Elements and Performance Criteria

Special conditions refers to special environments where cameras may be set up and may include:

the filming of special effects

underwater

mounted to a dolly

mounted to a crane

the use of a jib

the use of a remote controlled camera

the use of a robotic camera

mounted to, or filmed from a moving vehicle, eg car, truck, bus etc

mounted to, or filmed from a moving vessel, eg ship, boat etc

mounted to, or filmed from a moving aircraft

mounted to, or filmed from a moving train

Special effects may include:

wind

snow

rain

storm effects: thunder, lightning

floods

explosions

flash pots

gun shots

pyrotechnic effects

mechanical

Operators of moving equipment may include:

pilots

train drivers

drivers of vehicles

boat crew

crane operator

dolly operator

Special equipment may include:

rig, track and mount equipment

harness equipment

protective clothing

special camera housings

sealed cabling or battery equipment

communication equipment

Protective clothing may include:

helmet

wetsuit

identifying colour and/or signage on clothing

insulated clothing

fire resistant clothing

Shots may include:

extreme close up

close up

mid shot

long shot

wide shot

high angle

eye level shot

low angle

establishing or master shot

point of view shot

cutaway shot

Camera movement may be:

static

pan

tilt

track in

track out

crab

crane

Shoots may include:

single

multi camera

Types of production may include:

electronic field production (EFP)

electronic news gathering (ENG)

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, current affairs

live or pre-recorded television productions

Equipment and accessories may include:

film camera of any type

underwater camera

Betacam

Betacam SP

Digital betacam

Cigar cam to any format

DVC Pro

DV Cam

Mini DV

1 inch tube

2/3 inch tube

2/3 inch CCD in both large format and portable configuration

video split monitor

lighting kit

lighting bulbs

lights

cables

mounts

lenses

filters

filter wheel

viewfinders

diopter

zoom demands

focus demands

shot boxes

cue card holders

headphones

autocue monitor

talkback

tallies and return video

Supports may include:

rigs and scaffolding

cranes

tracks and dollies

tripods

spreaders

fluid heads

pedestals

fixed mounts

Lenses may include:

zoom

fixed

macro

micro

Battery types may include:

Ni-Cad

lead/acid

lithium ION

metal halide

Production requirements for the shoot may include:

specific lighting conditions

technical

creative

script

news stories to be covered

location of assignment

Relevant personnel may include:

supervisor

head of department

director of photography

director

news producer/director/chief of staff

grip

gaffer

lighting personnel

technical director

other technical staff

other specialist staff

pilot

driver of vehicle

boat crew

train driver

performers

stunt performers

special effects personnel

safety officer

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
team communication 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 uses
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
detailed knowledge of the Australian film industry recommended safety code
principles of clear communication and negotiation of problems

Linkages to other units:

This unit has linkages to the following units and combined training delivery and/or assessment may be appropriate:

CUFCAM03A Compose camera shots and operate a camera

Critical aspects of evidence
This unit of competence applies to a range of special conditions in which a camera is operated. The focus of assessment will depend on the specialisation. Assessment must be customised to meet the needs of the particular special condition 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.
Care should be taken in developing training to meet the requirements of this unit. The specific focus of training will depend upon the special conditions covered. For generic pre-vocational training, organisations should provide training which will provide participants with a breadth knowledge and expertise, encompassing a range of special conditions.

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

the interpretation and implementation of commonwealth, state and territory occupational health and safety regulations, relevant national and international standards, guidelines and codes of practice, and relevant local government construction and safety legislation and regulation
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. However, assessment of this unit would most effectively be undertaken on the job due to the specific workplace environment requirements.
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. 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
Evidence of competence would be best obtained by evaluation of a number of camera operation tasks ensuring a wide coverage of special conditions.

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
(2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(3)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(3)