Create physical special effects props
Overview
This Standard is about creating props for use in physical special effects. It will require you to research any designs, keeping within the design period and any other parameters of authenticity dictated by production. It will require knowledge of materials that can be used, such as replica foods, soft props, historical props and scientific models. You will need to specify materials and build requirements, source materials and create props that meet requirements.In order to do this you will need to understand the principles of moulding, sculpting and carving. You will also need to demonstrate a knowledge of working with a wide range of materials, to include plaster, GRP, resin, rubber, polystyrene and foam and be able to apply the appropriate moulding, sculpting and carving techniques to these. This Standard is for you if you create special effects props.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
create physical special effects props in line with production
breakdown and budget constraints
- specify materials and build requirements, including scaling up or
down as necessary to meet requirements
source materials appropriate for the props being produced
provide documentation detailing the materials, proponents and
techniques used to produce props to relevant people
- create props in line with photographs, drawings, rough sketches
or visualisations provided
prepare armatures that are suitable for modelling
create 3D models and maquettes in appropriate scale and from
appropriate materials to test designs
- produce full sized products that take account of any adaptations
required as a result of testing
- document all aspects of risk assessment and risk management in
appropriate formats
- carry out your work in line with health and safety requirements,
taking action if safety requirements are not followed by others
maintain the safety of the cast and crew at all times
provide alternative solutions within budget and schedule if props
cannot be produced to original designs or budget
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
how to research adequate source information to create physical
special effects props
- the use of drawings, rough sketches, photographs and
visualisations in detailing materials and build requirements and
how to produce them
- script breakdown, budget and schedule for the physical special
effects prop
- the different materials and techniques used in modelling and
sculpting for special effects props, and how they can be used in
combination to mould and cast
the principles of modelling, casting and moulding from an original
how to create patterns from original props
how the internal mechanisms used in models or props are used to
create effects
human and animal anatomy
life casting techniques and materials and the safety
considerations involved
- the design process, in particular how to convert a 2 Dimensional
reference into a 3 Dimensional object
- how animatronics works in collaboration with the modelling
process
- the different types of dummies to use; inanimate, articulated and
action, adult, babies, children, animals
the principles of hair punching and finishing
the principles of finishing through painting and colouring
how to produce an armature to support a modelled form using
materials appropriate to the task
- which departments require regular liaison to ensure that models
and props will be used effectively and safely
- the methods of scaling from existing props to create up/down
scaling of models
- what can be achieved by post production and visual effects