Special make-up effects artists apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. The effects produced vary widely and often involve the attachment of prosthetics and the application of make-up in order to create special features or effects, such as scars, ageing and illness.

Because the application of special make-up effects can be a complex and lengthy process, make-up artists need to be confident and diplomatic in the way they communicate with performers whose appearances they are transforming.

Depending on the nature of the job, a special make-up effects artist can work alone, or, on large-scale productions, they could be responsible for supervising other make-up artists. Employment is usually on a contract basis and hairstyling skills are also required.

Skills associated with creating prosthetics are covered in:

CUFMUP503A Create prosthetics for special make-up effects.

CUFMUP401A Design, apply and remove make-up

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Interpret creative briefs and develop initial design concepts

1. Analyse production documentation to determine overall production requirements

2. Identify factors that may affect the design and implementation of special make-up effects, including special requirements for performers

3. Identify prosthetic requirements and factors that may affect the creation of prosthetics

4. Generate a range of ideas for the special make-up effects design that respond sympathetically to the brief and provide creative solutions to all design issues

5. Use appropriate research techniques to identify and source references to clarify aspects of specific make-up design projects

6. Organise and maintain currency of research materials, documentation and findings for use by relevant personnel

7. Critically analyse sources and references in the context of specific special make-up effects design projects

8. Use research findings to develop initial design concepts

Develop and document special make-up effects designs

9. Maximise input into the design process by evaluating initial design concepts in consultation with relevant personnel

10. Evaluate initial concepts and select the most appropriate ideas, taking into account production constraints

11. Hold ongoing discussions with relevant personnel to ensure additional or changed production requirements are incorporated into special make-up effects designs

12. Incorporate feedback from colleagues into final designs and ensure agreement is reached on a consistent interpretation of character and style

13. Prepare in an appropriate format and distribute copies to relevant personnel as required

14. Continuously reflect on and appraise creative ideas and solutions in the context of production constraints

Prepare, apply and maintain special make-up effects

15. Ensure make-up products and equipment are available according to production schedules

16. Inform performers fully of the special make-up effects application process and respond appropriately to their questions

17. Dress performers with required protective covering to protect hair and clothes and ensure they are protected from hazards

18. Test special make-up effects to be applied to performer's skin and scalp for adverse reactions

19. Apply special make-up effects according to make-up plan and health and hygiene requirements

20. Apply prosthetics using the appropriate materials, equipment and techniques

21. Check that final effects meet production requirements

22. Make required adjustments quickly and accurately at appropriate times during productions

Remove special make-up effects

23. If appropriate, brief or instruct performers on how to remove special make-up effects

24. Remove special make-up effects using appropriate products

25. Remove prosthetics carefully to minimise performers' discomfort

26. Ensure that performers' comfort is maintained during special make-up effects removal and that they are protected from hazards

27. Seek medical advice promptly in cases of skin irritation or other problems

28. Clean make-up equipment and ensure work area is left in the original or improved condition

29. Complete workplace documentation as required

Required skills

self-management skills sufficient to:

work under pressure

respond to instructions on required adjustments to special make-up effects

follow manufacturer specifications and enterprise policies and procedures

planning and organising skills sufficient to:

use time effectively

control product waste

meet deadlines

select and acquire make-up products and equipment to meet production requirements

systematically organise research materials

communication, literacy and teamwork skills sufficient to:

consult with senior creative personnel regarding the design of special make-up effects

negotiate solutions to conflicts that arise in relation to the provision of special make-up effects services

converse casually with performers and provide reassurance during the application of special make-up effects

discuss with performers their preferences and sensitivities regarding skin care

relate to people from diverse backgrounds and people with diverse abilities

consult with production personnel about make-up issues to ensure creative and technical production requirements are met

inform performers of the procedures for applying, touching up and removing special make-up effects

interpret and maintain a range of workplace documentation

prepare and update special make-up effects plans

initiative, enterprise and creativity in the context of:

creating and refining special make-up effects designs

thinking laterally when developing concepts

undertaking background research to inform the design process

maintaining design integrity

devising the most effective way of using special make-up effects to enhance characterisation

problem solving skills in the context of recognising and responding appropriately to general and local contra-indications and contra-action, including those that indicate referral to an appropriate professional

technical skills sufficient to:

use computer software to create designs and special make-up effects plans

create 3D digital images

use the internet for research

access and use databases to record research findings

numeracy skills sufficient to:

budget in relation to design concepts and make-up requirements

estimate the number of make-up personnel required

estimate the quantity and cost of products required

estimate the time required to apply make-up

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of personnel in productions in the relevant industry sector

issues and challenges that arise in the context of providing special make-up effects services

well-developed understanding of the interrelationship between face and body shapes and the elements and principles of make-up application

basic understanding of anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to make-up services, including a simplified cross-section of skin

techniques for applying make-up to prosthetic pieces

basic understanding of body systems and how they relate to face and body shapes and skin, muscles and nerves:

skeletal and muscular

nervous system and its relationship to skin function

well-developed understanding of the following in regard to special make-up effects:

effects of natural/artificial lighting on make-up

colour design principles

colour wheel, primary, secondary, complementary colours, grey scale

tonal value

differences between tone, value, hue and shade

airbrushing techniques

knowledge of cosmetic chemistry/ingredients in relevant make-up products particularly in regard to their likely effects on the skin

techniques for applying and removing special make-up effects, including prosthetic pieces

awareness of the effect of changes created by specific make-up products and colour application techniques

awareness of the effect of changes created by lighting and how make-up colours appear on screen

knowledge of on-camera requirements of design specifications

techniques for determining the physical appearance of:

various skin types

normal skin

abnormal skin

minor skin blemishes

understanding of colour physics and its role in make-up application

OHS requirements as they apply to applying make-up and taking action in the event a adverse skin reactions

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:

documented special make-up effects designs that demonstrate an ability to:

use special make-up effects to develop or enhance characterisation

select appropriate products and application techniques

incorporate colour design principles into make-up designs

take production environment into account when designing special make-up effects

meet production requirements

consistent application of local health and hygiene requirements/regulations in relation to special make-up effects services

consistent application of OHS practices in regard to the provision of make-up services

ability to apply special make-up effects, including the use of prosthetics

collaborative approach to work

ability to communicate effectively with performers/talent in relation to make-up application.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

practical demonstration of skills through a range of special make-up effects design and application tasks for at least two productions

access to a range of make-up products and equipment as listed in the range statement

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

evaluation of special make-up effects plans prepared by the candidate to determine whether production requirements have been met and correct procedures and make-up products have been identified

observation of the candidate applying special make-up effects in a production context

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit and to evaluate the processes used in developing and realising creative concepts.

Guidance information for assessment

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

CUFMUP501A Design and apply specialised make-up

CUFMUP503A Create prosthetics for special make-up effects.

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.

Production documentation may include:

budgets

call sheets

copyright of body paint designs

costume break-down lists

costume designs

costume plots

make-up plans

manufacturer guidelines

product labels

production schedules

research documents

running sheets

scripts

stock orders

synopsis break-down of characters

time sheets

workplace procedures manual or documentation.

Production requirements may include:

camera angles/shots, e.g.:

extreme close-up

close-up

mid shot

long shot

wide shot

high-angle

eye-level shot

low-angle

health and hygiene requirements

lighting effects

production schedule

specifications from designers and directors

venue requirements

other technical considerations.

Factors may include:

any medical condition that could preclude a performer having a cast taken

available personnel

budget

deadlines/timeline

dramatic characters, e.g.:

number

type

changes

locations, e.g.:

studio

interior

exterior

outside broadcast

day

night

sound stage

materials, e.g.:

type

availability

quantity

production values/style

public profile of performers

technical considerations

time span

weather.

Special make-up effects may include:

ageing

animatronics

blood

body or facial features

burns

cuts

digital applications

fluids and solids

perspiration

scars

skin disorders

tears

wounds.

Special requirements may include:

contagious skin disorders, e.g. infections:

bacterial

viral

fungal

duration of make-up application

duration of performance

contra-indications/precautions, e.g.:

sunburn

trauma

bruises

cosmetic and general surgery

other visible non-normal skin

non-contagious skin disorders, e.g.:

acne

dermatitis

eczema

allergies

performers' histories

skin type/condition, e.g.:

normal

dry

combination

sensitive

mature

pigmented

colour and tone

removal of body or facial hair

wearing of contact lenses.

Prosthetic requirements may include:

body parts

camera angles/shots

context, e.g.:

single appearance

location

dramatic considerations

lighting

full bodies

full face

full head

location, e.g.:

interior

exterior

studio

small prosthetic pieces, e.g.:

face parts

bald caps.

Research techniques may include:

contact with historical associations

reading newspapers, books and other references

talking and listening to experts

use of the internet

watching documentary films and videos.

Organisation may include the use of:

computer databases

library

manual files.

Relevant personnel may include:

continuity personnel

costume designer and wardrobe personnel

designer

director

director of photography

floor manager

hairdresser

lighting designer and lighting personnel

make-up supervisor/other make-up personnel

performers

producer

production manager

special make-up effects design and maker

technical director

other technical/specialist staff.

Production constraints may include:

budget

discussions

production schedule

reflection on the design brief

research findings.

Formats may include:

collage

coloured design illustrations

digital presentations

models

photographs

sketches.

Make-up products may include:

blush

cleanser

concealer

eyeshadow (matte/frosted)

fixative

foundation (liquid/solid)

glue/gum

latex

lipsticks/lip gloss

make-up grade

mascara (powder, liquid, wand or block)

moisturiser

pencil

powder

pre-make-up products and stabilisers

protective gel and cream

sunscreen

toner.

Make-up plans may include:

areas requiring correction/camouflage

colour design

continuity issues

details of special make-up effects

details of specialist services

face shape

highlighting/shading techniques

known allergies

make-up products, equipment and materials

product application procedures

prosthetic requirements

testing arrangements.

Health and hygiene requirements may include:

commonwealth, state and territory OHS regulations

regulations relating to cosmetics, e.g.:

sterilisation and sanitation procedures

storage and handling of hazardous substances

protective clothing and substances in the workplace.

Materials, equipment and techniques may include the use of:

equipment, e.g.:

moulds

make-up applicators

materials, e.g.:

foam latex

rubber

plaster

gums and glue

cleaning agents

sealers and release agents

techniques, e.g.:

merging prosthetics into performer's body, skin or hair

applying skin-compatible adhesives in positions that permit the required mobility and security of prosthetics

shading

padding.

Adjustments may be required due to:

adverse skin and scalp reactions

different shooting conditions

prosthetic pieces moving out of correct position.

Productions may include:

commercials

documentaries

feature films

filmed events or performances

live or pre-recorded television productions

live performances

music video

short films

television productions

theatrical productions.

Make-up equipment may include:

airbrushes

artificial lashes

bald caps

containers

cotton buds

eye make-up remover pads

hairclips and bands

lash curlers

latex

magnifying mirror

make-up box

moist towelettes

pallets or tiles

pencil sharpener

powder puffs

protective bibs and smocks

spatulas

sponges, brushes, applicators

supply of water

tissues

towels

trays

tweezers.

Unit sector

Visual communication - make-up

This unit contains employability skills.