YEAR 2 PROFICIENCY DRILL

BRIEF: AN EXERCISE TO COMPLETE 9 SHOOTS OVER 5 DAYS

The Proficiency Drill is about teamwork, communication and learning to work

fast. The goal is to hone the team into a well-oiled machine.

All Year 2 students are involved across their specialisations. Directors will
devise a shooting plan, which they will have discussed with their DP prior to
the shoot.

STAFF INVOLVEMENT
Directing – Athina Tsoulis
Camera –Dan Wagner
Production – Larry Justice
Art Direction – Brent Hargreaves
Sound – Victor Grbic
Editing – Glenn Thomas

IMPORTANT DATES

Thurs, 28 Feb 0900-1200 Proficiency Drill Intro

Day 1 - Wed, 5 March 0900-1200 Proficiency Drill with Directors (A)
Day 2 - Thurs, 6 March 0900-1200 Proficiency Drill with Directors (B & C)
Day 3 - Wed, 12 March 0900-1200 Proficiency Drill with Directors (D & E)
Day 4 - Thurs, 13 March 0900-1200 Proficiency Drill with Directors (F & G)
Day 5 - Wed, 19 March 0900-1200 Proficiency Drill with Directors (H & I)

PRE-PRODUCTION

Scripts will be handed-out and cast and crew allocated. Directors will study
their script and formulate a shooting plan. The Director will then meet the DP
and 1st AD to work out any problems prior to the shoot. The Director will also
make time to rehearse the action with the cast.

THE SHOOT

On the first day:

• The crew will load the gear into the studio
• Directors and actors will do a quick rehearsal of the block with DP
observing
• Actors will then do a run-through of the action for all crew
• Directors will clearly communicate the shots they envisage for
coverage and camera placement to DP and 1st AD while crew observe
• The DP will have the opportunity to discuss the coverage
• Once the Director and DP are happy with decisions, the DP will
communicate with the 1st AD re shot order.
• The 1st AD will clarify the number of shots and shooting order and will
communicate to the crew as to what needs to occur.
 • The DP will communicate the shooting plan details to the crew, who will
set up for the shot (camera & sound placement, focus marks, etc.)
• The director will give final instructions to actors
• The scene will then be shot
• The scene must be blocked, rehearsed, set-up for, shot and wrapped
– all within 2 hrs.
• Designated observers notate opportunities for improvement.
• The final 30 mins of the class will be a debrief of the experience.

Subsequent days:
As above, but within a 1 hour time frame per shoot.
The setting for all scenes will be the studio – utilising the whole space.

THE CHALLENGE

The challenge for the Director, 1st AD and DP is to COMMUNICATE

CLEARLY, QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY in such a way that the crew knows
exactly what to do. The challenge for the crew is to LISTEN ACTIVELY,
asking any questions as soon as the plan is articulated, then to EFFECT THE
PLAN WITH SPEED, PRECISION AND TEAMWORK.

The first day will be the “ramp-up” day. On Days 2-5, there will be only one
hour to rehearse, block, setup, shoot and wrap each scene. We guarantee
you will find this challenging. The only way to achieve this time constraint is if
you listen all the time and keep your attention tuned in 360 degrees around
you.

FEEDBACK

An important component to the Proficiency Drill if feedback. This will come

from peers, tutors and from the “Observers”. On Day 1, we will stop after each
stage of the shoot and briefly review strengths and weaknesses. We integrate
peer feedback into some of the exercises and projects - so as learners, you
can exchange information about how you do what you do. We hope you make
the most of these opportunities. From Day 2 onwards, we will work at
maximum efficiency which will improve as the exercise progresses.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFO

• Shot with single camera narrative style: Masters, Overs, Singles.

• Proficiency must be the driving force behind all decisions.

• This exercise is not about lighting - general lighting will be set up.

• Camera moves are allowed, but we advise you to keep them simple.
• Director, DP, Continuity, 1st AD, tutors ONLY to stand/sit at monitor.
The above may make technical comments but the sole province of the
Director.

• Debriefs at the end of each shoot – we will not view rushes, but discuss
how we worked together as a team. This is the heart of the exercise.

• We conform to correct on-set protocol.

• Each shoot will include several positions called “Observer” whose joint
responsibility is to evaluate crew interaction and how well each
instruction was communicated and effectuated for constructive
feedback to each crew.

• Please speak respectfully and listen with an open mind.

• Any health and safety issues should be discussed immediately with

your 1st AD or tutor.