Coordinating physical special effects operations for productions is related to coordinating operations for props and other elements of sets. However, the scale and nature of special effects items can vary quite dramatically - from models and miniatures to electronic devices to animatronics and creatures. This means that transportation arrangements can be complex on occasions, as can the process of assembling and disassembling items.

Teamwork is a key feature of this role and generally speaking people in this position are responsible for supervising a team, while reporting to a production manager.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Prepare for transportation of special effects items

1. Confirm facilities available at production locations in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to production documentation

2. Inspect locations as required to identify most appropriate delivery, storage and assembly arrangements

3. Ensure that power supply and facilities at locations are adequate to meet production requirements for assembling and executing special effects

4. Conduct pre-departure checks on all equipment to be used at locations

5. Complete required stock orders and ensure availability in time for the assembly and execution of special effects

6. Develop an operational plan to transport, assemble and disassemble special effects items at production locations

7. Identify problems that might occur with the transportation and assembly of special effects items and make contingency plans as required

Coordinate the transportation of special effects items to locations

8. Organise the construction or acquisition of road cases, boxes or crates to enable the safe transportation of special effects items to production locations

9. Ensure that safe lifting and handling methods are used to pack and unpack special effects items, taking care to avoid damage to items

10. Ensure that transportation method allows access to locations and is suited to the nature and quantity of special effects items being transported

11. Provide clear, accurate and complete instructions to transport providers

12. Complete documentation in accordance with enterprise procedures

Receive special effects items at locations

13. Check and document condition of all special effects items and construction equipment transported to production locations

14. Complete any reports on shortages or damaged items in line with enterprise procedures

15. Coordinate deliveries of goods from specialist manufacturers and hirers

16. Check and document the quality and condition of hired or specially manufactured items on receipt, to ensure that production requirements can be met

Assemble and disassemble special effects items on location

17. Identify and implement solutions to any operational problems in consultation with relevant personnel

18. Oversee assembly of special effects items, ensuring that quality standards are adhered to, the most appropriate techniques are used and that work is undertaken within budget constraints

19. Ensure that OHS and public safety legislative requirements are met and production schedules are adhered to

20. During assembly, ensure safety of all personnel and any general public present

21. Secure special effects items and accessories throughout the assembly phase to minimise theft or damage

22. Coordinate safe disassembling, packing and return transportation of special effects items and equipment

23. Report and document any equipment that is damaged and requires maintenance in line with enterprise procedures

24. Leave locations in the original or improved condition, ensuring no adverse impact on the sites

25. Evaluate own role in special effects operations and note areas for improvement

Required skills

communication, literacy and teamwork skills sufficient to:

interpret production documentation, special effects assembly specifications and instructions

provide verbal instructions to team members responsible for assembling and disassembling special effects items

work collaboratively as a member of a production team, including supervising team members

complete workplace documentation

initiative and flexibility sufficient to devise the most efficient way to handle the logistics of transporting complex special effects items

problem solving skills sufficient to make adjustments to special effects items to allow for transportation without compromising functionality

planning and organising skills sufficient to:

plan and coordinate transportation of special effects items to and from locations in line with production requirements

manage stock control in relation to special effects operations

technical skills sufficient to:

use hand and power tools to assemble special effects items

handle hazardous materials in a safe manner

self-management skills sufficient to:

work under pressure and meet deadlines

follow manufacturer specifications and organisational policies and procedures

seek expert advice when problems arise

numeracy skills sufficient to interpret budgets and monitor expenditure against budgets

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of art and construction personnel

broad understanding of the artistic and technical elements of productions

issues and challenges that arise when coordinating the transportation and assembly of physical special effects for productions in the screen, media and entertainment industries

set etiquette and protocols

principles of and techniques for assembling and disassembling physical special effects for screen productions

sound knowledge of:

properties, applications and durability of different types of materials that can be used for special effects construction

behaviour of various materials, finishes, painting techniques and colours under lighting

detailed knowledge of sections of the Australian Recommended Safety Code for Film and Television related to special effects operations and other codes of practice relevant to specific special effects operations

OHS procedures as they relate to the safe use of equipment and materials to construct physical special effects for productions

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:

efficient coordination of special effects operations that demonstrates an ability to:

interpret production documentation correctly

meet production requirements

coordinate transportation of special effects items to and from locations

take account of budgetary and resource constraints

communicate effectively with team members while supervising the assembly and disassembly of special effects items on location

application of safe work practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

practical demonstration ofskills through coordinating the logistics of special effects operations for at least two productions

access to productions that require special effects items

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

discussion with the candidate about procedures followed to coordinate the logistics of special effects operations, including problems that could arise and how they would be dealt with

inspection of plans prepared by the candidate for the transportation and assembly and disassembly of special effects items to determine if correct procedures have been followed

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:

BSBOHS407A Monitor a safe workplace

BSBPMG408A Apply contract and procurement procedures

CUETEM06B Organise and monitor bump in/bump out.

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.

Locations may include:

day and night

on location - exterior

on location - interior

outside broadcast

studio.

Relevant personnel may include:

designer

director

director of photography

fire and safety officer

floor manager

head of department

medic

performers

personnel with specialist expertise in special effects productions and execution

producer

production designer

production manager

special effects department personnel

special effects production personnel

special effects supervisor and manager

specialist equipment designer

specialist manufacturer

supervisor

technical director

transportation provider and crew

other technical/specialist staff.

Documentation may include:

budgets

call and running sheets

colour charts

computer generated

confirmation of receipt and dispatch notes

descriptive special effects checklists

fault reports

hire agreements

manually written

manufacture schedules

manufacturer specifications and instructions

measurement charts

memos of instruction

operational and project plans

paint colour formulas

production schedules

scripts

sketches

special effects breakdown lists

special effects construction schedules and plans

special effects design

specialist documents required for the transportation of dangerous goods

stock orders

stock reports

technical drawings.

Productions may include:

animated productions

commercials

documentaries

feature films

filmed events or performances

live events and entertainment

live or pre-recorded television productions of any type

music videos

short films

theatre productions.

Special effects items may include:

animatronics and creatures

automated and animatronic devices and controls

cables

computer controlled devices

electrical and mechanical winches

electro mechanical devices

electronic devices

electronic flashing and timing devices

electronic hardware

floor effects, including:

weather effects

fire and smoke

collapsing and destruction

water

crashes

motion control systems

models and miniatures:

demonstration type

real type

figures

landscapes

buildings

motion control electronics and systems

pneumatics

power packs

road cases, boxes, and crates for storage and transportation

sculpture - human, animal and inanimate.

Transportation may include:

hired vehicles

specialist handling and packaging of dangerous goods, including explosives, chemicals and pyrotechnic items

use of boats, planes, helicopters and trains

use of special transport low loaders.

Techniques may include:

fabrication

gluing and cementing

metalwork, including:

cutting

welding

brazing

moulding materials

painting and finishing

sculpting and other shaping methods

timber construction

woodworking.

OHS and public safety legislative requirements may include:

commonwealth, state and territory OHS regulations

local government construction rules and regulations

national and international standards, guidelines and codes of practice, e.g. the Building Code of Australia.

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - special effects

This unit contains employability skills.