@The Arts Unit Creative Classes - Vision systems fundamentals

@The Arts Unit Creative Classes

Vision processes and documentation

Develop knowledge and skills of vision system fundamentals

Student VET entertainment resource developed by The Arts Unit

Years 11 and 12 VET entertainment

What will I learn?

You will:

apply vision system procedures and processes
explore vision system production documentation.

The client brief

When working with vision systems on your own event or with a client there is fundamental contextual information you need to know.

Where is the vision system being used? (for example: venue type and size)
Who is the vision system being used for? (for example: audience demographic and size)
What is the nature of the vision presentation? (for example: video, computer, camera or slides)
What vision system equipment is needed?
Who will be operating the vision system?
Is the vision being used captured live or pre-recorded?

Ensure you get ALL the information you need - ask questions!

Setting up equipment

Vision systems can be used for many different purposes and require varied set up depending on the client's requirements. Situations commonly using vision systems include:

concerts and performances
workshops involving a guest speaker
lectures
school assemblies
studio film recordings
live online feed
filming live - indoors or outdoors
classrooms.

The assembly and installation of equipment and accessories is always similar, however the position of equipment and the cabling is often dependent on the purpose of the vision system, as well as the venue and audience specifications. If the event has a large audience and requires audio support you will also need to include an audio PA system in your set up.

When connecting any vision equipment it is important to ensure the power is off and not powered-up until all assembly and installation has occurred.

It is vital to perform regular checks, functionality tests and routine maintenance of vision system equipment and accessories, especially if it is being used after being stored or transported.

Vision system equipment is often positioned in the audience space and can be mobile, in the form of live cameras. The security of this equipment needs to be considered to ensure no loss or damage occurs.

If hiring equipment for an event ensure you inspect the equipment on receipt and keep track of any issues or damages to report back to the hiring company. A detailed equipment inventory should be kept of both owned and hired equipment.

School assembly

Studio film recording

Large scale performance

Lecture

Filming outdoors

Concert

TASK 1

Using the equipment you have available explore how to connect each of the following set ups using the appropriate cabling and connections.

DVD player to television
laptop to projector
video camera to projector
DVD player and video camera to projector, using a switcher or vision mixer
2 video cameras to projector and preview monitor, using a switcher, distribution amplifier or vision mixer
DVD player to projector, including audio for a large audience.

TASK 2

In small groups or pairs complete the following scenario activities. For each scenario:

Complete an equipment list and schematic
Practically set up the scenario where you have the required equipment available.

Scenario 1

A small boardroom meeting with 12 people, including 2 presenters. There will be 2 different data presentations with 3 extracts from DVD sources that must be cued ready to insert during each presentation. The entire meeting will be filmed as a record of the minutes.

Scenario 2

A school assembly in the hall with an audience of 500 students and parents. At various times a data presentation and a DVD presentation will also be played.

Scenario 3

An exhibition stall at a trade show where many people will be visiting throughout several days. There will be 2 different display sources, 1 showing a looped DVD with audio and the other with 2 interactive camera feeds to them for the public to use.

Scenario 4

A large scale music concert in a professional venue with 4 screens being used. Two screens will display pre-recorded video images. The other two screens will display live images from 4 cameras throughout the concert. The live images being used on the screens need to be recorded.

Case Study: Schools Spectacular

TDC are an Australian company providing video technology and production for the live events and entertainment industry.

'Every year for the past 36 years, the NSW Department of Education has presented The Schools Spectacular – and every year for the past nine years, TDC has provided the video technology and broadcast record support to deliver a spectacular entertainment event that lives in the memory of those who take part. '

Explore how TDC work with the Schools Spectacular and discuss the requirements and challenges they have with such a large scale event.

TDC Helps Celebrate Talent at the NSW Schools Spectactular - TDC Video Equipment Solutions

In 2017 the Schools Spectacular pre-recorded an opening sequence video package that was played and fed live into the arena for the opening performance.

Watch the videos of the filming of the video package and then the final edit 'Schools Spectacular 2017 opener' with transition into the performance arena.

Discuss the considerations and possible complications in preparing and executing such a complex shot sequence?

behind the scenes Schools Spectacular 2017 filming at Qudos Arena

SS2017 - Opener filming 1

Duration: 00:08

IMG_4684.MOV

SS2017 - Opener filming 2

Duration: 00:09

IMG_4711.MOV

SS2017 - Opener filming 3

Duration: 00:12

IMG_4715.MOV

Schools Spectacular 2017 opener

Duration: 02:24

Video full screen - Schools Spectacular 2017 opener
Video transcript - Schools Spectacular 2017 opener

Documentation

Vision schematic

A visual map of what equipment you need for a vision system set up. It is a document that assists in determining the equipment required, the types, amount and length of cables and determines the specific connector types. They are used in briefing technical staff and set up.

When creating a schematic some tips include:

start with sources at the bottom
display devices at the top
add vision mixing equipment
add cables
add connectors
include audio equipment if required.

Vision system schematic example

Vision cues

The sequencing, timing and speed of vision cues is important with either pre-recorded vision or live video feeds to ensure the synchronisation of all technical effects.

The standard procedures used include:

plotting
recording
modifying as required
operation of the cues.

With the use of a vision mixer you can preview all source inputs and pre-set the next image to be put on the main screen with transition effects.

Vision system information is recorded and used within the prompt copy and cue sheets for the stage manager, vision director and vision operators to follow throughout the production or event.

Throughout pre-production and rehearsals there is often the need to modify or update documentation, include cue sheets. It is important only authorised personnel complete the changes as it is important to ensure currency of version and the status of any amendment.

Vision cue sheet example

Vision Cue Sheet example.docx

Watch the video 'Grease live control room split screen' to see an example of calling video cues in a professional setting, revealing the sequencing, timing and speed required of an director when calling the cues.

Grease Live control room split screen

Duration: 03:28

CuePilot

CuePilot is programmable software that provides directors and producers of live television broadcasts to extensively preconceive and program camera moves and cutting. Live television shows of big events in particular are using this technology, including the Eurovision Song Contest.

Watch the 4 videos to learn about CuePilot and how it has changed the landscape of live broadcasts and to see how the technology works.

Zero Gravity camera call with Maddie Holder

Duration: 03:19