Media Studies Activity scope Media studies involves using cameras (still and video), digital and mobile technologies (including games), editing equipment, lighting and sound equipment and computers, creating and using props, animation materials and special effects to make media products. The information in this document applies to media studies in all forms of media. Activities covered by this document include: • photographing (still and moving images) • setting up and working with lights • using still and video camera, with and without tripods • capturing and using data from selected computer games and copyright-free sources • creating and using props, animation materials and special effects • setting up and using audio equipment (amplifiers, speakers and microphones) • storing and maintaining technical equipment • editing still and moving imagery for particular audiences and purposes • using, downloading, mashing, manipulating and posting material sourced from a variety of contexts including online environments. This guideline does not include the use of chemical processes involved in developing black and white and colour films and photographs. Risk level • Low risk: camera usage only. • Medium risk: media studies other than just camera usage. Minimum activity-specific qualifications for supervisors Low risk level • An adult with competence (knowledge and skills) in camera usage, as appropriate. Medium risk level • For a registered teacher, knowledge of the current media curriculum, OR • An adult with competence (knowledge and skills) in an area relating to media if a teacher is not available. Suggested areas of competence could be: o o o CUASOU301 CUASOU201 CUELGT09B Undertake live audio operations Develop basic audio skills and knowledge Apply a general knowledge of lighting to work activities. Minimum activity-specific equipment/facilities • Adequate ventilation and lighting. • Space for the type of equipment being used. • Appropriate position, number and placement of power points. • Appropriate clean-up equipment (broom, dustpan and brush) in case of breakage. • Appropriate footwear. If there is dust, gas or fumes, appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn (e.g. facemask, breathing apparatus). Movie Playback, File # 2776935 iStockphoto © lovleah Date modified: 16 March 2015 Activity-specific hazards/risks and suggested control measures • Adhere to the Guide to Managing Electrical Safety in Schools. • Students should be made aware of safety aspects involved in using lighting, sound, editing, cameras, computers, and other digital and mobile technology equipment, especially the need to: o o o o o o use strong, stable tripods and light and audio stands ensure the electrical safety of cords allow lights to cool before moving them maintain volume control at a safe level not leave lights on for long periods of time connect equipment correctly, especially when connecting cameras to computers. • Inspect equipment before use for cracks and other damage. • Check floor and other surfaces for trip hazards, particularly electrical and audio/video cables. • Ensure audio/video cords and equipment are taped or securely fixed to surfaces. • Assess weather conditions if activity is outside, especially if using electrical equipment. Cameras can be seriously affected by indirect moisture. • For loud and/or continuous noise, ensure that students wear appropriate hearing protection. Refer to Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work - Code of Practice 2011 and the departmental Managing Noise in Manual Arts/Industrial Technology and Design Workshops fact sheet. • Follow sequential skill development, starting with simple processes with cameras (still and video), digital and mobile technologies, computer and audio equipment, and progressing to complex processes involving lights, editing equipment and sophisticated computer equipment and software. • Students should follow the Department of Education and Training’s guidelines for internet and publication use and be instructed in the safe, legal and ethical use of digital resources, technologies and online environments. Refer also to copyright guidelines and the use of open source material including creative commons procedures. • Approve scripts, storyboards and planned photography, filming and editing for all school projects, including aspects of the project to be performed independently out of school hours. Students should film, photograph and record audio of approved storyboards only. • Caution students against the risks of filming scenes that have not appeared on their approved storyboards. These include the performing of stunts by students, mock “crime” scenes, the filming of people who have not given their consent to be filmed or photographed, and the use or production of material that could be considered offensive or that breaches the code of conduct. Useful activity-specific links • Act Smart, Be Safe - Communication technologies http://education.qld.gov.au/actsmartbesafe/students/technology/index.html (for students) http://education.qld.gov.au/actsmartbesafe/schoolleaders/managing-ct.html (for school leaders) • Chemical Hazards in the Curriculum – CARA activity guideline http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/carmg/doc/chemical-hazards-template.doc • Chemical Hazards Guidance Notes http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/carmg/doc/guidance-notes.doc • Copyright and Intellectual Property http://education.qld.gov.au/web/schools/copyright.html • Creative Commons Australia – flexible copyright guidelines for creative work http://creativecommons.org.au/ • Drama – CARA activity guideline http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/carmg/pdf/drama.pdf • Guide to Managing Electrical Safety in Schools http://education.qld.gov.au/health/pdfs/healthsafety/electrical-safety-guide.pdf • Information Communication and Technology (ICT) procedure http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/ict/management/Pages/Information-Communication-and-Technology-(ICT).aspx Uncontrolled when printed Media Studies — Page 2 of 3 • Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work – Code of Practice https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/58176/managing-noise-preventing-hearing-losscop-2011.pdf • Managing Noise in Manual Arts/Industrial Technology and Design Workshops fact sheet http://education.qld.gov.au/health/pdfs/healthsafety/hearing-protection-factsheet.pdf • Classifications for films and computer games http://www.classification.gov.au/Guidelines/Pages/Guidelines.aspx Disclaimer: This document is developed and distributed on this website by the State of Queensland for use by Queensland state schools. Use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this document or information in this document by persons or organisations other than the State of Queensland is at their sole risk. All users who use, adapt or rely on this document or any information in this document are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy, currency and appropriateness to their particular circumstances. The State of Queensland makes no representations, either express or implied, as to the suitability of this document or the information in this document to a user’s particular circumstances. To the full extent permitted by law, the State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs arising from the use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this document or any information in this document. Links in this document to external websites are for convenience only and the State of Queensland has not independently verified the information on the linked websites. It is the responsibility of users to make their own decisions about the accuracy, currency, reliability and correctness of the information at these external websites. Uncontrolled when printed Media Studies — Page 3 of 3