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 natural elements during screen production.

Industry-graded stunt performers require a broad range of licences and certificates, e.g. advanced driving course and relevant class of licence for vehicle types, First Aid Certificate, Rigger/Dogman Licence, Bronze Medallion Lifesaving and open water scuba diving. They must also comply with relevant licensing requirements for the transport and use of firearms, ammunition and pyrotechnic effects.

Application of the unit 

Performers involved with the execution of hazardous action sequences using natural elements such as fire, water and wind apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit.

Only recognised and graded stunt actors and performers undertake these sequences under the strict guidance of supervisory staff such as stunt coordinators, fight directors and screen safety officers. These key personnel are responsible for liaising between stunt performers and other production personnel, e.g. first assistant director, producer, location manager, stunt and fight performers, cast members and other specialist production staff. Production activities take place both in simulated environments and on location.

The role of hazardous action performers is to ensure that the set up, rehearsal, performance and review of hazardous action sequences comply with creative requirements, as well as 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 hazardous action sequences involving natural elements

1. Notify relevant personnel  of your arrival on location  and confirm your capacity to perform the required hazardous action sequences involving natural elements 

2. Confirm with relevant personnel specific production requirements for hazardous action sequences and prepare accordingly

3. Review skills requirement and experience of self and other specialist personnel for relevance to proposed sequences

4. Familiarise self with production materials  to be used in hazardous action sequences and check cast and crew for technical suitability and safety compliance

5. Note camera locations for coverage of hazardous action sequences

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

7. Consider and review alternative execution methods for specific hazardous action sequences

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

Attend dedicated personnel briefings

9. Review all 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 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 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 performers for hazardous screen production activity

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

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

19. Advise relevant personnel of any revision to planned hazardous action sequences identified through test, demonstration, simulation or rehearsal

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

Safely execute hazardous action sequences

21. Comply with relevant PPE requirements

22. Confirm with relevant personnel where specific production requirements involve other high-risk activities

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 the execution of sequences

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

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

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

React 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 materials, props and equipment used in hazardous action sequences in compliance with regulatory requirements

34. Inspect locations to ensure that 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 operations

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 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 a number of hazardous action sequences are occurring simultaneously during screen production activities
• problem-solving skills sufficient to make valid determinations as to a performer's ability to execute planned hazardous action sequences based on experience, observation and awareness of relevant industry codes and legislative requirements
• technical skills sufficient to use documentation systems that support production requirements in relation to hazardous action sequences using elements
• 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
• establish parameters in delivery of sequences that maximise continuity
• contribute to the planning, set up, rehearsal, execution, evaluation and bump out associated with hazardous action sequences involving the use of elements

• 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

Required knowledge 

• industry knowledge, including:

• familiarity with screen production techniques, camera positions and equipment
• organisational culture, etiquette and 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 hazardous action sequences using elements
• access procedures and protocols for engaging with emergency and medical services
• communication channels employed on location

• common industry hazards in relation to the use of elements, their potential for causing harm, and strategies for minimising potential harm to performers and crew
• safety implications regarding all camera, sound and lighting equipment to be used in hazardous action sequences using elements
• safety practices required to remove, isolate or minimise hazards on set
• 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
• understanding and achievement of all required discrete 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 hazardous action sequences using natural elements 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 performing hazardous action sequences
• ability to follow correct procedures in relation to setting up, performing and evaluating 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 the context of executing hazardous action sequences using natural elements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Because this unit focuses on the requirements of staging of hazardous action sequences, assessment must ensure that a sufficient range of hazardous action sequences are covered that address all aspects of stunt performance (water, fire, wind and smoke) as determined by MEAA requirements.

Assessment should occur wherever possible in an integrated manner with similar hazardous action sequences units that support learners to achieve relevant licensing and regulatory requirements.

Assessment also must ensure:

• access to a real or simulated workplace environment that reproduces all the elements of a production requiring hazardous action sequences using natural elements
• access to regulatory information 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
• direct observation and questioning of the candidate on location as he/she prepares for and performs hazardous action sequences using natural elements
• 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
• CUFHAZ401A Perform hazardous action sequences using vehicles
• CUFHAZ402A Perform hazardous action sequences involving fights and falls
• 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
• fire and safety officer
• first assistant director
• floor manager
• head of department
• lighting, sound and camera personnel
• location or unit manager
• make-up and wardrobe personnel
• medic
• other specialist technical staff
• production 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:

• all weather conditions
• day and night
• interior and exterior
• specialist production facilities, e.g. water tanks for underwater photography
• studio.

Hazardous action sequences involving natural elements  may include:

• activities using elements such as:

• skydiving and base jumping
• swimming, scuba diving and free diving
• skiing and surfing
• firefighting
• canoeing and kayaking
• sailing and windsurfing
• rock climbing

• ammunition, e.g.:

• blanks
• projectiles

• firearms and weapons
• mechanical and electronic systems, e.g.:

• animatronics and pneumatics
• electrical and mechanical winches and cabling
• automated and animatronic devices and controls
• electronic and electro mechanical devices
• computer controlled devices
• motion control systems
• motion control electronics and systems
• electronic flashing and timing devices

• pyrotechnics such as:

• explosives
• detonators
• squibs
• smoke
• deflating materials
• confetti canons
• aerial and ground effect display shells and mortars

• simulated hazardous actions, e.g.:

• drowning and inundation
• falling
• suffocation
• burning
• buried alive

• weather effects, e.g.:

• storms, floods and rain
• fog
• wind
• sun and heat
• snow and ice
• fire (natural and built environment)
• smoke
• sand storm
• landslide, collapse and falls
• waterfalls and rapids.

Production materials  may include:

• camera, lighting and sound recording equipment
• costumes and make-up
• sets and props
• any other equipment or materials required for specific hazardous action sequences using natural elements.

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. EPA guidelines, the Building Code of Australia and transport departments for vehicle licensing
• security legislation in relation to the release of special effects.

Hazardous action sequence information  may include:

• abort details and signals
• assembly requirements and schedules
• cast and crew lists
• chain of communication for execution of sequences involving the use of natural elements, including cues and signals
• daily call or running sheets
• date and approximate time of day for execution of sequences
• detailed descriptions of stunt and action sequences
• documentation of relevant licences and regulatory compliance requirements needed by stunt supervisors, performers and fight directors
• equipment assembly requirements and schedules
• estimation of camera position, route and timing of cameras and details of rigging
• involvement of performers and stunt performers in stunt and action sequences
• location lists and access requirements
• location of emergency services and procedures for contacting emergency services in the event of an accident
• location of first aid and medical facilities
• materials data safety sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals and compounds used
• names of action sequence coordinator, safety consultant and safety supervisor
• pre-production safety report
• procedures to be followed in the event of an accident
• production schedule
• required statutory approvals
• route and timing of sequences involving the use of natural elements
• safety procedures to be followed during set up and execution of sequences involving the use of natural elements
• safety reports and assessments of these reports
• scripts
• set and props construction and transportation specifications relevant to specific hazardous action sequences
• special effects specifications
• type and number of personnel required to execute sequences involving the use of natural elements.

Cues  may be:

• computer generated
• given live or via communications equipment
• spoken
• visual.

Reasons to abort  sequences may include:

• accident or incident
• equipment failure
• loss or lack of communication
• risk to broader public and environment
• risk to cast, crew and production equipment
• unfavourable weather conditions, such as:

• fog, mist or rain
• high wind velocity
• bad light
• water temperature.

Productions  may include:

• animated productions
• commercials
• documentaries
• educational resources
• feature films
• filmed events or performances
• music video
• short films
• television productions of any type.

Personal protective equipment  may include:

• air supplies
• airbags and boxes
• body suits
• breathing apparatus and masks
• eyebaths
• fire blankets and extinguishers
• fire retardant treated clothing
• first aid equipment
• heat safety gels
• helmets, boots and gloves
• knee and shoulder pads
• life jackets
• neck braces
• period and contemporary body armour
• rappelling and abseiling equipment
• safety goggles
• safety harnesses and lines
• scuba equipment
• skin suits
• any other safety equipment.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Media and entertainment production - hazardous action

Co-requisite units