Break down scripts and prepare budgets for physical special effects

This standard is about script breakdowns and budgets for physical special effects in line with production requirements. You will need to liaise with heads of department, suppliers, health and safety representatives and any other relevant organisations in order to confirm that effects can be achieved safely.

This involves taking into account the parameters of period, location and authenticity.

This standard is for those who research, design and plan physical special effects.

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1. break down scripts to ascertain the details of required effects in accordance with production requirements
2. research and prepare budgets to design, create and implement effects
3. provide a physical special effects brief, supported by storyboards, and visualisations that is documented in line with production requirements when required
4. check and confirm that the required level of insurance is in place to create and deliver the effect
5. confirm that effects can be achieved in compliance with health and safety legislation and that certificates and licenses are current and valid
6. consult individuals and companies about documented briefs to make sure designs are deliverable and meet production requirements
7. document all aspects of risk management in required formats, providing this to others when required
8. identify equipment, materials and specialist skills required for each effect
9. assess the impact of location and cost of equipment and materials upon production budgets and schedules
10. agree what is needed to design, build, test and operate effects to meet production requirements

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1. how to interpret a script and production requirements when producing script breakdowns
2. factors that may impact the practicality of a planned effect including legislation, regulations, safety, the period of the script, location and required authenticity of articles and materials
3. how to liaise with relevant production personnel to ensure designs are safe, deliverable and meet production requirements
4. the different types of materials, resources and specialist skills needed to produce physical special effects
5. how to source or manufacture articles and materials and how this impacts on production budgets and schedules
6. how the production process works and how physical special effects elements within this are achieved
7. how other departments interact and collaborate with physical special effects, in particular camera, stunts, hair and make- up, costume and visual effects
8. when to provide storyboards, visualisations and drawing aids
9. how to budget for all elements of designs, including labour, resources and manufacture, ensuring that appropriate licenses and insurance are included
10. risk assessment processes and management

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3

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2027

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Current

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Original

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ScreenSkills

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SKSPSFX1

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Special Effects Trainee, Special Effects Technician, Special Effects Senior Technician, Special Effects Supervisor

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physical special effects; scripts; design; plan; breakdown; budget; effects; materials; specialist skills; licenses; risk management; production;

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