Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate logistics of physical special effects operations for screen and entertainment industry productions.
It applies to individuals who supervise a team to transport special effects items to locations where, depending on the nature of the item, the process of assembling and disassembling it can be complex. The scale of special effects items varies greatly – from models and miniatures to electronic devices, animatronics and creatures.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, depending on the nature of the special effects item and where it needs to be placed, one or more team members may need to be licensed. If dogging or rigging is required, personnel responsible for doing this require a high risk work licence.
Sets and staging for some performances or events may fall within the definition of construction work. If so, people entering a construction site are required to complete the general induction training program specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (Commonwealth of Australia, 2007).
Check with the relevant regulator for specific guidance on 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 to transport special effects items | 1.1 Confirm facilities available at production locations in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to production documentation 1.2 Inspect locations as required to identify most appropriate delivery, storage and assembly arrangements 1.3 Ensure power supply and facilities at locations are adequate to meet production requirements 1.4 Conduct pre-departure checks on all equipment to be used at locations 1.5 Complete stock orders in line with budgets, checking availability in time for the assembly and execution of special effects 1.6 Determine whether transport and assembly methods require licensed personnel to operate equipment, and confirm their availability if required 1.7 Develop an operational plan to transport, assemble and disassemble special effects items to meet production requirements and timelines 1.8 Identify problems that might occur with the transportation and assembly of special effects items and make contingency plans |
2. Coordinate transportation of special effects items | 2.1 Organise construction or acquisition of road cases, boxes or crates to enable safe transportation of special effects items to production locations 2.2 Check safe lifting and handling methods are used to pack and unpack special effects items and that care is taken to avoid damage 2.3 Check transportation method allows access to locations and is suited to the nature and quantity of special effects items being transported 2.4 Provide clear and accurate instructions to transport providers 2.5 Complete documentation in accordance with enterprise procedures |
3. Receive special effects items at locations | 3.1 Check and document condition of special effects items and construction equipment on arrival 3.2 Complete reports on shortages or damaged items in line with enterprise procedures 3.3 Coordinate deliveries of goods from specialist manufacturers and hirers 3.4 Check and document quality and condition of hired or specially manufactured items on receipt |
4. Assemble and disassemble special effects items on location | 4.1 Oversee assembly of special effects items in line with production schedules, timelines and budgets 4.2 Identify and implement solutions to operational problems in consultation with relevant personnel 4.3 Check work operations meet enterprise quality standards and comply with health and safety procedures and industry safety codes 4.4 Check all personnel and members of general public present during assembly of special effects are safe 4.5 Secure special effects items and accessories to minimise theft or damage during assembly process 4.6 Coordinate safe disassembly, packing and transportation of special effects items and equipment 4.7 Report and document equipment that requires maintenance in line with enterprise procedures 4.8 Leave locations in the original or improved condition 4.9 Evaluate own role in special effects operations and note areas for improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
interpret production documentation in relation to requirements for physical special effects items
plan and coordinate efficient and safe transport of special effects items to and from production locations
check suitability of facilities at sites to meet requirements for special effects items
take budget considerations into account when planning logistics of special effects operations
supervise safe packing of special effects items for transportation
resolve problems with the condition of special effects items caused during transport to production locations
supervise safe assembly and disassembly of special effects items on location
complete operations in line with production requirements and timelines
follow procedures for completing documentation in relation to special effects operations.
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 involved in special effects operations
identify typical problems that may arise in context of coordinating logistics of special effects operations and briefly describe solutions
explain techniques for assembling and disassembling physical special effects for screen and entertainment industry productions
describe work health and safety procedures and safety guidelines that relate special effects operations.
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:
productions that require special effects items
production and safety documentation
interaction with others.
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, 1.5, 1.7, 2.5, 3.2, 3.4, 4.7 | Interprets production documentation and extracts relevant information to establish requirements |
Writing | 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.7 | Records information, instructions and reports, and completes workplace documentation according to enterprise procedures |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 2.4, 4.1, 4.2 | Uses specific and appropriate language to provide information, convey requirements and discuss solutions Uses listening and questioning techniques to confirm information |
Numeracy | 1.5, 1.7, 4.2 | Uses simple mathematical formula to calculate quantity and cost of stocks Calculates expenditure to ensure work is within budget and time limitations |
Navigate the world of work | 1.6, 2.2, 2.5, 3.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.9 | Meets expectations associated with own role and uses evaluation of own performance to identify potential improvements Understands and adheres to organisational procedures and protocols Takes personal responsibility for supervision of safe work practices by team members and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements on production locations |
Interact with others | 1.1, 2.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.7 | Collaborates with others to achieve joint outcomes Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to provide information and engage in discussions with others |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8 | Accepts responsibility for planning and sequencing relatively complex tasks and workload, and the supervision of others Anticipates problems and has contingency plans ready for implementation Methodically analyses requirements for preparation of special effects for transport, and manages safe packing and handling processes Identifies and organises additional material and equipment and coordinates and checks condition of all deliveries at location Monitors assembly processes and techniques for adherence to all requirements and production schedules, and implements solutions to unexpected problems Coordinates disassembly and return transport of special effects items and equipment, and ensures location is left in required condition |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Special Effects