1. Unit 17: Prepare Camera Equipment for Each Day’s Shoot
1.1 Identify key characteristics of relevant equipment
The key characteristics of a video camera are:
 Definition – The quality in which the camera can shoot in. The better the
definition, the clearer the recorded footage will be
 Image sensor – Transforms light coming into the camera into a digital signal
 Video format – The format that the videos are saved as e.g. mp4
 Lens – The type of lens dictates what type of shots you can get and how
much you can zoom
 Frame rate – How many frames per second (fps) it records in
 Exposure control – Adjusts how dark or light a shot it
1.2 Use techniques for testing and handling relevant equipment and materials
 Test SD cards by checking that storage in a computer to make sure there is enough
room for your footage. You can also check this in the camera. Also, check that the
card is working by simply trying to use it in the camera, if there is an error, the
camera will alert you. Make sure the SD cards are stored safely, where they won’t be
cracked. Make sure that all footage is moved over when you are finished using it and
make sure the cards are formatted so they are ready to be used for the next shoot
 Test the batteries by putting them into the camera then looking at how long the
battery has left, checking if it is usable for the shoot. If not, make sure the battery is
charged ASAP. When charging the battery, either charge it in the camera or use a
charging station. Make sure the correct charger is used as the incorrect voltage can
badly damage the battery. Make sure batteries are charged after they are used so
they are ready for the next shoot.
 Test the camera by simply turning it on and trying to shoot with it, this is the best
way to see if it works. Make sure that the camera and all of its accessories are stored
safely and are used sensibly.
1.3 Identify the consequences of incorrect handling of relevant equipment and
materials
 If an SD card isn’t formatted or a battery isn’t charged, they may run out mid-
shoot, which means a lot of footage will be missed and it will cause a big delay
 Incorrect handling of a camera may damage it
1.4 Describe how to store relevant equipment and materials safely and securely
 Cameras should be stored in a padded case. This will prevent them from being
damaged as if they are just left out they can be knocked over, stood on or get
covered in dust. Also, if the case isn’t padded, the camera can get knocked
around inside the case and get damaged. This case should then be locked
away to prevent theft
 SD cards should all be stored in a container. This will prevent them from being
cracked or gathering dust. Also, if multiple sizes of SD cards are used then the
container should be sectioned to make it easier to get a specific card.

2. 1.5 Describe procedures and products for cleaning and maintaining relevant
equipment and materials
 To format an SD card, you should put it into a computer then right click on the
card and click format. Then un-click quick format, as a quick format can cause
problems to the SD card.
 To charge a battery, either put it in the camera or put it into a charging
station. Then plug the camera/station in with the correct charger cable
 To clean a camera lens, use a pec pad (lint free wipe), these dry quickly and
won’t scratch your lens. Wrap and tape the pec pad around a stick (a clean
lollipop stick will work). Then add a few drops of lens cleaning fluid to the pad.
Then use this to lightly swipe across the lens, doing around 3 or 4 passes.
Don’t use too much pressure or do too many passes as this could damage the
lens.
 Make sure everything is stored away safely and away from possible thieves
1.6 Describe how to charge batteries safely
To charge a battery, either put it in the camera or put it into a charging station. Then
plug the camera/station in with the correct charger cable. It is important that the
correct cable is used as the wrong voltage can damage the battery, causing it to blow.
It is also not a good idea to leave them charging overnight as this could damage the
battery and shorten their life.
1.7 Describe how to order relevant equipment, identifying sources
If you need to hire some professional equipment, make sure that you hire it for the
days that you need it for, not any more, as this may cause a loss of money, and not
any less, as this could cause you to lose the equipment you need half way through a
shoot. Make sure that you hire it for the max amount of days you need it for so you
don’t run the risk of your hire expiring. Also, make sure you order it a few weeks in
advance to make sure that the equipment you need isn’t hired out by someone else.
Some places you can hire equipment from are hireacamera.comand
calumetrental.com.
1.7 Follow manufacturers’ instructions for relevant equipment
Here are the instructionsforthe cameraI use.It statesthat you
shouldputthe batteryintothe camera thenpluginthe chargerto
charge it.Thisis the wayI charge the batteries.

3. Here are the instructionsforinsertingmemoryintothe camera.
Theystate to use an SD card, whichiswhatwe use.I insertthe card
intothe SD slot,as the instructionssay
Here are the instructionsforholdingthe cameraandrecording.
Theystate to fastenthe strap to holditsafelyandopenthe screen
to preview whatisbeingrecorded,whichIdo.It alsostatesto press
the start/stopbuttonto record,whichI alsodo.

4. For the rest of the points, I will be using the example of the live lounge
sessions. For these, I worked in a group to plan and carry out the recordings
of live performances.
2.1 Liaise with appropriate parties to confirm specific requirements for a shoot
When planning the live lounge sessions, we had multiple group meetings to decide on
what needs to be done. In our first meeting, we all got together and decided on
everything that needs to be planned out and what needs to be done. Here are the
notes I took from this session.
These notes where decided as a group and where then sent to our line manager.
We also split up the tasks amongst us, we were all to film but the other roles were
split. I was responsible for creating a floor plan and noting the equipment that would
be used. Once I made the floor plan, I showed the rest of the teamand made sure
they agreed with me, which they did.
On the day of the shoot, most of the equipment was already set up as we set it up a
few days prior. We rotated between which cameras we would use for the shoot, e.g. I
would start on the left handheld, Simon would start on the centre jib and Michael
would start on the right. We made sure everyone was clear about this before we
started.

5. 2.2 Liaise with appropriate parties to check that equipment requirements for a
shoot are met
As stated in 2.1, I made a floor plan for the shoot, which was shown to the rest of my
team so we knew what equipment we would need and where it would go. We set up
the equipment for the shoot 3 days before the day of the shoot. This allowed us to
know if there was anything we were missing a good amount of time before hand so
we could prepare any equipment we missed. We always talked with each other to
make sure that everyone was in the loop.
3.1 Interpret requirements of a call sheet prior to a shoot
In order to keep track of who was performing and when we created a call sheet (in
folder). This also helped us know if there was anything else we needed such as
guitars.
3.2 Test all relevant equipment prior to a shoot
The shoot was set up 3 days before the day so we knew we had all the equipment we
needed. Once it was set up in position, we turned everything on and shot some mock
footage for a few minutes to check that it was working fine. Everything was fine, the
cameras were recording clearly and the lights were giving the amount of light that we
wanted.
3.3 Assess the shooting environment at a shooting location
This was done when I created the floor plan. The shoot was to be in the Pluto Room, a
venue that I had shot in multiple times before so knew the layout and the best way to
go about shooting in there. The acts would be on the stage, which is raised a few feet
above the floor, which means I knew I would have to have the cameras set on high
tripods so I wasn’t getting a lot of low angle shots. I also knew that there was a lot of
space in front of the stage, so I knew I could fit a jib there with statics on both sides
and handhelds between those to get a wide variety of shots. With the location being
indoors, we didn’t have to worry about weather conditions. With the sound being
recorded from microphones that were set up by a separate sound technician, we
didn’t have to worry too much about the sound set up, only the mic positions so they
weren’t blocking the performer.
3.4 Organise the working layout of a camera truck
At Red Dreams we don’t use camera trucks as we don’t have the funding for one.
Instead we put all equipment into the boot of an available car when shooting away
from the unit; the car will normally be of a colleague who is available to transport us
and the equipment to the location. There has also been a time where we have used a
white van when we have too much equipment for the boot of a car.

6. 3.5 Prepare and manage equipment bags
All of our equipment is kept in bags to keep it safe. Our cameras are always kept in a
case that is padded and separate. In the same case are the batteries, the chargers
and wires. Keeping all of these things together ensures that the cameras and
everything else that is needed are there to use and easy to find. The padding stops
any damage.
Our tri-pods are kept in separate bags (one in each bag), which protects themfrom
dirt and dust.
Our lights are kept together in a bag, but are all in separate padded boxes that keep
them safe.
3.6 Establish an appropriate on set location for relevant equipment
The best location to keep equipment that isn’t being used is the original place that it
is kept as the shoot location is attached to Red Dreams. All of the equipment that we
used for the shoot was taken in the cases that they are kept in. That way, if there is
anything else that we discover we need, it is there ready. These cases were kept next
to the walls where they wouldn’t be tripped over.
3.7 Transport all relevant equipment to a set
We had 4 people working on setting up the equipment. Since the shoot location was
attached to where we were setting off from and nothing we were using was too
heavy, we decided to just carry everything we needed into the room and set it up
together. If we were traveling a long distance, we would have put the equipment into
a car or van.
3.8 Unload all relevant equipment on a set
When we got the equipment to the location, we carefully took the equipment that we
needed out of the bags and immediately set it up. We made sure we didn’t take any
equipment out and just leave it on the floor.
3.9 Select and acclimatise relevant glassware
None of the equipment we used had any glass. However, if we did use it, I would
make sure that all glass equipment was handled with care. This goes for any
environment that we would work it, glass equipment should always be handled with
care to avoid shattering. However, if any damage does occur, I would make sure that
there was a brush available to immediately clear it up to avoid any cuts. If anyone
does get cut, I would make sure there was a first aider and a medical kit was
available to cover up any cuts and treat them.
4.1 Identify key health and safety issues and procedures
 Red head lights – can get very hot if left on for too long. To avoid
overheating, make sure that they are kept on as low setting as possible and
are turned off when not needed to allow cooling.
 Jib – The jib moves in a swinging motion so you must be careful that nobody
is within range of being hit. It is also rather heavy, so when moving it you
must make sure you have help and don’t drop it.

7.  Tri-pods – Must make sure that the legs are out fully so it doesn’t fall over.
Must also make sure they are out of the way so nobody trips over the legs.
 Escapes – Make sure the double doors are unlocked and not blocked so it is
easy to get to them in case of a fire.
4.2 Identify any special requirements to ensure the safety and security of
relevant equipment when unattended
 Cases – Must make sure that all equipment is kept in padded cases so they
are protected fromdamage.
 Security – Make sure that all equipment is kept locked away to avoid theft
 Out of the way – Make sure that all equipment is out of the way to avoid
being trod on.
 Awareness – Be aware of where all equipment is to avoid it being trod on
and so it doesn’t go missing