People assisting with the construction of sets in the screen, media and entertainment industries apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. In this role they construct mechanical set items, that is, any set element that requires the use of a mechanical device for operation.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess requirements for mechanical sets

1.1. Liaise with relevant colleagues to confirm requirements for mechanical sets

1.2. Correctly interpret production schedule, specifications, lists and drawings when available

1.3. Assess information to determine construction and safety issues associated with mechanical sets, including safety requirements

2. Select equipment and materials for mechanical sets

2.1. Select appropriate equipment and materials for mechanical set construction based on the way in which the set piece is to be used and the advantages and disadvantages of different options

2.2. Identify relevant budgetary or other constraints when making construction decisions

2.3. Calculate correct quantities of materials avoiding wastage where possible

3. Construct mechanical sets

3.1. Use techniques, tools and materials correctly and safely to create mechanical set pieces

3.2. Check items produced in terms of durability, quality of finish and suitability for production requirements

3.3. Check and test operation of completed set pieces to ensure safety in accordance with relevant organisational and legislative standards

3.4. Identify the need for adjustments and action accordingly

Required skills

literacy skills sufficient to interpret production documentation

numeracy skills sufficient to calculate measurements and quantities and to interpret construction plans

Required knowledge

typical ways in which mechanical sets are used to meet varying production needs, including the ways in which devices can achieve different effects on stage

properties and applications of devices used in mechanical sets, including an understanding of cables, levers, fulcrums and issues associated with electrically-controlled sets

safety issues associated with mechanical sets and with the tools, equipment and materials used for construction

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 techniques to integrate the use of mechanical devices into set construction

knowledge of specific mechanical devices used within set construction, their uses and associated safety issues.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the construction of more than one mechanical set

use of industry-current technology and materials for the construction process.

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 equipment, tools and materials to construct mechanical sets

evaluation of mechanical sets constructed by the candidate in relation to quality of finish and safe operation

case studies to assess ability to adapt construction methods for different production requirements

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety issues, materials, techniques and equipment

review of portfolios of evidence or third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

materials, equipment and tools required to construct a range of set elements

venue/location in which sets can be constructed

set specifications and drawings.

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

director

director of photography

floor manager

performers

producer

production designer

technical director

other set construction personnel

other technical staff

Mechanical sets may include:

lift traps

revolves

stage trucks

travelator

treadmill

Construction and safety issues for mechanical sets may relate to:

availability of power

need for specialised materials

specific safety requirements for flown scenery

stage or venue capacity, e.g. level of stage mechanisation available

Equipment and materials specific to mechanical set construction may include:

chains

cradles

motors

pulleys

weights

winches

wiring/cabling

Unit sector

Visual communication - sets

It is strongly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after other set construction units such as:

CUESET05C

Apply set construction techniques

CUESET09B

Construct soft scenery

CUESET302A

Make sets

This unit contains employability skills.