Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required for the safe execution of hazardous action sequences using vehicles during screen productions.

Industry-graded stunt performers require a broad range of licences and certificates. A certified advanced driving course and class of licence relevant to vehicle types are required for background driving tasks in screen productions.

Application of the unit 

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.

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 

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 AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

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

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 

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.

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 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 

Competency field 

Media and entertainment production - hazardous action

Co-requisite units