1

Unit 22: Single Camera Techniques

Unit code: D/502/5698
QCF Level 3: BTEC National
Credit value: 10
Guided learning hours: 60
Aim and purpose
In this unit learners will explore the characteristics of single camera production, and develop the creative,
organisational and technical skills required to devise, plan and implement their own productions.
Unit introduction
With the introduction of more television channels, some specifically dedicated to drama, the single camera
drama production has become very popular with broadcasters and audiences. This means that there should
be more opportunities for people with skills in single camera techniques to gain employment in this sector.
This might be in terms of technical skills in production or creative skills in developing ideas into production.
This unit aims to give learners an opportunity to use production skills, already gained from previous units, and
develop them further to create a production using single camera techniques.
The unit gives learners the opportunity to explore existing single camera productions. This will help them to
think about, plan and produce their own productions. As part of this exploration learners will investigate the
use of camera scripts and storyboards as tools of storytelling.
Learners will develop the organisational skills required for the planning and implementation of a single camera
drama production. They will identify key production roles and take on one or more of these roles during their
own production. Set design, cinematography, lighting, use of sound and editing techniques will all be part of
the skills learners develop through following this unit.
Health and safety issues will also be addressed in both location and studio shoots, with learners producing risk
assessments prior to any production work.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1 Understand the features of single camera production
2 Be able to plan a single camera production
3 Be able to apply single camera techniques in a production.
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
2
Unit content
1 Understand the features of single camera production
Formats: eg series, serial, single drama; genre, eg period, dramadoc, crime, soap opera, comedy
Narrative structures: eg linear (or sequential), non-linear (or non-sequential), flashback, realist, anti-realist;
endings, eg open, closed
Technical: camera; lighting; sound; editing; scripting; building a scene; building a story
2 Be able to plan a single camera production
Devising: finding ideas; developing ideas; narrative structures; character; scripts; treatments; storyboards
Resources: talent; properties; costume; locations; video recording and playback equipment; audio
recording and playback equipment; lighting equipment; sound and visual effects
Planning: treatments; shooting scripts; records of pre-production meetings; shooting schedules; call
sheets; production roles; floor or location plans; prop lists; daily report sheets; production schedules
Health and safety: risk assessments (studio, locations)
3 Be able to apply single camera techniques in a production
Production process: rehearsals; shoot; shooting records; production logs; technical competencies; creative
abilities; own work; teamwork
Post-production process: reviewing recorded material; edit preparation; editing vision and sound; reviewing
edit
3
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
Assessment and grading criteria
In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that
they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria for a pass grade describe the
level of achievement required to pass this unit.
Assessment and grading criteria
To achieve a pass grade the
evidence must show that the
learner is able to:
To achieve a merit grade the
evidence must show that, in
addition to the pass criteria,
the learner is able to:
To achieve a distinction grade
the evidence must show that,
in addition to the pass and
merit criteria, the learner is
able to:
P1 describe the features of single
camera production with
some appropriate use of
subject terminology
M1 explain the features of
single camera production
with reference to detailed
illustrative examples and
with generally correct use of
subject terminology
D1 comprehensively explain the
features of single camera
production with reference
to elucidated examples and
consistently using subject
terminology correctly
P2 generate outline plans for
a single camera production
working within appropriate
conventions and with some
assistance
[CT]
M2 generate detailed ideas for
a single camera production
showing some imagination
and with only occasional
assistance
D2 generate thoroughly thought-
through ideas for a single
camera production showing
creativity and flair and
working independently to
professional expectations
P3 produce a single camera
production working within
appropriate conventions and
with some assistance.
[SM]
M3 produce a single camera
production to a good
technical standard showing
some imagination and with
only occasional assistance.
D3 produce a single camera
production to a technical
quality that reflects near-
professional standards
showing creativity and flair
and working independently
to professional expectations.
PLTS: This summary references where applicable, in the square brackets, the elements of the personal,
learning and thinking skills applicable in the pass criteria. It identifies opportunities for learners to demonstrate
effective application of the referenced elements of the skills.
Key IE independent enquirers
CT creative thinkers
RL reflective learners
TW team workers
SM self-managers
EP effective participators
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
4
Essential guidance for tutors
Delivery
This unit can be seen as an opportunity for learners to work individually or in small groups to realise a self-
generated single camera programme proposal using research and production skills developed through other
units. The tutors role in this unit is very much that of a facilitator, providing support to individual learners and
production teams in developing narratives and seeing through the production.
A diverse range of single camera productions should be screened in class with group discussion aimed at
developing an understanding of the way in which this type of production is put together. Learners could, for
example, take a sequence from a production and literally deconstruct it. They could look at the individual
shots and try to reconstruct a shooting schedule for that sequence, listen to the soundtrack and try to work
out how many different layers it consists of, take down a couple of short passages of dialogue and try to
reconstruct a script.
Technical structuring should, of course, be related to formats, genres, and the narrative style, so that learners
begin to build up an understanding of not just the production process but its possibilities as well. This will then
inform their own thinking and help them to generate ideas for their productions.
Learners can work individually or as part of a team for the production project itself. Alternatively, they could
do both short individual and group projects. Where the project is a team production the tutor must ensure
that all members of the group have an equal role and that each role will enable the learner undertaking it to
produce adequate evidence for assessment. Learners working individually can also employ others to work for
them, as long as the work produced by others is under the direction of the learner whose project it is. In both
cases learners must be able to authenticate their own input into the planning and production process.
The importance of pre-production planning should be emphasised. Production schedules, scripts, storyboards
and risk assessments should be completed prior to the allocation of equipment for a shoot.
At all times, both in studio or location shoots, learners should be encouraged to adopt a professional
approach, and the importance of following health and safety considerations should be emphasised.
Outline learning plan
The outline learning plan has been included in this unit as guidance and can be used in conjunction with the
programme of suggested assignments.
The outline learning plan demonstrates one way of planning the teaching and assessment of this unit.
Topics and suggested assignments and activities
Introduction to unit and unit assessment.
Classes on:
identifying features of single camera production
comparisons with multi-camera production.

Screenings of productions in a range of formats.

Assignment 1 Single Camera Production
Working in pairs learners will watch a number of examples of single camera production and take notes on their
formats, narrative structures and technical elements. They will then individually prepare and give presentations,
illustrated with clips, on single camera production.
5
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
Topics and suggested assignments and activities
Visiting speaker: director or producer of single camera productions.
Pre-production exercise.
Using an existing screenplay, learners individually assemble the pre-production documentation for a production
of the script:
storyboards
locations
props
costume
production schedule
cast.

Lecture on narrative illustrated with clips (two sessions).

Lecture on audience illustrated with clips (two sessions).
Workshop:
devising and finding ideas
developing ideas, narrative structures, character, motivation
screenwriting techniques
scriptwriting exercise.

Workshop:
location practice
equipment set up
skills in roles
health and safety issues.

Screenings of significant single camera productions followed by discussions.

Workshop:
allocating resources: producing schedules which work
talent
properties
costume
locations
video recording and playback equipment
audio recording and playback equipment
lighting equipment;
sound and visual effects.

Workshop:
production documentation templates
examples of pre-production documentation from existing productions

Visit to the set of an existing production.

Workshop: post-production process: reviewing recorded material, edit preparation, editing.
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
6
Topics and suggested assignments and activities
Workshop:
sound and image
recording and editing techniques.

Workshop: directing techniques.

Assignment 2 One-minute Drama
Learners will:
write a script for a one-minute drama-short set in one location
individually shoot and edit the drama
maintain a production log throughout production process.

Assignment 3 Five-minute Drama

Learners will:
individually write screenplays for a five-minute drama
vote for which ones to produce in groups
produce and post-produce chosen screenplays
maintain a production log throughout production process.

Review of productions and assessment.

Assessment
Evidence for assessment
Evidence for the achievement of learning outcome 1 can be presented in any appropriate format. The
conventional written essay may be the favoured approach by some learners. However, PowerPoint, audio or
video presentations are just as valid.
For this element of the unit, and for some learners, a formal viva voce assessment might be appropriate.
When more than one learner in a cohort is assessed in this way care must be taken to ensure that all learners
are asked equivalent questions, and that all are given equal opportunities to expand or clarify their answers.
Interviewers must also ensure that questions are not phrased in such a way as to provide or suggest an
answer. Formal vivas should be recorded for the purposes of internal and external verification and at least 50
per cent of such assessments must be internally verified.
For evidence of the achievement of learning outcome 2 learners will need appropriate documentation
for their shooting scripts and storyboards. Production logs, audio or audio-video diaries and minutes of
production team meetings would provide evidence of individual work within the group. Appropriate
documents would include relevant pre-production paperwork such as production schedules, call sheets and
risk assessments.
Evidence for achievement of learning outcome 3 will be the production itself and appropriate documentation
consisting of production records of the individual learners role in the production process. Appropriate
production and post-production paperwork will be required, such as location footage records and paper
edits. Rushes material should be kept as evidence of experimentation and modification. The final product
should be labelled and presented in any appropriate format.
7
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
Application of grading criteria
When applying the grading criteria, tutors should follow the advice given below. Please note that any
examples of evidence given here are indicative only. This advice is not exhaustive and the examples need not
specifically be included in a learners work in order for that learner to achieve the exemplified grade.
Pass
To achieve a pass grade, learners must achieve all the criteria at pass level. For each of the criteria learners
must present evidence that addresses each italicised sub-heading of the content for the learning outcome.
P1: learners will describe correctly and substantially examples of single camera production in terms of
formats, narrative structures, and technical execution. The description will be in terms of the content that
is, the story of these productions will be given and techniques will be noted but this will lack the detailed
exemplification required for the higher grades. It will also lack any explanation of how such techniques as
master shot, reverse shot, image size and editing actually help to tell the story. Evidence will show a basic
understanding of technical terminology but learners will generally be unsure about this vocabulary and will
make fairly frequent mistakes when they do use it.
P2: learners will produce a shooting script for a production but it will be formulaic and derivative, typically
following the standard linear harmony-disruption-harmony narrative structure. They will produce pre-
production documentation which will include production and shooting schedules, as well as storyboards
and risk assessments. However, these will be basic and will lack the detailed or careful planning needed for
an effective production. This might include the miscalculation of time (six weeks for shooting, one week for
editing, for example). Risk assessments will lack detail and be incomplete, though the major risks must be
identified.
P3: learners will complete or significantly contribute to the completion of a single camera production. In terms
of cinematography, they will typically rely on overlong sequences with little shot variation to tell the story. In
terms of editing, techniques will be basic and rely on the cut as a method of moving from one shot to another,
or wipes and dissolves will be used inappropriately for the narrative. Evidence of experimentation, such as
camera movement or camera angles, will be lacking in either the production logs or rushes. Lighting will rely
on natural light rather than using artificial methods to generate meaning. Nevertheless, the end result will be a
coherent product that shows application of some single camera production techniques.
P2 and P3: in terms of the aesthetic or imaginative qualities of their work, learners will not move beyond the
conventional, but the conventions applied will be appropriate to the form or genre within which they are
working. When engaged in practical activities, learners will need frequent assistance and support, though they
will take note of and make use of this help when it is given. If they are in frequent need of such help but fail to
make positive use of it they should not be considered for a pass grade for this unit.
Merit
To achieve a merit grade, learners must achieve all the pass and all the merit grade criteria. For each of the
criteria learners must present evidence that addresses each italicised sub-heading of the content for the
learning outcome.
M1: learners will explain the formats, narrative structures and technical elements of single camera production.
Detailed illustrative examples will be used to illustrate and support what is said, but the learner will not
elucidate these examples to show how they illustrate the points they support. Learners will explain the
use of cinematic techniques and how they create meaning for the audience. For example a learner might
explain how the point of view shot is used to encourage audiences to identify with characters or situations,
or produce a degree of realism for the audience. Learners will use technical vocabulary for the most part
correctly, but may make mistakes or be unsure about usages at times.
M2: learners will produce a narrative with some imagination and produce competent plans for production.
They will produce pre-production plans which are realistic and effective. Scripts and treatments will use
appropriate formats. Production schedules will be competently organised with realistic deadlines and some
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
8
contingency planning. Risk assessments will be realistic and contain some detail. The narrative will show
imagination in both, or either, content and form. The standard harmony-disruption-harmony structure might
be used, but a story might have a twist that engages the audience, or narrative structures might use non-linear
techniques to tell the story. However, aesthetic issues, such as location, ambient sound and lighting will not be
fully explored.
M3: learners will produce a single camera product to a good technical standard. They will show confidence
and facility in their use of the equipment. The work will have been approached methodically and thoughtfully.
The product will show some imagination in its realisation with some evidence of experimentation in both
editing and cinematography. For example, the use of high and low angle shots, showing vulnerability and
dominance, will be used appropriately within the narrative. A mixture of shot sizes will be used to generate
interest and create meaning. The lap-dissolve might be used as an appropriate alternative to the cut. Attempts
to use lighting as a method of generating mood, atmosphere or meaning might be apparent, but may be
limited to certain shots, rather than being employed consistently throughout the production.
M2 and M3: learners will still be working within recognisable generic conventions, but there will be some
imaginative thought behind the work so that technical skills and codes and conventions will be employed with
some inventiveness. When engaged in practical activities, learners will need little assistance, though typically
they will still need some support when dealing with more complex technology or trying to apply more
sophisticated techniques. Like the pass grade learner, they will respond positively to any help given.
Distinction
To achieve a distinction grade, learners must achieve all the pass, all the merit and all the distinction grade
criteria. For each of the criteria learners must present evidence that addresses each italicised sub-heading of
the content for the learning outcome.
D1: learners will use a wide range of precisely focused examples to comprehensively explain the formats,
narrative structures and technical elements of single camera production. Learners will draw out of examples
precisely what is about them that that exemplifies the points they illustrate. Learners at this level will typically
discuss mainstream and alternative formats with explicit reference to both narrative structures and cinematic
techniques. For example, in terms of narrative, open ended, non-linear and multi-stranded narratives might
be explored, whilst, in terms of techniques, shot size, camera angle and camera movement will be considered
along with editing techniques such as continuity editing, cross cutting, use of montage and split screen, with
elucidated examples to illustrate each technique. Technical vocabulary will be secure and used correctly and
confidently at all times.
D2: learners will produce creative scripts and plans that reflect professional practice. Pre-production
paperwork will be well organised showing good resource management and anticipation of potential difficulties.
Production schedules will be detailed and set realistic deadlines. Scripts and storyboards will be carefully
prepared and thoroughly thought out. Contingency plans will be in place to cover unforeseen circumstances.
Risk assessments will be detailed taking into account all health and safety issues and addressing them properly.
Aesthetic considerations will also be detailed, taking into account the fitness for purpose of all the locations
used. Alternative narrative structures might be used with flair to produce interesting or different formats.
D3: learners will produce a finished product the technical quality of which reflects near-professional practice.
This does not mean the learner has achieved actual professional standards, but that they are beginning to
approach that standard. Cinematography, in terms of image size, camera angle and movement will be creative
and fluent. Varied editing techniques, such as cross-cutting and montage, will be thoughtfully used to inform
the narrative and in such a way that the intention behind the use is clearly meaningful. Any dissolves and
transitions will be employed effectively and for a reason that links to the story. Like cinematography, editing
will be fluent with very few, if any, continuity errors. Artificial lighting may be used creatively to generate
mood, atmosphere or meaning.
9
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
D2 and D3: learners will apply their technical and creative skills not just with imagination but with ingenuity
and even elegance, and codes and conventions will be used with occasionally surprising results. In all practical
activity distinction grade learners will be capable of working autonomously and effectively. The term working
independently means that they are able to work on their own initiative, do not need constant support or
supervision, give the work their full commitment, work positively and cooperatively with others, and meet
deadlines. In other words, they have the kind of self-management skills that would be expected of them in
a professional context. Note also that this criterion should not be taken to mean that learners do not seek
advice or that they work without discussing things with their tutor, but rather that they are not dependent
upon the support of others and that when they take advice they weigh it carefully for themselves.
Programme of suggested assignments
The table below shows a programme of suggested assignments that cover the pass, merit and distinction
criteria in the assessment and grading grid. This is for guidance and it is recommended that centres either
write their own assignments or adapt any Edexcel assignments to meet local needs and resources.
Criteria covered Assignment title Scenario Assessment method
P1, M1, D1 Assignment 1 Single
Camera Production
Learners prepare a lesson
on single camera production
for a Level 2 Creative Media
Production class.
All preparatory and research
notes.
Presentation slides, speakers
notes and handouts.
Recording of presentation.

P2, M2, D2
P3, M3, D3
Assignment 2
One-minute Drama
Produce an individual short
drama for the festival circuit.
Screenplay.
Pre-production file.
Completed production.
Production log.

P2, M2, D2
P3, M3, D3
Assignment 3
Five-minute Drama
Produce short drama in a
group for the festival circuit.
Screenplay.
Pre-production file.
Completed production.
Production log.

Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC

qualications and other relevant units and qualications
This unit forms part of the BTEC Creative Media Production suite. This unit has particular links with the
following units in the BTEC Creative Media Production suite:
Level 2 Level 3
Video Production Advertising Production for Television
Corporate and Promotional Programme Production
Digital Video Production for Interactive Media
Film and Video Editing Techniques
Music Video Production
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
10
There are opportunities to relate the work done for this unit to Skillset National Occupational Standards in
Camera, Directors, Editing, Lighting for Film and Television, Production (Film and Television), and Sound, as
follows:
Camera
C1 Assess and agree studios or locations for shoot
C2 Specify camera equipment required
C3 Collect information and develop shooting ideas
C4 Obtain, prepare and return camera equipment
C5 Check that film camera equipment is working
C8 Rig camera and accessories onto a fixed mounting
C12 Provide assistance to record and review the video image
C13 Maintain camera batteries during shoot
Directors
D1 Investigate the viability of ideas for productions
D2 Cast performers to realise the creative idea
D4 Input into pre-production planning
D5 Select a creative and technical team
D6 Review the suitability of potential locations and studios
D7 Direct the production
D8 Direct the actors (dramas)
D10 Supervise the post-production process
Editing
E1 Identify and agree editing outcomes and process
E10 Edit materials using nonlinear equipment
E11 Assemble pictures and sound to specification
E12 Produce first cuts
E13 Evaluate first cuts materials for final post-production
E14 Produce fine cut materials for final post-production
E18 Select and assemble sound to support visual images
Lighting for Film and Television
L3 Prepare and use equipment to modify and manipulate light
L6 Identify and select the lighting requirements for film and television productions
L7 Lighting for a single camera
L8 Safe Installation of lighting equipment using accessories and mounting equipment

11
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
Production (Film and Television)
P1 Contribute ideas for productions
P2 Assist with the preparation of a budget for the production
P3 Prepare a budget for the production
P8 Organise pre-production activities
P9 Plan and schedule production activities
P10 Control the overall planning of the production
P11 Contribute to the drafting of scripts, cues, links or written content
P12 Manage the relationship between script writer and production
P14 Identify and negotiate copyright issues
P15 Ensure compliance with regulations and codes of practice
P16 Assist in managing resources for the production
P17 Control production materials, equipment and supplies
P18 Co-ordinate activities to support production
P19 Assist performers, contributors and crew
P20 Identify and recommend contributors
P23 Brief and manage contributors and performers prior to filming
P24 Select crew and suppliers to meet production requirements
P30 Research and assess location
P31 Prepare and confirm use of locations
P32 Assist with the running of a location
P33 Manage locations for a production
P34 Brief contributors during shooting
P35 Co-ordinate production paperwork
P36 Produce a location shoot for a programme insert
P37 Produce a location shoot for a complete programme
P39 Plan and schedule the daily shoot
P40 Monitor and control the progress of productions
P44 Maintain continuity during the production
P45 Assist with the post-production process
P47 Supervise the edit of a complete programme
P48 Plan and schedule post-production activities

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production

Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
12
Sound
S3 Assess studios and locations
S5 Rig sound equipment
S9 Rig and fit wireless equipment
S11 Acquire sound using a microphone
S16 Make sound recordings
S17 Record sound on location
S18 Record sound through single camera operations.
Essential resources
This unit requires recording and editing equipment that will provide opportunities for learners to undertake
the practical production of a single camera drama. The minimum requirement would be a camera with
external microphone socket, unidirectional microphone and boom, tripod, editing facilities and lighting
equipment for the studio or location for every three learners.
Employer engagement and vocational contexts
Centres should develop links with local production companies and freelancers working in film, video and
television. Visiting industry speakers are particularly valuable when they are able to provide professional and
offer industry related briefs. Some employers will be able to provide work placement or to commission
productions from learners for a real client and audience.
The following agencies exist to develop film and media in the UK. Their websites provide material for
research and many of them include clips of production work. The agencies themselves do not fund
production work by learners, but offer information about production, distribution and exhibition initiatives
taking place across the UK:
www.bfi.org.uk British Film Institute
www.em-media.org.uk/pages/home East Midlands Media
www.filmagencywales.com/ Film Agency for Wales
www.filmlondon.org.uk/ Film London
www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk/ Northern Ireland Screen
www.northernmedia.org/ Northern Film and Media
www.northwestvision.co.uk/ North West Vision and Media
www.scottishscreen.com/ Scottish Screen
www.screeneast.co.uk/ Screen East
www.screensouth.org/ Screen South
www.screenwm.co.uk/ Screen West Midlands
www.screenyorkshire.co.uk/ Screen Yorkshire
www.swscreen.co.uk/ South West Screen
www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk UK Film Council.

13
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the creative media sector, has a substantial section of its website dedicated
to careers, including job descriptions www.skillset.org/careers/.
Further general information on work-related learning can be found at the following websites:
www.aimhighersw.ac.uk/wbl.htm work-based learning guidance
www.businesslink.gov.uk local, regional business links
www.nebpn.org National Education and Business Partnership Network
www.vocationallearning.org.uk Learning and Skills Network
www.warwick.ac.uk/wie/cei/ Centre for Education and Industry, University of Warwick work
experience and workplace learning frameworks.
Indicative reading for learners
Textbooks
Baylis P, Freedman A, Procter N et al BTEC Level 3 National Creative Media Production, Student Book
(Pearson, 2010) ISBN 978-1846906725
Baylis P, Freedman A, Procter N et al BTEC Level 3 National Creative Media Production, Teaching Resource
Pack (Pearson, 2010) ISBN 978-1846907371
Evans R Practical DV Film Making, 2nd Edition (Focal Press, 2005) ISBN 978-0240807386
Figgis M Digital Film Making (Faber, 2007) ISBN 978-0571226252
Gloman C No-budget Video Production: Producing Professional Quality Commercials, How-tos, Training
and Features for Virtually Nothing (McGraw Hill, 2002) ISBN 978-0071412322
Hardy P Filming on a Microbudget, 3rd Edition (Pocket Essentials, 2008) ISBN 978-1842433010
Jones C and Joliffe G The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook, 3rd Edition (Continuum, 2006)
ISBN 978-0826479884
Kindem G and Musburger R Introduction to Media Production: From Analog to Digital, 4th Edition (Focal
Press, 2009) ISBN 978-0240810829
Logan J and Schellhardt L Screenwriting for Dummies, 2nd Edition (J Wiley, 2008) ISBN 978-0470345405
Millerson G Video Production Handbook, 4th Edition (Focal Press, 2008) ISBN 978-0240520803
Musberger R Single Video Camera Production, 4th Edition (Focal Press, 2005) ISBN 978-0240807065
Roberts-Breslin J Making Media: Foundations of Sound and Image Production, 2nd Edition (Focal Press, 2007)
ISBN 978-0240809076
Thurlow C Making Short Films: The Complete Guide from Script to Screen, 2nd Edition (Berg, 2008)
ISBN 978-1845208042
Websites
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/filmnetwork/Filmmakingguide BBC information about film making
www.britishfilmmagazine.com/filmmaking.html website of The British Film Magazine
www.firstlightmovies.com First Light exists to encourage film making amongst young people and has links to
Skillset and the UK Film Council
www.primary-film-focus.co.uk/filmpreproduction.html information about film production techniques

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production

Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
14
Delivery of personal, learning and thinking skills
The table below identifies the opportunities for personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS) that have been
included within the pass assessment criteria of this unit.
Skill When learners are
Creative thinkers generating ideas and exploring possibilities when devising single camera
productions, and using conventions and techniques to create meaning
connecting their own and others ideas and experiences in inventive ways by
studying existing productions to inform their own work
adapting ideas as circumstances change whilst working on single camera
productions
adapting their ideas as circumstances change
Self-managers organising time and resources and prioritising actions when producing projects
seeking out challenges or new responsibilities and showing flexibility when
priorities change
deal with competing pressures, including personal and work-related demands
responding positively to change, seeking advice and support when needed.
Although PLTS are identified within this unit as an inherent part of the assessment criteria, there are further
opportunities to develop a range of PLTS through various approaches to teaching and learning.
Skill When learners are
Independent enquirers planning and carrying out research into existing single camera productions
carrying out research to develop ideas for their single camera productions
Reflective learners setting goals with success criteria for their production work
inviting feedback on their own work and dealing positively with praise, setbacks
and criticism
evaluating their experiences and learning to inform future progress
Team workers if working in a group to produce a single camera drama, taking responsibility for
their own role
managing discussions to reach agreements and achieve results.
15
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Creative Media Production
Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009
Functional Skills Level 2
Skill When learners are
ICT Use ICT systems
Select, interact with and use ICT systems
independently for a complex task to meet a
variety of needs
using digital video editing software
Manage information storage to enable
efficient retrieval
uploading and logging video clips when editing
ICT Develop, present and
communicate information
Enter, develop and format information
independently to suit its meaning and
purpose including:
text and tables
images
numbers
records

researching single camera formats and their audiences

Bring together information to suit content
and purpose
analysing research findings on single camera productions and their
audiences
Present information in ways that are fit for
purpose and audience
presenting plans and proposals for a single camera production
Select and use ICT to communicate and
exchange information safely, responsibly and
effectively including storage of messages and
contact lists
contacting members of a production company
drawing up schedules and budgets
Mathematics
Understand routine and non-routine
problems in a wide range of familiar and
unfamiliar contexts and situations
planning the production of a single camera production
Identify the situation or problem and the
mathematical methods needed to tackle it
producing studio floor plans and budgets for a single camera
production
Use appropriate checking procedures and
evaluate their effectiveness at each stage
ensuring that resource allocations will fit with production
requirements
English
Speaking and listening make a range of
contributions to discussions and make
effective presentations in a wide range of
contexts
discussing single camera production formats and audiences in
groups
presenting plans for a single camera production
Reading compare, select, read and
understand texts and use them to gather
information, ideas, arguments and opinions
researching single production formats and audiences.