Overview

This standard is about producing a location shoot. This can be a complete programme or inserts to be included in a programme.  

It is about planning the shots, structuring the story, and working with the camera and sound crew on location. It is also about understanding camera formats and overseeing the transfer or transportation of data to the post-production facilities.

You will need to ensure that equipment is not mislaid, lost or broken.

You will need to demonstrate awareness of required timings for productions and ensure these are met.  If the shoot is for a programme insert, you will need to know the style, format of the production and the length of piece required.

You may be working alone, or you may need to plan for accurate crew and resources to meet production needs. It is important to ensure you work effectively to the agreed schedule and timings in order to capture the required shots.

It is also necessary to take environmental factors, such as heat, cold, rain or sand, into consideration when storing data as these may have an adverse effect on what has been captured.

This standard is for those who work on location and can apply to Sound, Photography, Production or Director roles.

 

Performance Criteria 

You must be able to:

  1. decide how to tell the story to comply with both content and style requirements of productions
  2. select interviewees and contributors that are suitable for productions
  3. approve the choice of locations against production requirements and check that relevant permissions have been secured
  4. plan the content, structure, backgrounds and shot sizes of interviews to meet production requirements
  5. plan location shots to create the most powerful images and revealing actuality possible
  6. confirm duration, aspect ratio and format for the insert shot to meet production requirements
  7. give crew or presenters a full briefing before the shoot, remaining open to their suggestions
  8. decide on the equipment and materials needed, ordering and checking them before the filming day if filming alone
  9. log and label all data in line with production requirements
  10. capture and store data in line with legal and production requirements
  11. create multiple copies of captured data to meet production requirements
  12. give clear directions to contributors, crew or presenters at scheduled times
  13. maintain schedules without compromising finished items when delays occur
  14. choreograph presenters’ pieces to camera to meet production requirements, deciding which supplementary questions are needed, and which questions need to be repeated as reversals
  15. communicate technical requirements of the shoot to cast and crew prior to shooting
  16. check and confirm in advance if crew need to be unobtrusive and plan how to ensure this happens
  17. produce footage in line with broadcast procedures
  18. ensure that contributors and location owners sign consent and release forms at appropriate times
  19. wrap locations, ensuring that they are left as you found them
  20. pack and return equipment and materials straight after use
  21. confirm that post production personnel have received the captured data in the agreed format
  22. confirm that risk assessment has been carried out
  23. produce photo stills and PR material for marketing the programme

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:  

  1. the technical factors of the shoot, including shooting format, shooting time base and aspect ratio, which need to be communicated to the crew in advance of the shoot
  2. how, when and why a camera should be colour-balanced
  3. if shooting widescreen, why and how to frame each shot to protect for transmission in television format
  4. how to log and label data correctly
  5. how to make the best use of time and resources to enable you to maintain high production values, whilst bringing the programme in on time and within budget
  6. how to ensure that you comply with privacy and trespass laws on location
  7. the need to be flexible and to respond to unfolding events on location
  8. what shots you need to make a sequence meeting continuity requirements
  9. framing, composition, depth of field, and the capability of different lenses and cameras
  10. how to ensure data is captured and stored on location in line with legal and production requirements
  11. how to create multiple copies of captured data and ensure they are not subject to weather or environmental issues
  12. when to use radio microphones and which ones meet production requirements
  13. the importance of recognising and valuing the expertise of contributors, crew and presenters
  14. when lights are needed and where they should be positioned
  15. exposure latitude, difficult light conditions and the impact of mixing interior and exterior light
  16. how to get the best performance out of presenters and interviewees
  17. how to interview contributors on camera
  18. how to disguise the identity of an interviewee when necessary
  19. the dangers of flashing images, and how to edit such sequences to ensure compliance with industry standards
  20. how to undertake a risk assessment of the location and the importance of repeating this if necessary
  21. how to ensure that data is passed to post production personnel
  22. the marketing requirements for the production and how to capture publicity stills for future PR purposes