A range of performers can provide background driving activities for screen production where risk is assessed as minimal to other cast and crew.

However, hazardous action sequences involving vehicles must be delivered by recognised hazardous action performers, under the strict guidance of stunt coordinators and fight directors. These key personnel are responsible for liaising with background drivers, hazardous action performers, assistant directors, producers, location managers, cast members and specialist production staff both on location and in the studio.

The role of the background driving and hazardous action sequence performer is to ensure that the set up, rehearsal, performance and review of both background driving and advanced stunt driving activities comply with creative direction, existing screen safety reports and industry codes of practice.

Performers are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of action sequences they perform minimise risk to themselves and other cast and crew members.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Prepare for execution of background driving and hazardous action sequences

1. Notify relevant personnel of your arrival on location and confirm your capacity to drive vehicles required for the proposed background driving and hazardous action sequence

2. Confirm with relevant personnel whether the required action sequence is background driving or a specific hazardous action sequence and prepare accordingly

3. Review skill requirements and experience of self and other specialist personnel for relevance to proposed sequences

4. Note all camera locations for coverage of background driving and hazardous action sequences

5. Familiarise self with production information relevant to background driving and hazardous action sequences and monitor cast and crew for technical suitability, production requirements and safety compliance

6. Recall positioning and movement of all personnel involved in background driving and hazardous action sequences to support ease of visual continuity and editing

7. Review alternative execution methods for specific background driving and hazardous action sequences

8. Confirm with relevant personnel that planned background driving and hazardous action sequences comply with legal and regulatory requirements

Attend dedicated personnel briefings

9. Review hazardous action sequence information

10. Attend briefings of relevant personnel and confirm communication methods, chain of command, cues, and abort and emergency action procedures

11. Check available technical specifications for all vehicles and production materials to be used and advise relevant personnel of issues arising

Set up and check production materials

12. Unload, position and assemble production materials to be used in background driving and hazardous action sequences

13. Check that all equipment and handling procedures comply with given technical specifications in terms of required safety standards and regulatory requirements and notify relevant personnel of emergent issues

14. Review camera positions for latent safety issues

15. Check that production areas are clear of unwanted objects and personnel

16. Identify visual cues and spots to assist in positioning vehicles within screen production activities

17. Reconfirm that personal protective equipment (PPE) and other specified safety equipment is operational and used correctly

18. If possible within budgetary and safety constraints, determine the operation of background driving and hazardous action sequences by test, demonstration, simulation or rehearsal

19. Advise relevant personnel of required revisions to planned performance of background driving and hazardous action sequences identified through test, demonstration, simulation or rehearsal

20. Abort background driving and hazardous action sequences where unacceptable risk emerges and advise relevant personnel

Safely execute background driving and hazardous action sequences

21. Comply with relevant PPE requirements

22. Confirm with relevant personnel where specific production requirements involve other high-risk activities, e.g. armourer's input into joint vehicle and weapons scenes

23. Recheck that areas are clear of unwanted objects and personnel

24. Execute sequences according to agreed production schedules and cues

25. Follow all safety controls and regulatory requirements during execution of sequences

26. Implement predetermined alternative safeguards for all production personnel where variations occur to agreed production plans

27. Abort background driving and hazardous action sequences where unacceptable risk arises during execution and advise relevant personnel

28. Ensure that continuity of background driving and hazardous action sequences is maintained throughout execution

Respond to emergency situations

29. Abort activities and implement emergency plans in the event of accidents

30. Clear sites of all personnel and if possible remove items that may cause further injury

31. Identify items or locations that may need to be isolated for safety and investigatory activities post-emergency situation

32. Advise relevant personnel of the emergency situation according to established procedures

Secure locations on completion of hazardous action sequences

33. Collect, check inventory of, transport and store all production materials used in the execution of background driving and hazardous action sequences, in compliance with regulatory requirements

34. Inspect locations to ensure they are left in a safe and secure state, in compliance with regulatory requirements

35. Participate in post-sequence evaluations with relevant personnel and provide feedback in order to guide future productions

36. Complete personal logbook and contribute to any final written reports as required

Required skills

communication skills sufficient to:

engage with relevant screen production cast and crew through designated verbal and non-verbal communication channels

interpret call sheets, scripts, artistic direction, production schedules, technical reports, safety briefings, and licensing and regulatory documents

explain specific skills requirements of background driving and hazardous action sequences to cast and crew in order to minimise risk

teamwork skills that demonstrate an understanding of the collective nature of screen productions, especially where several vehicles are required to interact during screen production activities

problem-solving skills sufficient to make valid determinations as to a vehicle operator's ability to perform a planned background driving or hazardous action sequence based on experience, observation and awareness of relevant industry codes and legislative requirements

organisational and planning skills sufficient to:

implement relevant licensing and government regulatory requirements

implement relevant emergency and medical service procedures external to screen productions

use information management systems that address safety and security

set up vehicles for screen productions and assess suitability of vehicles for the proposed task

establish parameters in delivery of sequences that maximise continuity

contribute to the planning, set up, rehearsal, execution, evaluation and bump out associated with background driving and hazardous action sequences

well-developed self-management skills sufficient to:

work under pressure and in adverse situations

contribute to accurate, appropriate and timely records and documentation

meet production deadlines and schedules

document own performance and skills in the context of promoting oneself for future employment

technical skills sufficient to:

use communication systems that support production requirements in relation to background driving and hazardous action sequences

drive specified vehicles safely during the execution of background driving and hazardous action sequences

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

familiarity with screen production techniques, camera positions and equipment

organisational culture, etiquette, structure and roles and responsibilities of film crew and specialist production and location management personnel involved in screen productions

issues and challenges that arise in executing background driving or hazardous action sequences using vehicles

access procedures and protocols for engaging with emergency and medical services

communication channels employed on location

common industry hazards in relation to vehicle operations and their potential for causing harm

safety implications regarding camera, sound and lighting equipment to be used in background driving and hazardous action sequences using vehicles

safety practices required to remove, isolate or minimise hazards during vehicle operations

relevant OHS legislation and regulations as they relate to safe transport and use of sets, props and armour

applied knowledge of the Australian Recommended Safety Code for Film and Television

specific licensing requirements for stunt coordinators and fight directors as identified in the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and film industry codes of practice

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

safe execution of background driving and hazardous action sequences using vehicles that demonstrate:

compliance with all licensing, regulatory and industry codes of practice and safety regulations

safe work practices

understanding of screen production processes in relation to background driving and hazardous action sequences

ability to follow correct procedures in relation to setting up, performing and evaluating background driving and hazardous action sequences

ability to make judgements based on the degree of risk associated with hazardous action sequences

effective verbal and written communication skills in executing background driving and hazardous action sequences using vehicles.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure that a sufficient range of background driving and hazardous action sequences are covered through multiple assessments.

Assessment should occur wherever possible in an integrated manner with similar hazardous action sequence activities that support learners to achieve relevant industry grading, licensing and other regulatory requirements.

Assessment must also ensure:

access to a real or simulated workplace environment that reproduces all the elements of a production requiring background driving and hazardous action sequences using vehicles

access to regulatory information as listed in the range statement

access to vehicles

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

direct observation and questioning of the candidate on location as he/she prepares for and performs background driving and hazardous action sequences using vehicles

written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBPMG407B Apply risk management techniques

CUFHAZ402A Perform hazardous action sequences involving fights and falls

CUFHAZ403A Perform hazardous action sequences involving natural elements

CUFHAZ404A Perform hazardous action sequences involving animals.

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 personnel may include:

actor, extra and stand-in performer

armourer

background driver

fire and safety officer

first assistant director

floor manager

hazardous action performer

head of department

lighting, sound and camera personnel

location or unit manager

make-up and wardrobe personnel

medic

other production staff

other specialist technical staff

pyrotechnic effects operator

site safety officer

special effects production personnel

specialist rigging, scaffolding and crane or lift operator

stunt coordinator

stunt performer

transportation provider and crew.

Locations may include:

built or natural environments

day and night

interior and exterior

studio

surfaces such as:

concrete

bitumen

sand

dirt

grass

wet.

Vehicles may include:

aircraft (non-airborne)

animal drawn vehicle

any other wheeled or tracked vehicle

caravans and trailers

cars, including four-wheel drive

cranes and road-making equipment

forklifts

hovercraft

left hand and right hand drive vehicles

on and off-road motorcycles

propelled vehicle

pushbikes and scooters

skateboards

skid steer vehicle (bobcat, tank or armoured personnel carrier)

trains

trucks, vans and semitrailers.

Background driving activities may include:

any non-hazardous, normal driving activity

car park scenes

delivery and pick-up scenes

freeway driving

simulated factory or production activity.

Hazardous action sequence activities involving vehicles may include:

burnouts

close proximity driving or riding

combined vehicle, fight, stunt and element sequences, e.g. driving into a river

explosions

floor effects, including:

weather effects

fire and smoke

collapsing and destruction

falls

water

animals

armed and unarmed fight or combat sequences

jumps, falls and jerk backs (with and from vehicle)

near misses and evasive action

pedestrian and vehicle collisions

racing manoeuvres

rollovers and two wheeled driving

single and multiple vehicle collisions

skids, spins and drifts

wheelstands and stoppies.

Productions may include:

animated productions

commercials

documentaries

educational resources

feature films

filmed events or performances

music videos

short films

television productions of any type.

Regulatory requirements may include:

air traffic or maritime authority requirements in relation to air traffic corridors, ports and rivers

commonwealth, state and territory departments and agencies overseeing OHS regulations, e.g. WorkCover

crowd control requirements, where productions may involve members of the public as participants or observers

environmental planning staff in relation to noise levels, smoke and other special effects release and clean-up

licensing bodies for relevant high-risk occupations, involving such things as explosives, rigging, scaffolding, pressure vessels, forklifts and crane or lift operations

licensing requirements for transporting, setting up, storing and discharging firearms, blank ammunition and pyrotechnic effects

MEAA requirements under stunt performer grading systems

police, emergency and medical service providers

provision and use of specific PPE and other related safety equipment

relevant local and state government environmental planning and construction legislation and regulations

relevant national and international standards bodies responsible for guidelines and codes of practice, e.g. transport departments for vehicle licensing and insurance requirements

security-related legislation with regard to the release of special effects.

Hazardous action sequence information may include:

abort details and signals

chain of communication for execution of sequences involving the use of vehicles, including cues, marker points, signals and radio communication channels

daily call or running sheets

date and approximate time of day for execution of sequences

detailed description of stunts and action sequences

equipment assembly requirements and schedules

estimation of camera position and timing, route and details of rigging

location of emergency services and procedures for contacting emergency services in the event of an accident

location of first aid and medical facilities

names of action sequence coordinator, safety consultant, safety supervisor and armourers

procedures to be followed in the event of an accident

required statutory approvals

route and timing of sequences involving the use of vehicles

safety procedures to be followed during set up and execution of sequences involving the use of vehicles

safety reports and assessments of these reports

type and number of personnel required to execute sequences involving the use of vehicles.

Cues may be:

computer generated

given live or via communications equipment

spoken

visual.

Reasons to abort sequences may include:

accident and incident

equipment failure

risk to broader public and environment

risk to cast, crew and production equipment

loss or lack of communication

unfavourable weather conditions, such as:

fog, mist or rain

high wind velocity

bad light

water temperature.

Production materials may include:

armour on location

camera, lighting and sound recording equipment

cast and crew lists

costume and make-up

daily call sheet and run sheet

documentation of relevant licences and regulatory compliance requirements needed by all stunt supervisors, performers, armourers and fight directors

location lists and access requirements

logbooks of previously performed sequences

pre-production safety report

production schedule

script

sets and props

special effects specifications.

Personal protective equipment may include:

air supplies

all other safety equipment

body armour

driving suits

helmets, boots and gloves

safety goggles

skin suits.

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - hazardous action

This unit contains employability skills.