Audio-Visual Communications

Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:

 

Photography

• Operate an SLR (single lens reflex) still camera and peripherals (traditional and/or digital)
• Produce finished prints
• Control lighting, exposure, and composition
• Select and use correct film, film speed, and/or megapixel resolution (shutter and aperture)

 

Computer Based Technology

• Identify and operate computer and related peripheral devices
• Create and manipulate sound and images with application software
• Prepare images for appropriate output
• Identify various media options (e.g., slides, .jpg, .tif, .wmv, etc.)
• Use basic software applications (e.g., word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, etc.)

 

Audio and Video Production

• Operate video camera, camcorder, and peripheral equipment
• Select, set up, and operate sound reinforcement equipment, including microphones
• Edit video clips
• Write the script
• Identify and incorporate sound and special effects
• Record and mix audio
• Engineer audio and video
• Select, cast, and direct talent
• Light, direct, and produce the final project

 

Creative Development

• Determine client objectives
• Develop creative outline
• Present and select media options
• Create and present the storyboard and script
• Develop, present, and evaluate a proposal/project

 

Visual Design

• Apply principles and elements of design
• Select and design for a specific media
• Apply principles of animation

   

Project Management

• Develop and efficiently utilize production schedules and personnel
• Prepare and manage the production budget and resources
• Communicate effectively with client and production team
• Maintain quality control
• Follow copyright, licensing, and broadcast laws

 

Equipment Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting

• Identify and safely use basic hand tools
• Follow safety guidelines for personnel and equipment operation
• Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
• Install and upgrade computer software
• Perform hardware upgrades to computer equipment
• Interpret equipment specifications

 

Network Technology

• Utilize network technology, web browsers, and network tools
• Effectively utilize search engines
• Identify uses of network protocols related to audio/visual transmission
• Plan and create a web page incorporating hypertext links and URLs

Related Information

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of digital television, video, and audio
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of web, video, and audio conferencing

Written Assessment:

Administration Time:  3 hours 
Number of Questions: 177

Areas Covered: 

Photography: 10%

Computer Based Technology: 12%

Audio and Video Production: 28%

Creative Development: 8%

Visual Design: 8%

Project Management:13%

Equipment Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting: 11%

Network Technology: 8%

Related Information: 2%

 

 

Sample Questions:

The term “rule of thirds” applies to

1. F-stops
2. composition
3. using a tripod
4. bracketing exposure

 

Physical computer equipment is called

1. software
2. hardware
3. input-output
4. storage

 

In a video script, the camera shots are

1. in italics and single spaced
2. capitalized and single spaced
3. lower case and double spaced
4. in italics and double spaced

 

A demo reel can be very effective when it

1. contains several special effects
2. only showcases content produced for high-profile clients
3. contains programs produced for other clients in similar business
4. uses more than one narrator

 

Any web page should be optimized to open quickly

1. on any type of connection
2. only on a high-speed connection
3. showing animated graphics
4. playing a continuous audio track

 

Software would be used to compress an audio file when

1. the audio file is distributed for the web
2. the audio file is being transferred to another CD
3. 100 percent of the fidelity of the original recording is needed
4. the audio file is being backed up to another hard drive

 

The term kerning refers to the amount of space between

1. letters
2. words
3. lines
4. paragraphs

 

Performance Assessment:

Administration Time: 3 hours
Number of Jobs: 3

Areas Covered:

34% Audio-Visual Editing
Participant will import footage to editing software, export it as a QuickTime® movie, and edit the scene correctly.  

33% Videography
Participant will prepare a master tape, set up the video equipment properly, and shoot a video according to the criteria.  

33% Engineering and Troubleshooting  
Participant will check the cable for continuity, measure AC line voltage, set up monitor and connect power and cables, and adjust the monitor controls.  

Sample Job:  Engineering and Troubleshooting
Maximum Time: 30 minutes
Participant Activity: The participant is to demonstrate how to check the cable for continuity, measure AC line voltage using a test meter, set up  monitor for optimum viewing, connecting power and signal source cables, and using a signal generator or a test tape, adjust the controls to produce the most accurate image possible.