Lesson Plan Course Title:

Audio/Video Production

Session Title: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Lesson Duration: Approximately one 90-minute class period [Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor] Performance Objective: Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to safely operate and store a television studio camera without assistance to the satisfaction of the instructor. Specific Objectives: 1. Identify key components of television studio cameras. 2. Discuss the safe operation of a television studio camera. 3. Demonstrate steps necessary to set up and turn on a television studio camera. 4. Demonstrate operation of a television studio camera. 5. Demonstrate proper care and storage of a television studio camera. 6. Research additional information on specific camera models through operation manuals. Preparation TEKS Correlations: 130.85(c) (6) The student applies safety regulations. The student is expected to: (A) implement personal and workplace safety rules and regulations. (11) The student develops a basic understanding of audio and video production. The student is expected to: (C) employ knowledge regarding use of video by: (vi) demonstrating operation of video cameras; and (vii) demonstrating how to properly maintain video equipment. Instructor/Trainer References: Zettl, H. (2006). Television production handbook. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thomson Learning. Operation manual for studio cameras, remote zoom and focus controls Instructional Aids: Television Studio Camera Operation slide presentation Basic Studio Camera Operation Handout Television Studio Camera Operation Written Assignment Television Studio Camera Operation Written Review Television Studio Camera Operation Practicum Materials Needed: None

AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 1

Equipment Needed: At least one television studio camera Learner Suggested prerequisite units of instruction:  General lab safety  Television camera anatomy Introduction MI

Introduction (LSI Quadrant I): SAY: Almost everything seen on TV is seen or produced by a camera. A camera is the most important piece of TV production equipment. Overview: Studio camera characteristics: • High quality cameras are heavy and cannot be properly maneuvered without a camera mount • They are used for studio productions or on big remotes • They operate as part of a camera chain • Other types of cameras are self-contained and can deliver signals directly to a VTR Review: Parts of the camera: • Lens Selects a field of view, produces a small optical image of this view • Camera Body with internal optical system and imaging device converts the optical image from the lens into electrical (video) signal Imaging device (pickup device) • Viewfinder Shows a small video image on a screen of what the lens is seeing

Outline MI

Outline (LSI Quadrant II):

Instructor Notes:

1. Identify key components of television studio cameras. • Intercom headset Used to communicate with the director and other crew members • Camera cable Carries video and audio signals to and from the CCU, contains numerous small cables • Control handles Used to move (tilt, pan, truck, or dolly) the camera • Pan and tilt locks Should be unlocked anytime you move the camera, unlock the pan then the tilt controls • Studio viewfinder -

KEY POINTS: Some consider a studio camera easier to operate than a portable or camcorder. In a professional studio set-up, a video operator or engineer performs all electronic adjustments as they operate and control the CCU (camera control unit). These

AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 2

Usually five or seven inches, can tilt or turn to the sides • Zoom control Usually a rocker lever located on the right control handle • Focus control Usually a knob located on the left control handle • Tally light Mounted on top of the camera or viewfinder, indicates the camera is “on the air” 2. Discuss the safe operation of a television studio camera.  Avoid any unnecessary talking on the intercom headset  Do not bend or tightly coil the cable; this may damage or break small wires in the cable  Do not let go of the control handles or leave the camera if the pan and tilt locks are unlocked  Always unlock pan first, then tilt; this reduces the chances of the camera accidentally tilting up or down and damaging the camera  Avoid touching the viewfinder screen  Avoid touching the lens surface  Be sure tally light it is off before focusing or moving

steps are typically done for you ahead of time.

Ask: Why doesn’t the studio camera operator control the white balance, color and exposure? [The CCU is in another area of the TV studio/station and is the responsibility of the video operator.] Why should you avoid talking on the headset? [Need to listen to the director and not interfere with other people hearing commands.] Why do you have to use caution when winding the cables? [The wires in the cable might break if you step on, run over with the camera, or bend the cable.] Why should you avoid touching the lens? [Can get finger prints on the lens or scratch the lens.] What is the purpose of the tally light? [To let the camera operator and the talent know which camera is “on”.]

AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 3

3. Demonstrate steps necessary to set up and turn on a television studio camera.  Be certain the CAMERA CONTROL UNIT in the control room has power before using the studio camera. (The video operator or engineer is usually responsible for operating and controlling the CCU.)  If necessary, get the intercom headset and plug it into the intercom jack on the camera.  Check to be sure you can hear the director and that they can hear you.  Uncoil ample camera cable. (You will need to know how much movement is required.)  Unlock the pan then the tilt controls. Hold one of the CONTROL HANDLES. With the other hand first unlock the PAN, then the TILT. Do not let go of a camera’s control handle. (Unlock the pan first, so camera doesn’t accidentally tilt up or down and damage the camera.)  The pan and tilt control should be unlocked anytime you move the camera. (To avoid stripping the locking mechanisms.)  Check that the camera is properly balanced. (A properly balanced camera will stay in the horizontal position.)  When you are ready to move a camera hold one control handle, place your other hand on the pedestal or a leg of the tripod. Gently push the camera. When moving your camera to your shooting area, always watch for AUDIO and VIDEO CABLES. Do not run over cables.  Once at your shooting area, adjust the pan and tilt friction/drag controls.  Do not release the CONTROL HANDLE or leave your camera without first locking the tilt, pan, and pedestal controls.  (This step may vary depending on the required procedure of the studio and the requirements of the particular studio camera.) Ask the video operator for permission to uncap the camera then remove the lens cap.  Make any necessary adjustments to the viewfinder’s angle. Avoid touching the viewfinder screen.  Check the zoom lens; be sure it zooms in and out smoothly. Avoid touching the lens surface. The zoom control is located on the right control handle (usually a rocker lever).  Check the focus control; be sure it moves smoothly and easily. The focus control is located on the left

Ask: Why do you need to unlock the pan first and then the tilt? [Unlock the pan first, so camera doesn’t accidentally tilt up or down and damage the camera.] Why do you need to have the pan and tilt controls unlocked when you move the camera? [To avoid stripping the locking mechanisms and ruining them.] Why should you avoid running over the camera cables? [The wires in the cable might break if you step on, run over with the camera or bend the cable.] Ask: Why should you lock the pan and tilt anytime you leave the camera? [So camera doesn’t accidentally tilt up or down and damage the camera.]

AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 4



  

control handle (usually a knob that turns). Calibrate or preset the zoom lens. (Zoom all the way in on the subject, focus, and then zoom out to get your shot. The lens/shot should stay in focus throughout the zoom range.) Practice shots following the shot sheet provided by the director. Practice all difficult shots or moves. Avoid pointing your camera directly at bright lights. If you need to leave your camera, lock the tilt, pan, and pedestal controls. You should never leave an unattended camera unlocked. Cap a camera that is left for long periods.

4. Demonstrate operation of a television studio camera. NOTE: These steps should be completed in order to assure safe operation of the studio cameras.

      

Avoid any unnecessary talking on the intercom headset. Listen to the director’s instructions. When you focus, focus on the talent’s eyes. Keep your camera at the talent’s eye level unless instructed to get a low or high angle shot. Always be ready. Watch the tally light. Be sure it is off before focusing or moving. Be aware of the camera cable during moves.

Distribute BASIC STUDIO CAMERA OPERATION handout. (Teacher should model steps on one camera with students following on the other studio cameras as the steps are demonstrated. Other class members watch from a close distance.) Ask: Why shouldn’t you talk on the headset during the taping of a show? [Need to listen to the director and not interfere with other people hearing commands.]

5. Demonstrate proper care and storage of a television studio camera.  (This step may vary depending on the required procedure of the studio and the requirement of the particular studio camera.) Ask the video operator for permission to cap the camera, and then cap the lens.  Return your camera to its storage position. Put one hand on the pedestal or a leg of the tripod to move the camera. (Keeps the tripod or pedestal from spinning.)  After you return the camera to the storage area, first lock the tilt control, then the pan, and pedestal controls. (Lock the tilt first, so camera doesn’t AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 5

   

accidentally tilt up or down and damage the camera.) The friction/drag controls should be loose when the camera is stored. Always leave the camera stored in a HORIZONTAL position. Neatly coil the CAMERA CABLE. A figure eight coil will not twist the cable and risk twisting and breaking the small wires inside. Put the INTERCOM HEADSET away.

6. Research additional information on specific camera models through operation manuals.  Many steps to follow Help to insure safe operation of the camera Reduce injury to camera operator or crew Help prolong the camera’s life Reduce damage to the camera  Refer to the operation manual for your studio cameras, remote zoom, and focus controls for other precautions and information Application MI

Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III): The teacher should walk students through the TELEVISION STUDIO CAMERA OPERATING PRACTICUM. Students use the instructions and coach the teacher through the operation of the camera. The teacher should intentionally make some mistakes to see if students catch the errors. If no students catch the errors, the teacher should point out the errors and then demonstrate the correct process.

MI

Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III): Students work in pairs to practice TELEVISION STUDIO CAMERA OPERATING PRACTICUM. One student plays the role of the teacher but does not assist the other student as he/she operates the camera.

AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 6

Summary MI

Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV): Teacher reviews the following key points to remember when operating the studio camera: • Check the headset • Complete the proper steps before moving the camera • Move the camera • Get the camera ready to shoot • Complete the proper steps before moving the camera • Put the camera away Evaluation

MI

Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III): Studio Camera Operation Written Assignment or Studio Camera Operation Written Review or Monitor students as they perform steps in the Studio Camera Operating Practicum

MI

Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV): Studio Camera Operating Practicum

Extension MI

Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV): Students should operate a studio camera in actual television production.

AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 7

BASIC STUDIO CAMERA OPERATION NAME:

DATE:

These steps should be completed in order to assure safe operation of the studio cameras. 1. Be certain the CAMERA CONTROL UNIT in the control room has power before using the studio camera. (The video operator or engineer is usually responsible for operating and controlling the CCU.) 2. If necessary, get the intercom headset and plug it into the intercom jack on the camera. 3. Check to be sure you can hear the director and that they can hear you through the intercom headset. 4. Uncoil ample camera cable. 5. Unlock the pan and tilt controls. Hold one of the CONTROL HANDLES; with the other hand, first unlock the PAN then the TILT. Do not let go of a camera’s control handle. 6. Check that the camera is properly balanced. 7. The pan and tilt controls should be unlocked anytime you move the camera to avoid stripping the locking mechanisms. 8. When you are ready to move a camera, hold one control handle and place your other hand on a leg of the tripod to push the camera. When moving your camera to your shooting area, always watch for AUDIO and VIDEO CABLES. Do not run over cables. 9. Once at your shooting area, adjust the pan and tilt friction/drag controls. 10. Do not release the CONTROL HANDLE or leave your camera without first locking the tilt, pan and pedestal controls. 11. (This step may vary depending on the required procedure of the studio and the requirements of the particular studio camera.) Ask the video operator for permission to uncap the camera then remove the lens cap. 12. Make any necessary adjustments to the viewfinder’s angle. 13. Check the zoom lens; be sure it zooms in and out smoothly. 14. Check the focus control; be sure it moves smoothly and easily. 15. Calibrate or preset the zoom lens. (Zoom all the way in on the subject, focus, and then zoom out to get your shot. The lens/shot should stay in focus) The zoom control is located on the right control handle (usually a rocker lever). The focus control is located on the left control handle (usually a knob that turns). AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 8

16. Practice your shots following the shot sheet provided by the director. Practice all difficult shots or moves. 17. Avoid pointing your camera directly at bright lights. 18. If you need to leave your camera, lock the tilt, pan, and pedestal controls. You should never leave an unattended camera unlocked. DURING the production 19. Avoid any unnecessary talking on the intercom headset. 20. Listen to the director’s instructions. 21. When focusing, focus on the talent’s eyes. 22. Keep your camera at the talent’s eyelevel unless instructed to get a low or high angle shot. 23. Always be ready. 24. Watch the tally light. Be sure it is off before focusing or moving. 25. Be aware of the camera cable during moves. AFTER the production 26. (This step may vary depending on the required procedure of the studio and the requirement of the particular studio camera.) Ask the video operator for permission to cap the camera and then cap the lens. 27. Return your camera to its storage position. Put one hand on a leg of the tripod to move the camera. 28. After you return the camera to the storage area, first lock the tilt control, then the pan and pedestal controls. 29. The friction/drag controls should be loose when the camera is stored. 30. Always leave the camera stored in a HORIZONTAL position. 31. Neatly coil the CAMERA CABLE. 32. Put the INTERCOM HEADSET away.

AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 9

Television Studio Camera Written Assignment NAME:

PERIOD:

DATE:

INSTRUCTIONS: You may use your notes to complete this assignment. Write all of your answers on this paper REVIEW OF KEY TERMS – Match each term with its appropriate definition. _____ Camera (camera body)

_____ Studio camera

_____ CCU (camera control unit)

_____ Viewfinder

_____ Lens MATCHING 1. 2. 3. 4.

Contains the electronics and the imaging device. Allows the cameraperson to see the scene he/she is shooting. Focuses the image onto the imaging device. A heavy, high-quality camera often used in a television studio. It is difficult to maneuver properly without a camera mount. 5. Equipment separate from the camera head that contains various controls used for camera set up and video adjustment. MULTIPLE CHOICE – Circle the answer that best completes each of the sentences below. 6. The pan and tilt locks should be ___ when you are moving the camera. a. Locked b. Unlocked c. Tight 7. The last control you unlock prior to moving the camera, and the first control you lock once you have the camera in the storage area is the ___. a. Pan b. Tilt c. Wheels 8. The camera should be powered up and turned off with the lens cap ___ the lens. a. Off b. On SHORT ANSWER – Answer the following questions in the space provided. Be sure that your answers are complete. Points will be deducted for misspelled words. 9. Why is it necessary to zoom all the way into the subject before you adjust the focus?

10. Why is it important to have both the pan and tilt controls unlocked when you move the camera? AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 10

11. Why should the camera cable be wound in a figure eight instead of a circle?

12. What are the steps to focus a zoom lens?

13. Why is it important to unlock the tilt control after you uncoil the cable?

AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 11

Television Studio Camera Written Assignment - Key INSTRUCTIONS: You may use your notes to complete this assignment. Write all of your answers on this paper REVIEW OF KEY TERMS – Match each term with its appropriate definition. 1 5 3

Camera (camera body) CCU (camera control unit) Lens

4 2

Studio camera Viewfinder

MATCHING 1. 2. 3. 4.

Contains the electronics and the imaging device. Allows the cameraperson to see the scene he/she is shooting. Focuses the image onto the imaging device. A heavy, high-quality camera often used in a television studio. It is difficult to maneuver properly without a camera mount. . 5. Equipment separate from the camera head that contains various controls used for camera set up and video adjustment.

MULTIPLE CHOICE – Circle the correct answer. 6. The pan and tilt locks should be ___ when you are moving the camera. a. Locked b. Unlocked c. Tight 7. The last control you unlock prior to moving the camera and the first control you lock once you have the camera in the storage area is the ___. a. Pan b. Tilt c. Wheels 8. The camera should be powered up and turned off with the lens cap ___ the lens. a. Off b. On SHORT ANSWER – Answer the following questions in the space provided. Be sure that your answers are complete. Points will be deducted for misspelled words. 9. Why is it necessary to zoom all the way into the subject before you adjust the focus? So the image will stay in focus throughout the entire zoom range. 10. Why is it important to have both the pan and tilt controls unlocked when you move the camera? If they are frictions locks, moving the camera with the locks locked will make it difficult or impossible to lock it again in the future. It will strip the locks. 11. Why should the camera cable be wound in a figure eight instead of a circle? It does not twist the cable and risk twisting and breaking the small wires inside 12. What are the steps to focus a zoom lens? First zoom in to the subject’s eyes until the lens will not zoom in any more, turn the knob to get a clear sharply focused image, zoom out to get the desired shot. 13. Why is it important to unlock the tilt control after you uncoil the cable? So the camera does not accidentally tilt up or down suddenly and risk damaging the camera. AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 12

Television Studio Camera Operating Practicum NAME: ______________________ DATE: ___________ PERIOD: ____ CAMERA # _____ INSTRUCTIONS: The teacher will read the instructions marked in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, and in BOLDFACE. The students should begin the operation immediately and complete it promptly and correctly for an excellent rating. EXCELLENT +10

GOOD +7

FAIR +3

OOPS +0

** GET THE INTERCOM HEADSET AND GO TO YOUR CAMERA plug in the headset ** PREPARE TO MOVE THE CAMERA first uncoil the cable second unlock the pan, third unlock tilt locks ** MOVE THE CAMERA one hand on a tripod leg, one hand on a control handle ** GET THE CAMERA READY TO SHOOT adjust the pan and tilt drag/friction uncap the lens ** ADJUST THE VIEWFINDER ** FOCUS THE CAMERA zoom all the way in focus zoom out to get a shot ** PREPARE TO MOVE CAMERA BACK cap the lens ** MOVE THE CAMERA BACK AND PUT EVERYTHING AWAY first return camera to storage area second lock the tilt third lock the pan friction/drag must be loose ** NEATLY COIL THE CABLE ** PUT THE HEADSET AWAY TOTAL POINTS

/ 100

EXCELLENT – Operation begins immediately, completed promptly and correctly. No teacher assistance is needed. GOOD – Operation completed correctly, but the student is hesitant. No teacher assistance is needed. FAIR – Operation completed without teacher assistance. Student is slow in completing operation and uses trial and error to complete task. OOPS – Teacher assistance is needed to complete operation, or the student does something that could harm the equipment. AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Studio Camera Operation, Safety, and Storage Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 13