• CUEPRP04B - Use casting and moulding techniques to make props

CUEPRP04B
Use casting and moulding techniques to make props

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to construct props using casting and moulding techniques. It covers assessment of the need for casting/moulding, and both the selection and use of the optimum construction technique to meet production requirements.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

Props makers in the entertainment and screen and media industries apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. The props department may be supervised by a props manager and the props team works closely with set designers, directors and continuity personnel before and during productions.

This unit has linkages with other props construction and general technical units and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate, e.g.:

CUECOS02C Apply art finishing.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess the need for casting/moulding

Liaise with relevant colleagues to confirm props production requirements

Read and correctly interpret the props production schedule, props specifications, lists and scale drawings when available

Assess the need for the use of casting and moulding construction techniques based on review of props requirements and in consultation with relevant colleagues

2. Select moulding/ casting techniques and equipment

Select the most appropriate mould based on an analysis of how the prop is to be used and the advantages and disadvantages of different options

Correctly identify any budgetary or other constraints when making prop construction decisions

Select correct tools, equipment and materials for casting/moulding technique to be used

Calculate correct quantities of materials avoiding wastage where possible

3. Construct moulds and casts

Use techniques, tools and materials correctly and safely to create moulds and casts

Check items produced in terms of durability, quality of finish and suitability for production requirements

Identify the need for adjustments and action accordingly

Prepare items in readiness for finishing in accordance with production requirements

Required Skills

Required skills

literacy skills sufficient to interpret props documentation and read product labels

numeracy skills sufficient to calculate quantities of materials and take basic measurements

Required knowledge

properties and applications of materials commonly used for casting/moulding, including plaster, latex, silicone, elastomer, dental alginate, fibre glass

reasons for the use of particular materials and techniques for different production requirements

the different types of moulds and the reasons for their use

safety and environmental issues associated with materials and equipment used in casting/moulding

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

safe and correct use of casting/moulding techniques which result in a prop which meets production requirements

knowledge of the properties of materials used in casting/moulding and the associated safety issues.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the production of multiple props using casting and moulding techniques

production of the item within a commercially-realistic timeframe.

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

direct observation of the candidate using particular techniques

evaluation of props produced by the candidate

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety issues, different techniques and options

case studies to assess ability to select different techniques to meet varying production requirements

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit requires access to:

casting and moulding materials, tools and equipment used for props construction

a workspace in which props can be constructed safely.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant colleagues may include:

designers

directors

performers

technical colleagues, eg costume, lighting

other props personnel

other workshop personnel, eg set builder, scenic artist

Props may include:

cable controlled props

costume props, eg armour, weapons, jewellery

electrically controlled

equipment

furniture

hand props, eg food and beverage, blood, gore

mechanised props

pneumatically controlled props

pre-production prototypes

special effects props

vehicles

Selection of options for casting/moulding may be dependent upon:

availability of materials

level of detail required

number of times prop is to be used

proximity of audience/potential use of filming

time and budgetary factors

Materials for moulding/casting may include:

clay

elastomer

fibre glass

latex

plaster

silicone


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Visual communication - props


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.