Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for the safe execution of hazardous action sequences involving the management of animals during screen productions.
It applies to recognised stunt actors and performers who work under strict guidance of stunt coordinators, armourers, fight directors and animal handlers. They are responsible for ensuring set-up, rehearsal, performance and review of hazardous action sequences comply with production requirements, as well as screen safety and industry codes of practice. They are also responsible for ensuring all aspects of action sequences they perform are done in a way that minimises risk to themselves, other cast and crew members.
Industry-graded stunt performers require a broad range of licences, certificates and gradings. Check with the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) for other specific requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for execution of hazardous action sequences involving animals | 1.1 Notify relevant personnel of arrival at location, and confirm capacity to deliver hazardous action sequences 1.2 Review skills requirements and own experience, and that of other specialist personnel, for relevance to proposed sequences 1.3 Assess condition and temperament of animals and familiarise all personnel with commands and cues 1.4 Note camera locations for coverage of hazardous action sequences 1.5 Evaluate hazardous action sequences to determine most appropriate physical warm-up activity 1.6 Note props, sets and equipment to be used in hazardous action sequences involving animals, and confirm their technical suitability with relevant personnel 1.7 Note positioning and movement of all personnel and animals involved in hazardous action sequences to facilitate visual continuity and editing 1.8 Consider alternative execution methods for specific hazardous action sequences 1.9 Confirm, with relevant personnel, that planned hazardous action sequences comply with legal and regulatory requirements |
2. Attend personnel briefings | 2.1 Review hazardous action sequence information 2.2 Confirm communication methods, chain of command, cues, and abort and emergency action procedures 2.3 Check technical specifications for production materials to be used and advise relevant personnel of issues that need addressing 2.4 Confirm hazardous action sequences are consistent with the style of production |
3. Set up, check and prepare production area | 3.1 Unload, secure and supervise animals and production materials to be used in hazardous action sequences 3.2 Check all equipment and animal handling procedures comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements and notify relevant personnel of non-compliance issues 3.3 Review camera positions for latent safety issues 3.4 Prepare body to perform hazardous action sequences performance through warm-up activities 3.5 Check production areas are clear of unwanted objects and unnecessary personnel |
4. Safely test hazardous action sequences | 4.1 Identify spot marks and other visual cues to assist in positioning during hazardous action sequences 4.2 Confirm that all personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment is fitted and functioning correctly 4.3 If possible within budgetary and safety constraints, test hazardous action sequences through simulation or rehearsals 4.4 Advise relevant personnel if testing identifies the need to revise planned hazardous action sequences 4.5 Abort hazardous action sequences where unacceptable risk emerges, and advise relevant personnel |
5. Safely perform hazardous action sequences | 5.1 Comply with relevant PPE requirements 5.2 Check whether other high-risk activities are taking place in the same scenes 5.3 Check again that areas are clear of unwanted objects and unnecessary personnel 5.4 Execute sequences according to production schedules and cues 5.5 Follow all safety controls and regulatory requirements during execution of sequences 5.6 Implement alternative safeguards for all production personnel where variations to agreed production plans occur 5.7 Abort hazardous action sequences where unacceptable risk arises and advise relevant personnel 5.8 Check continuity for hazardous action sequences is maintained throughout execution |
6. Respond to emergency situations | 6.1 Abort activities and implement emergency plans in the event of accidents 6.2 Clear sites of all personnel and, if possible, remove items that may cause further injury 6.3 Identify items or locations that may need to be isolated for safety and investigative activities 6.4 Advise relevant personnel of emergency situations according to established procedures |
7. Secure locations on completion of hazardous action sequences | 7.1 Check inventory of, transport and store production materials used in the execution of hazardous action sequences in accordance with regulatory requirements 7.2 Inspect locations to ensure they are left in a safe and secure state 7.3 Assess condition of animals used in hazardous action sequences and advise animal handlers of issues arising from their involvement in hazardous action sequences 7.4 Participate in post-sequence evaluations and provide feedback to guide future productions 7.5 Complete personal logbook and contribute to final written reports as required |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
review production documentation and consult with relevant personnel in preparation for hazardous action sequences involving animals
take visual continuity into account when preparing for sequences
check all aspects of locations and equipment for compliance with licensing, safety regulations and industry codes of practice prior to executing sequences
take style of production into account when planning for hazardous action sequences
abort sequences if testing reveals unacceptable risk levels
complete body warm-up activities prior to executing sequences
safely execute hazardous action sequences involving animals in line with production requirements
follow correct procedures for responding to emergency situations in relation to hazardous action sequences involving animals
assist with clearing locations at the conclusion of shoots
check animals have not been adversely affected by their participation in hazardous action sequences
contribute to post-sequence evaluations
use effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline roles and responsibilities of film crew and specialist production and location management personnel involved in execution of hazardous action sequences in screen productions
outline access procedures and protocols for engaging with emergency and medical services
describe common hazards related to using animals in screen productions
outline safety issues in relation to the use and position of camera, sound and lighting equipment during hazardous action sequences involving animals
describe key aspects of screen production processes in relation to hazardous action sequences involving animals
explain safety practices required to remove, isolate or minimise hazards on set
describe industry safety procedures in relation to transporting and storing production materials
describe aspects of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) National Stunt Grading Procedure that apply to executing hazardous action sequences involving animals.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
an environment that reproduces all elements of a production requiring hazardous action sequences involving animals
regulatory information.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3, 5.4, 6.4, 7.1 | Analyses and interprets complex text to determine regulatory compliance requirements, technical specifications and other job related information |
Writing | 7.5 | Uses clear language and industry terminology to complete workplace documentation |
Oral Communication | 1.1-1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.5, 4.4, 5.2, 5.7, 6.4, 7.4 | Uses clear language and appropriate non-verbal features to provide information, instructions and feedback Uses questioning and listening techniques to clarify requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 1.9, 3.2, 4.5, 5.1, 5.5, 5.7, 7.1, 7.4 | Understands the nature and purpose of own role, and associated responsibilities, and how it contributes to the work of others and the creative directions of screen productions Takes responsibility for providing hazardous action services involving animals that comply with legal and regulatory safety requirements, standards and procedures |
Interact with others | 1.1-1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.5, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2, 5.7, 6.4, 7.3, 7.4 | Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve joint outcomes Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to conduct discussions and negotiate agreement, and provide feedback Uses appropriate practices to give directions and convey instructions |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.4, 1.6-1.9. 3.1-3.4, 3.6, 4.1-4.3, 4.5, 5.1, 5.3-5.8, 6.1-6.3, 7.1-7.3 | Plans, organises and implements complex tasks for self and others to meet production requirements, legal and regulatory safety standards, controls, procedures and industry licensing needs Analyses and evaluates available information to make decisions about execution methods Makes decisions quickly if unacceptable risk emerges during sequences Organises and completes post-sequence tasks and leaves location in required condition according to regulatory requirements |
Range Statement
This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Safety standards and regulatory requirements must consider: | (MEAA) requirements under stunt performer grading systems work health and safety (WHS) regulations crowd control requirements, if productions involve members of the public as participants or observers environmental planning and security requirements, e.g. noise levels, release of smoke and other special effects, clean-up access to police, emergency and medical service providers animal welfare legislation and regulations. |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Hazardous Action