ASSESSMENT BRIEF

Department of Performing and Screen Arts

Bachelor in Performing and

Screen Arts
Course No. Course Name Semester Year
PASA7272 Camera 3b 2 2009
Lecturer (s) Course Co-ordinator
Dan Wagner, Alan Locke Dan Wagner
Marker(s) Moderator(s)
Dan Wagner, Alan Locke Glenn Thomas
Assignment No. & Title Course grade % Due Date Return Date
2 Year 2 Short Film - Gaffer 30% th
16 November 7th December

Learning Outcomes:
1. Employ sophisticated creative, technical and managerial skills whilst running a specialist
department on a short narrative film.

Description:
Support the Year 2 DP’s by serving as GAFFER on their Short Films. This will be assessed
by anecdotal evidence from peers, tutor spot checks on set and, for criteria 4-6, through a
Journal.

Marking Criteria:
1. Professionally execute the responsibilities of the Gaffer. (15%) (Know the theory,
the responsibilities and the expectations of the job; remain focused on the shot from your point of view as chief
lighting technician; fulfill all the duties expected within the purview of the position; consult appropriately with the
DOP on issues related to improving the shot or making the shot work)

2. Demonstrate initiative during recces (if applicable) and camera/lighting setups.

(15%) (Hint: this comes out of totally knowing all that the job entails, and doing your best to anticipate the next
directive. It also involves making appropriate problem-solving suggestions about lighting strategies in order to
accomplish a shot. “Appropriate” here means only if there is an identified problem and all other suggestions have
been considered. Commit your undivided attention to your DOP and to the shot being made or discussed.
Continually monitor and supervise any crew who may be working for you)

3. Demonstrate effective communication within your crew position. (15%) (Stand

next to the DOP during initial phases of each shot setup; obtain vital shot information and apply that information
correctly to your tasks; ensure that you are clear about all information given you and requests made of you;
acknowledge all communications made to you; issue clear directives to your department and make sure you were
heard and understood; clearly communicate task-completion and/or shot-readiness to AD or DOP; at all times
maintain a respectful and professional demeanour.)

4. Ensure safety at all times. (25%) (the safety of other people, your own personal safety, the
safety of the equipment) [Note that this criterion has the highest weighting as it is ultimately the most crucial –
particularly if it is not met. It is intended that the effect of any infraction in proper safety protocol be impactful to this
assessment.]

5. Demonstrate functional conversancy with Electricity, with concepts of

Lighting and Exposure and with the Lighting Equipment used on your shoot. (15%)
(wattage and amperage, the specific lighting units themselves, the reflective tools, the diffusing tools, c-stand usage,
the uses of cutters, the light meter; key-to-fill ratios, balancing light levels; quality of light and how to achieve a
defined quality of light)

6. Submit a Plan Book/Journal which clearly details your methodology. (15%)

Relate the DOP’s lighting approach and describe your plan of action to realise that approach; submit a circuit
diagram and rough lighting plot for each scene; discuss your safety considerations and how you addressed them;
self-critique your contribution – what worked and what would you do better next time.

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