Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

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 of the unit 

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.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

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 AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

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 GUIDE 

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

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Visual communication - props

Co-requisite units