and/or technical requirements and provision of additional ideas in order to produce the desired style of the moving image captured
knowledge and application of photographic principles
technical knowledge of a range of film cameras
effective verbal communication with team members

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 methods must include observation of performance during a practical demonstration. Direct observation may need to occur on more than one occasion to establish consistency of performance. A range of methods to assess the application of essential underpinning knowledge must support this and might include:

work samples or simulated workplace activities
oral questioning/interview
projects/reports/logbooks
third party reports and authenticated prior achievements
portfolios of evidence

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
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(2)