Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for the safe execution of hazardous action sequences using natural elements such as fire, water and wind during screen productions.
It applies to recognised and graded stunt actors and performers who work under the strict guidance of supervisory staff such as stunt coordinators, fight directors and screen safety officers. They are responsible for ensuring set-up, rehearsal, performance and review of hazardous action sequences comply with creative requirements, screen safety reports and industry codes of practice. They are also responsible for ensuring all aspects of action sequences they perform minimise risk to themselves and other cast and crew members.
Industry-graded stunt performers require a broad range of licences, certificates and gradings. Check with the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) for other specific requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for execution of hazardous action sequences involving natural elements | 1.1 Notify relevant personnel on arrival at location, and confirm capacity to perform required hazardous action sequences involving natural elements 1.2 Confirm, with relevant personnel, production requirements for hazardous action sequences and prepare accordingly 1.3 Review skills requirement and own experience, and that of other specialist personnel, for relevance to proposed sequences 1.4 Review production materials to be used in hazardous action sequences and check cast and crew for technical suitability and safety compliance 1.5 Note camera locations for coverage of hazardous action sequences 1.6 Note positioning and movement of all personnel involved in hazardous action sequences to facilitate visual continuity and editing 1.7 Consider alternative execution methods for hazardous action sequences 1.8 Confirm, with relevant personnel, that planned hazardous action sequences comply with legal and regulatory requirements |
2. Attend personnel briefings | 2.1 Review all hazardous action sequence information 2.2 Confirm communication methods, chain of command, cues, and abort and emergency action procedures 2.3 Check technical specifications for all production materials to be used and advise relevant personnel of issues that need addressing |
3. Set up and check production materials | 3.1 Unload, position and assemble production materials to be used in hazardous action sequences 3.2 Check that all equipment and handling procedures comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements and notify relevant personnel of non compliance issues 3.3 Review camera positions for latent safety issues 3.4 Check that production areas are clear of unwanted objects and personnel 3.5 Identify visual cues and spots to assist in positioning performers for hazardous screen production activity 3.6 Confirm that personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment are operational and used correctly 3.7 If possible within budgetary and safety constraints, test the operation of hazardous action sequences in advance through simulation or rehearsal 3.8 Advise relevant personnel if testing identifies the need to revise planned hazardous action sequences 3.9 Abort hazardous action sequences where unacceptable risk emerges and advise relevant personnel |
4. Safely execute hazardous action sequences | 4.1 Comply with relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements 4.2 Check whether other high-risk activities are taking place in the same scenes delete interaction with others 4.3 Check again that areas are clear of unwanted objects and personnel 4.4 Execute sequences according to production schedules and cues 4.5 Follow all safety controls and regulatory requirements during the execution of sequences 4.6 Implement predetermined alternative safeguards for all production personnel where variations to agreed production plans occur 4.7 Abort hazardous action sequences where unacceptable risk arises during execution and advise relevant personnel 4.8 Check continuity of hazardous action sequences is maintained throughout execution |
5. Respond to emergency situations | 5.1 Abort activities and implement emergency plans in the event of accidents 5.2 Clear sites of all personnel and, if possible, remove items that may cause further injury 5.3 Identify items or locations that may need to be isolated for safety and investigative activities 5.4 Advise relevant personnel of emergency situations according to established procedures |
6. Secure locations on completion of hazardous action sequences | 6.1 Check inventory of, transport and store all materials, props and equipment used in hazardous action sequences in accordance with regulatory requirements 6.2 Inspect locations to ensure that they are left in a safe and secure state 6.3 Participate in post-sequence evaluations and provide feedback in order to guide future operations 6.4 Complete personal logbook and contribute to final written reports as required |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
review production documentation and consult with relevant personnel in preparation for hazardous action sequences using natural elements
take visual continuity into account when preparing for sequences
confirm logistical arrangements and communication protocols for shoots
check all aspects of locations and equipment for compliance with licensing, safety regulations and industry codes of practice prior to executing sequences
check camera positions and note visual cues for positioning performers during hazardous action sequences
abort sequences if testing reveals unacceptable risk levels
perform background hazardous action sequences using natural elements safely, in line with production requirements
follow correct procedures for responding to emergency situations in relation to hazardous action sequences using natural elements
assist with clearing locations at the conclusion of shoots
contribute to post-sequence evaluations
use effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline roles and responsibilities of film crew and specialist production and location management personnel involved in the execution of hazardous action sequences in screen productions
identify typical problems of executing hazardous action sequences using natural elements and briefly describe solutions
outline access procedures and protocols for engaging with emergency and medical services
describe common hazards related to the use of natural elements in screen productions, and their potential for causing harm
explain safety issues in relation to the use and position of camera, sound and lighting equipment during hazardous action sequences using natural elements
outline key aspects of screen production processes in relation to hazardous action sequences using natural elements
outline safety practices required to remove, isolate or minimise hazards on set
describe industry safety procedures in relation to transporting and storing production materials
describe aspects of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) National Stunt Grading Procedure that apply to executing hazardous action sequences using natural elements.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
an environment that reproduces all elements of a production requiring hazardous action sequences using natural elements
regulatory information.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.3, 3.2, 6.1 | Analyses complex text to comply with regulatory and technical specifications to fulfil all job requirements |
Writing | 6.4 | Uses clear language and industry terminology to update details and complete workplace documentation |
Oral Communication | 1.1-1.3, 1.8, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.8, 5.4 | Uses clear language and non-verbal features to provide information, instructions and feedback Uses questioning and listening techniques to clarify requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 1.4, 1.8, 3.2, 4.1, 4.5, 4.7, 6.1, 6.3 | Understands the nature and purpose of own role and associated responsibilities and how it contributes to the work of others and the creative directions of screen productions Takes responsibility for providing hazardous action services that comply with legal and regulatory safety requirements, standards and procedures Takes responsibility for risk minimisation to self and others in performance of action sequences Identifies future improvements in post- sequence evaluation |
Interact with others | 1.1-1.3, 1.8, 2.2, 2.3, 3.8, 3.9, 5.4, 6.3 | Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve joint outcomes Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to conduct discussions and negotiate agreement, and provide feedback Uses appropriate practices to give and receive directions and convey instructions |
Get the work done | 1.4-1.7, 3.1-3.7, 3.9, 4.2-4.8, 5.1-5.3, 6.1, 6.2 | Plans, organises and implements complex tasks for self and others to meet production requirements, legal and regulatory safety standards, controls and procedures and industry licensing needs Observes visual, technical and physical conditions of location to analyse their impact on set-up, performance and continuity requirements of action sequences Establishes safe conditions for action sequences within scope of own role and performs test or rehearsal to identify necessary changes or unacceptable risks Takes action if unacceptable risk emerges during sequences and implements pre-determined emergency plans for accidents including clearing site and isolating hazards Organises and completes post-sequence tasks and restores location to required condition according to regulatory requirements |
Range Statement
This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Safety standards and regulatory requirements must consider: | (MEAA) requirements under stunt performer grading systems work health and safety (WHS) regulations crowd control requirements, if productions involve members of the public as participants or observers environmental planning and security requirements, e.g. noise levels, release of smoke and other special effects, clean-up licensing requirements for relevant high-risk occupations, e.g. explosives, rigging licensing requirements for transporting, setting up, storing and discharging firearms, blank ammunition and pyrotechnic effects access to police, emergency and medical service providers. |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Hazardous Action