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(🧱 2.0 Foundational Content, 🎯 3.0 Target Content)
1 – Effectively set up and operate cameras, lights, and other equipment for professional-quality productions.
- Identify the three components of the exposure triangle [1.1] 🧱
- Apply the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO/gain) to maintain a specific depth of field or motion blur [1.2] 🎯
- Modify camera settings based on the exposure meter to ensure subject visibility [1.3] 🧱
- Prepare lights, staging, C-stands, and other studio equipment in production spaces [1.4] 🧱
- Locate and identify physical camera controls and menu functions for exposure, white balance, and focus [1.5] 🧱
- Adjust exposure controls based on histogram data to prevent highlight or shadow clipping [1.6] 🎯
- Describe the basic placement of a Key, Fill, and Backlight in three-point lighting [1.7] 🧱
- Execute light placement to achieve subject separation and control facial shadows [1.8] 🎯
- Balance lighting intensity with camera settings to preserve texture and detail in highlights and shadows [1.9] 🎯
- Explain white balance and how different light sources change image color [1.10] 🧱
- Identify basic shot types including close-ups, medium shots, and wide shots [1.11] 🧱
- Identify how to place a subject on the “power points” of a rule-of-thirds grid [1.12] 🧱
- Frame and light a simple interview shot following a provided example or diagram [1.13] 🧱
- Execute camera movements to track a moving subject or reveal visual information without losing focus [1.14] 🎯
2 – Understand and demonstrate quality audio for live sound and recording.
- Identify cable types (XLR, TRS, TS, RCA, Speakon) and match them to their corresponding audio ports [2.1] 🧱
- Differentiate between connector types and their typical applications [2.2] 🧱
- Distinguish between balanced and unbalanced signals and how each handles interference or “hum” over long distances [2.3] 🧱
- Define basic microphone polar patterns, such as cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 [2.4] 🧱
- Compare the physical construction and typical use of condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones [2.5] 🧱
- Categorize microphones based on their frequency response and durability for live vs. studio environments [2.6] 🧱
- Apply microphone placement techniques (such as distance and axis) to achieve clear signal capture for live and recorded applications [2.7] 🎯
- Explain the purpose of +48v phantom power, which mics require it, and which could be damaged by it [2.8] 🧱
- Configure a complete live-sound signal chain including a mixer, power amplifier, and speakers to produce undistorted audio [2.9] 🎯
- Diagram the signal flow for a basic live sound scenario using technical terminology from source to output [2.10] 🎯
- Utilize auxiliary sends to manage independent audio feeds, such as monitor mixes or effects loops [2.11] 🎯
- Design a sound system specification that includes compatible cables, connectors, and microphones to meet a defined project budget [2.12] 🎯
- Engineer a multi-source studio recording that incorporates independent headphone monitoring [2.13] 🎯
- Route the signal through a mixer and patch bay to designated hardware outputs [2.14] 🎯
- Define audio signal headroom and its role in preventing signal distortion [2.15] 🧱
3 – Demonstrating and employing video editing techniques and workflows.
- Execute media imports by verifying file readability and maintaining a structured folder hierarchy [3.1] 🧱
- Organize source media using software tools such as keywords, favorites, and smart collections [3.2] 🧱
- Maintain an organized media library with backups that allow for project recovery or collaboration [3.3] 🎯
- Perform basic timeline edits (overwrite, append, and insert) using keyboard shortcuts and menu options [3.4] 🧱
- Describe the function of media handles and why they are required for transitions [3.5] 🧱
- Produce a rough cut using straight cuts where the video and audio transitions are aligned to the script [3.6] 🧱
- Perform split-edits (J-cuts and L-cuts) to create seamless audio and video transitions [3.7] 🎯
- Generate frame-accurate “Synchronized Clips” within the software to permanently lock dual-system audio to video sources [3.8] 🎯
- Composite multiple video sources using chroma key effects and settings to create a seamless, unified scene [3.9] 🎯
- Demonstrate precision editing techniques, including three-point edits and back-timed edits, via keyboard shortcuts [3.10] 🧱
- Apply basic keyframes within the inspector to automate changes in video or audio properties [3.11] 🧱
- Modify clip playback and framing using time remapping (speed ramps) and cropping tools [3.12] 🧱
- Integrate custom particle emitters within Apple Motion to add dynamic visual elements to a project [3.13] 🎯
- Construct a 3D stage in Motion using cameras, behaviors, and layers [3.14] 🎯
- Adjust audio levels and panning using keyframe automation to ensure basic audibility [3.15] 🧱
- Identify the requirements of a balanced audio mix for video, including consistent room tone, signal headroom to prevent clipping, and appropriate levels for dialogue and sound effects (SFX) [3.16] 🧱
- Apply color correction and grading tools to match exposure and white balance across clips and establish a specific visual aesthetic [3.17] 🎯
4 – Creating compelling stories using video.
- Execute the 5-shot sequence (Close-up, Wide, Over-the-shoulder, etc.) to achieve comprehensive scene coverage [4.1] 🧱
- Identify and apply editing techniques for continuity (seamless flow) and complexity (thematic/emotional impact) [4.2] 🧱
- Generate a brainstorm or mind map for at least three project ideas using digital mapping software [4.3] 🧱
- Construct a character cluster using the 8-point development approach (POV, Voice, Objective, Obstacles, Conflict, Emotions, Empathy, and Flaws) [4.4] 🧱
- Develop a project treatment that utilizes visual references and a written narrative to define the creative direction for a specific client need or project [4.5] 🎯
- Outline a story using the 5-part scene structure (Exposition, Inciting Incident, Rising Action, Climax, Resolution) [4.6] 🧱
- Format a short-film script using industry-recognized layout standards (sluglines, character cues, and dialogue) and follows a 5-part scene structure [4.7] 🧱
- Apply the concept of “heightening” in at least three instances to escalate the stakes or emotional intensity of a story [4.8] 🎯
- Construct a storyboard, shot list, or two-column script that serves as a functional blueprint for a production [4.9] 🎯
- Integrate at least three distinct sound effects (SFX) that are “motivated” by the narrative to influence the tone or atmosphere of a scene [4.10] 🎯
- Demonstrate visual storytelling by using specific camera angles, framing, and movement to convey plot points without relying on dialogue [4.11] 🎯
5 – Demonstrating audio editing techniques.
- Define technical recording terms, including sample rate, bit depth, buffer size, input monitoring, record-enabled, plug-in, MIDI, and loop [5.1] 🧱
- Describe the physical principles of sound using terms such as frequency, vibration, pitch, intensity, and sustain/decay [5.2] 🧱
- Identify dynamics-related terminology, including compression, threshold, ratio, limiter, gate, and gain [5.3] 🧱
- Identify EQ-related terminology, including frequency, bandwidth, boost, cut, gain, and parametric vs. graphic interfaces [5.4] 🧱
- Execute basic software signal flow by utilizing at least three effects in Logic Pro [5.5] 🧱
- Produce a 2-minute composition that demonstrates the basic application of audio effects within a DAW [5.6] 🧱
- Automate at least three channel strip parameters within a DAW (e.g., Logic Pro) to create a dynamic, evolving mix [5.7] 🎯
- Load and trigger audio samples and patches into software instruments [5.8] 🧱
- Import align video files within a DAW for a film scoring project [5.9] 🧱
- Employ beat mapping techniques to align musical tempo with specific visual “hit points” in a film scoring project [5.10] 🎯
- Construct a sound map that identifies every audio asset and technical requirement for a specific scene or project [5.11] 🎯
- Categorize the five elements of sound design: Dialogue, Ambience, Foley, Sound FX, and Music [5.12] 🧱
- Execute Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) by recording and precisely syncing new dialogue to existing video footage [5.13] 🎯
- Apply EQ and Delay processing to correct recording deficiencies and improve the tonal balance of an audio track [5.14] 🎯
- Select and Justify the use of specific audio effects to enhance three distinct elements of a final audio mix [5.15] 🎯
- Configure software preferences (sample rate, bit depth, and buffer size) to optimize the balance between audio quality and system latency [5.16] 🎯
- Organize a project using professional techniques, including track/region naming, color-coding, and track stacks [5.17] 🎯
- Identify and describe the four mix elements: Volume, Pan, EQ, and Depth [5.18] 🧱
- Categorize the five modern song arrangement elements: Foundation, Pad, Rhythm, Lead, and Fills [5.19] 🧱
6 – Combining audio and video skills to execute a live event.
- Define responsibilities of live production roles (Director, TD, Audio OP, Camera OP) [6.1] 🧱
- Identify and describe live production terminology and hardware connections (SDI, HDMI, XLR, NDI) [6.2] 🧱
- Select appropriate equipment configurations for specific live scenarios (podcasts, music, presentations) [6.3] 🧱
- Identify and describe hardware connections for live production environments [6.4] 🧱
- Construct a basic live signal path featuring at least three camera inputs and two distinct audio sources [6.5] 🧱
- Calibrate multiple cameras to ensure matching exposure, white balance, and frame rates across all inputs [6.6] 🧱
- Mix live microphone inputs with pre-recorded playback sources using an audio console [6.7] 🧱
- Configure upstream keying (chroma or luma) to composite multiple video sources [6.8] 🎯
- Generate and deploy real-time graphics, including lower-thirds and bug overlays [6.9] 🎯
- Execute a live multi-camera broadcast while identifying and correcting technical issues as they occur [6.10] 🎯
- Perform the specific technical duties of a Director or Technical Director (TD) during a multi-camera session [6.11] 🎯
- Operate professional switching hardware and software (ATEM, Stream Deck, or OBS) [6.12] 🎯
7 – Cultivating professional teams and relationships.
- Describe the primary responsibilities and hierarchy of film production roles [7.1] 🧱
- Summarize proper recording studio etiquette and professional conduct standards [7.2] 🧱
- Create essential production documents, including call sheets, shot logs, and production schedules [7.3] 🧱
- Utilize digital workplace tools such as LMS platforms, project management apps, and professional email [7.4] 🧱
- Perform specialized production roles (Director, Camera Operator, Gaffer, and Audio Recorder) to industry standards [7.5] 🎯
- Compare the specific skill sets required for different audio and video industry professionals [7.6] 🧱
- Transfer assets efficiently using local network sharing and standardized file naming conventions [7.7] 🧱
- Execute a standardized group workflow across multiple projects using project management applications [7.9] 🎯
- Contribute to group discussions by providing creative input and reporting project concerns [7.10] 🧱
- Report project concerns in a timely manner within a professional collaborative environment [7.11] 🧱
- Distribute the project workload equitably to fulfill team-based responsibilities [7.12] 🧱
- Implement efficient studio operations, including equipment logistics, scheduling, and hardware organization [7.13] 🎯
- Collaborate with external clients to translate their goals and objectives into a finished media product [7.14] 🎯
- Maintain a professional daily presence through consistent work ethic, punctuality, and communication [7.15] 🎯
8 – Practicing safety with audio/video equipment.
9 – Maintaining a professional presence through project and portfolio work.
