SKSCCL1 Prepare camera equipment for shoots

Overview 

This standard is about preparing camera equipment for shoots.  This can apply to digital or film cameras.  This could apply to any type of production including feature films, TV dramas, commercials, documentaries, sports coverage, outside broadcast and live or stage events.  This could apply to single or multi camera situations.

This includes identifying equipment needs, checking availability of equipment, making sure equipment is adequately packaged for transport to set, assessing the impact of the environment, establishing appropriate bases on which to build cameras and monitors, laying out equipment and acclimatising glassware.

This Standard is relevant to those responsible for preparing camera equipment for shoots including those working as 2nd assistants or clapper loaders.

 

Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

  1. identify the equipment needed to meet production requirements
  2. check the availability of equipment with appropriate people
  3. make sure all equipment is tested and working prior to being transported to set
  4. assess the impact of the shooting environment on camera equipment
  5. make sure equipment is appropriately packaged for transport to set
  6. make sure all relevant equipment is transported to set
  7. establish an appropriate on set location for equipment
  8. lay out equipment and materials in an appropriate and accessible manner
  9. select and acclimatise relevant glassware to location conditions
  10. establish appropriate bases on which to build cameras and monitors
  11. organise cameras and accessories to enable straightforward assembly
  12. assemble camera heads on appropriate legs

 

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand: 

  1. key characteristics of current cameras, lenses and attachments and major obsolescent models
  2. camera handling techniques and the implications of damage to cameras
  3. cleaning and maintenance procedures and products for the camera equipment in use including cleanliness of all glass surfaces
  4. how to check the availability of equipment and materials
  5. how to interpret camera equipment needs from a call sheet
  6. how to load and organise the working layout of a camera truck
  7. how to prepare and manage equipment bags
  8. the role of others involved and when to liaise with them including camera operators, and 1st camera assistants or focus pullers
  9. how to store cameras and lenses safely and securely
  10. any special requirements to ensure the safety and security of equipment when left unattended
  11. relevant manufacturers’ instructions for the equipment in use
  12. the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures including requirements for lifting and carrying