Unit of competency details

UNIT DESCRIPTOR

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret vision system production requirements, participate in run-throughs and ultimately operate a range of vision systems during a live production or event. It also covers the requirement to disassemble equipment. Vision system technicians who operate equipment in a range of live production environments require these skills. The technician may or may not be responsible for installation and set-up.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Participate in technical or creative run through

1.1 Liaise with relevant personnel and read production documents to determine the technical and production requirements for vision systems

1.2 Participate in any required technical or creative run- through, note any equipment deficiencies or technical adjustments to be made

1.3 Plot and run through cues on direction from the appropriate personnel and according to equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements

1.4 Make any necessary changes to cues and modify cue sheets as required

1.5 Execute any necessary changes to equipment according to modifications required

2 Prepare for vision system operation

2.1 Check that final requirements for vision systems operation have been identified, implemented and documented

2.2 Check communications equipment to ensure that it is in working order

2.3 Power up and conduct a check on all primary and

back-up equipment and accessories to ensure that they are in working order

2.4 Rectify any faults or problems and inform relevant personnel of any ongoing problems

3 Operate vision systems

3.1 Execute on cue all vision system operations in accordance with the running sheet and/or direction from appropriate personnel

3.2 Use all equipment features correctly and liaise with other technical personnel, as required, to ensure delivery of the required vision system effect

3.3 Modify cues, as required, to cater for unexpected contingencies

3.4 React to any equipment malfunctions by rectifying the fault safely and efficiently and inform relevant personnel

3.5 Use back-up systems appropriately if required

4 Shut down and disassemble the equipment

4.1 Safely power down the equipment following manufacturer instructions and enterprise procedures

4.2 Secure vision systems to avoid damage when unattended

4.3 Break down and carry vision system and, accessories employing safe lifting techniques

4.4 Safely pack all equipment to avoid damage and prepare for transport if required

4.5 Leave the work site in the original or improved condition, ensuring that there has been no adverse impact on the site

4.6 Complete any organisational documentation accurately and provide copies to relevant personnel

Vision systems used will be determined by the equipment used within an organisation but may include:

• projection equipment, including overhead projectors, 35mm slides, surtitles, film of any gauge, video projectors, data grade projectors

• computers

• televisions

• monitors

• video players

• amplifiers and PA systems

• speakers

• communications systems (talkback)

• show relay

• cable or infra-red controllers

• lighting control or computers

• recording and playback devices for audio and images

• video, digital and still cameras

• connectors

• computerised operating console

• lighting fixtures

• microphones (cabled and wireless)

• two-way communication sets

Vision systems may be used in a range of environments, including:

• live theatre, front or back of house

• meeting and conference facilities

• outdoor venues

• festivals

• events

• shopping centres

• hotels

• clubs

• attractions and theme parks

• showgrounds

Accessories may include:

• screens

• truss

• rostrum

• curtaining

• flats

• masking

• trolleys

• stands

• mounting brackets

• chains and other rigging

• other staging effects

Appropriate personnel may include:

• supervisor

• head of department

• designer

• director

• other specialist staff

• client

• editors

• graphic artists

• photographers

• sound engineers

• lighting and stage crew

Underpinning knowledge and skills

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills: (note that some of this knowledge is shared with the unit CUEAUD02B Prepare, rig, test and modify vision systems equipment and care should be taken to avoid duplication where both units are to be assessed)

• the role and responsibilities of the vision systems technician during the actual operation of a production/performance, including appropriate protocols to be followed

• problem solving techniques during live production in relation to issues which arise with vision systems

• the technical operational aspects of the main types vision systems

• the performance capacities and limitations of various projectors and other elements used in vision systems

• understanding other technical elements of the production/event such as staging, lighting and sound elements to be used in conjunction with vision systems

• general knowledge of rigging procedures, including licencing requirements and restrictions

• relevant organisational and legislative occupational health and safety requirements, including safe manual handling techniques

• effective communication techniques for working with others during a live performance/production

• literacy skills sufficient to interpret documentation and plans, running sheets

Linkages to other units

It is strongly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after the following unit:

• CUEAUD06A

• Apply a general knowledge of vision systems to work activities

This unit also has strong linkages to the following units, and combined training and/or assessment with those units may be appropriate, eg:

• CUEAUD02B

• Prepare, rig, test and modify vision systems

Critical aspects of evidence

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

• technical knowledge of and ability to operate functions of a range of vision systems

• collect interpretation of vision system running sheets

• effective communication with clients and other technical personnel

• knowledge of occupational health and safety principles, procedures and regulations, especially safe lifting techniques

Method and context of assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

• practical demonstration of skills using a variety of vision systems during a live production or event

• operating vision systems within typical workplace time constraints

• operation of equipment according to more than one running/cue sheet to ensure that skills can be adapted to different contexts and vision system requirements

• use of industry-current equipment

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

• direct observation of the operation of vision systems by the candidate

• evaluation of vision system presentations operated by the candidate

• project or role play activities which allow the candidate to demonstrate skills in interpreting and amending running/cue sheets

• role play and test activities which highlight fault detection and rectification

• written or oral questioning to test technical knowledge of typical vision systems and occupational health and safety issues and regulations

• review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the job performance by the candidate

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (eg people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Resource requirements

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

• use of vision system running/cue sheets

• a range of standard industry current vision systems

• a venue where a full range of vision systems can be operated

Key competencies

Level

Examples

Collecting, organising and analysing information

1

Interpreting running sheets

Communicating ideas and information

2

Providing briefings to the customer

Planning and organising activities

1

Testing equipment prior to operation

Working with others and in teams

1

Liaising with other technical personnel

Using mathematical ideas and techniques

1

Calculating times

Solving problems

2

Resolving problems during performance

Using technology

1

Operating vision systems equipment