Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design special make-up effects and provide make-up services for productions in the screen and entertainment industries.
It applies to individuals who create effects, such as scars, ageing and illness, and often have to attach prosthetics. Because application of special make-up effects can be a complex and lengthy process, these individuals need to be confident and diplomatic in the way they communicate with performers whose appearances they are transforming. They work alone or, on large-scale productions, they could be responsible for supervising others.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Develop initial design concepts | 1.1 Analyse production documentation to determine overall production requirements and schedules 1.2 Identify factors that may affect the design and implementation of special make-up effects 1.3 Identify type and condition of performers' skin, and other special requirements for performers, that need to be taken into account 1.4 Source reference materials and research aspects of special make-up effects design projects 1.5 Maintain currency of reference materials and findings, and organise them for easy access by others 1.6 Identify factors that may affect the creation of prosthetics required for special effects 1.7 Generate a range of design ideas that provide creative solutions to special make-up effects requirements and show an appreciation of how make-up can enhance characterisation 1.8 Take effects of lighting on make-up and colour design principles into account when assessing ideas 1.9 Use research findings to develop initial design concepts |
2. Develop and document special make-up effects designs | 2.1 Discuss initial design concepts with relevant personnel to maximise their contribution to the design process 2.2 Evaluate initial concepts and select the most appropriate ideas, taking into account production constraints 2.3 Develop special effects make-up designs for discussion with relevant personnel 2.4 Hold ongoing discussions with relevant personnel to ensure additional or changed production requirements are incorporated into special make-up effects designs 2.5 Incorporate feedback from colleagues into final designs and ensure agreement is reached on a consistent interpretation of character and style 2.6 Prepare make-up plans in an appropriate format with details of costings and resources required to achieve special make-up effects 2.7 Distribute copies of make-up plans to relevant personnel |
3. Apply and maintain special make-up effects | 3.1 Check make-up products and equipment are available according to production schedules 3.2 Explain the process of applying special make-up effects to performers and respond to their questions 3.3 Dress performers with covering to protect hair and clothes, and check they are protected from hazards 3.4 Test special make-up effects to be applied to skin and scalp for adverse reactions 3.5 Comply with health and hygiene requirements when applying special make-up effects in line with make-up plans 3.6 Apply prosthetics using appropriate materials, equipment and techniques 3.7 Check final effects meet production requirements 3.8 Make required adjustments quickly at appropriate times during productions |
4. Remove special make-up effects | 4.1 Show performers how to remove special make-up effects as required 4.2 Remove special make-up effects using appropriate products, checking performers are comfortable and protected from hazards during the process 4.3 Remove prosthetics carefully to minimise performers’ discomfort 4.4 Seek medical advice promptly if skin irritation or other problems arise 4.5 Clean make-up equipment and check work area is left in the original or improved condition 4.6 Complete workplace documentation as required |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
undertake research to inform design of special make-up effects
consider special requirements of performers and the need for prosthetic pieces when designing special make-up effects
develop designs for special make-up effects incorporating feedback and ideas from others, and meet production requirements
produce make-up plans that specify resources required and take account of budget constraints
apply and remove special make-up effects and prosthetics using appropriate products and application techniques
maintain the appearance of performers' special make-up effects during productions
create a documentary record of designs for special make-up effects
comply with health and hygiene requirements when providing make-up services
complete work within production schedules
work collaboratively with others in the development of special effects make-up designs
establish any specific make-up requirements from performers and clearly explain procedures for applying and removing special make-up effects.
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 personnel who need to be consulted in relation to designing special make-up effects
identify typical problems with designing and applying special make-up effects and briefly describe solutions
explain safety, health and hygiene requirements for applying and removing make-up
outline effects of natural and artificial lighting on special make-up effects and how make-up colours appear on screen
explain how colour design principles are used in the context of designing special make-up effects
describe how and why skin can react to make-up products commonly used in screen and entertainment industry productions
explain how the use of special make-up effects can enhance characterisation
outline techniques for applying make-up to, and removing it from, prosthetic pieces
explain effects created by different make-up products and colour application techniques.
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:
a range of make-up products and equipment
productions requiring special make-up effects
make-up reference materials.
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 | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.5 | Analyses and interprets textual information from relevant sources to determine special make-up and prosthetic requirements Interprets production documentation in relation to own duties |
Writing | 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 4.6 | Develops material for a specific audience using clear and detailed language to convey explicit information Completes workplace documentation according to requirements |
Oral Communication | 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3-2.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.6, 4.1-4.4 | Uses language and non-verbal features appropriate to audience and context Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Numeracy | 2.6 | Calculates costings required to achieve special make-up effects |
Navigate the world of work | 3.3-3.5, 4.2-4.4 | Follows health and hygiene regulations and requirements when working with make-up application, removal processes and potential hazards |
Interact with others | 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3-2.5, 2.7, 3.2, 3.3, 3.6, 4.1-4.4 | Works collaboratively with relevant personnel to confirm special effects make-up design, application and removal requirements Follows accepted communication practices and protocols |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 1.5-1.7, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.3-3.8, 4.2-4.6 | Plans, organises and implements tasks and resources required to achieve production outcomes Makes decisions related to own role and takes responsibility for meeting production requirements, often under pressure and within designated timelines Generates and reflects on creative make-up ideas and concepts Responds to problems that arise quickly and appropriately |
Sectors
Visual Communication – make-up