Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create prosthetic pieces for special make-up effects in productions for the screen and entertainment industries.
It applies to individuals who create realistic prosthetics ranging from facial parts, scars and bald caps to larger facial or body pieces, and multiple or overlapping appliances that require mobility. Because the creation of prosthetic pieces 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 can work alone or, on large
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. Prepare to create prosthetics | 1.1 Confirm prosthetic requirements in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to production documentation 1.2 Identify construction timelines and other production factors that may affect the casting process 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 required effects 1.5 Maintain currency of reference materials and findings, and organise them for easy access by others 1.6 Generate a range of design and construction ideas that provide creative solutions to prosthetic requirements and show an understanding of the relationship between face and body shapes and the principles of prosthetics design 1.7 Document plans for the construction of prosthetics in an appropriate format 1.8 Discuss plans with relevant personnel and incorporate feedback into final plans as required 1.9 Check materials and equipment are available to construct prosthetics within timelines |
2. Produce original life casts for prosthetic pieces | 2.1 Check with performers about medical conditions that could prevent or hinder life casts being taken 2.2 Explain the casting process and emergency procedures to performers 2.3 Position performers to minimise personal discomfort and check their skin, hair, facial hair and clothing are protected from hazards 2.4 Determine the position of separate or joining sections, seams, stop lines and keys 2.5 Check materials and release agents are of the appropriate type and quantity for casting 2.6 Prepare, compound and safely apply materials 2.7 Obtain accurate replication of performers, without defects or distortion of life casts, checking performers are comfortable and safe during the casting process 2.8 Safely remove life casts and restore performers' skin and hair to original condition 2.9 Finalise life casts |
3. Make prosthetics | 3.1 Determine appropriate placement of prosthetic overlaps or blending edges on performers 3.2 Compound, handle, store and dispose of materials according to manufacturer's instructions, data safety sheets and health, safety and hygiene procedures 3.3 Use appropriate materials and techniques to make prosthetics according to design plans 3.4 Prevent deformation and impairment when separating moulds and rejoining sectional moulds 3.5 Finish, store and remove sculptures and moulds to avoid deterioration, distortion or damage 3.6 Safely store and dispose of materials and equipment used in the creation of prosthetics 3.7 Complete workplace documentation as required 3.8 Evaluate finished prosthetics against technical and creative criteria and note areas for improving the process |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
undertake research to inform the design of prosthetics for special make-up effects
consider special requirements of performers when designing prosthetic pieces
develop designs and construction plans for prosthetic pieces that incorporate feedback and ideas from others and meet production requirements
work collaboratively with others to make life casts for prosthetic pieces
construct prosthetic pieces that meet design specifications
safely store components used in the construction process
complete work within production schedules
comply with health, safety and hygiene requirements when designing and creating prosthetics for special make-up effects
clearly explain procedures to performers during prosthetic casting and fitting sessions.
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 creating prosthetics for special make-up effects
describe techniques and materials used to create sculptures, accurate moulds and precise prosthetics
outline methods for applying, removing and storing prosthetic materials
explain the relationship between face and body shapes and the principles of prosthetics design
outline aspects of skin structures and medical conditions that need to be taken into account when designing prosthetic pieces
describe health and hygiene requirements and safety procedures that relate to creating prosthetics for special make-up effects
explain how colour design principles are used in the context of designing and creating prosthetics for special make-up effects
describe how ingredients in prosthetic products can affect human skin.
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:
prosthetic products, materials and equipment
productions requiring prosthetics for special make-up effects
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, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 3.3, 3.8 | Analyses textual information to determine prosthetic requirements Researches reference materials |
Writing | 1.4-1.8, 3.7 | Uses clear, specific and industry-related terminology to complete and update workplace documentation and document plans Documents research findings in appropriate format |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1 | Uses language and non-verbal features appropriate to audience and context Employs listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding and discuss requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 2.1-2.3, 2.6, 2.7, 3.2, 3.6 | Follows legislative requirements and organisational procedure when handling materials and working with performers |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1 | Works collaboratively with relevant personnel Follows accepted communication practices and protocols |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.9, 2.3-2.9, 3.1-3.8 | 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 prosthetic ideas and concepts |
Sectors
Visual Communication – make-up