Create mechanical effects

This standard is about creating mechanical effects, including the use of animatronics.

It assumes you have the required knowledge to work in this area of mechanical engineering. It also assumes you have an understanding of physical special effects and the part mechanical engineering can play in this area of work.

This standard is for those who create mechanical special effects.

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1. create mechanical effects that meet the brief, budget and production requirements
2. collaborate with other departments to ensure that produced
3. interpret designs or visualisations provided by the production to create effects
4. provide designs or documentation for effects
5. source materials required for mechanical effects being produced
6. maintain the health and safety of cast and crew
7. confirm that all mechanical work meets existing safety protocols and provide documentation
8. implement a clear system of cueing action with operation of the rig
9. use a wide range of techniques and methods to achieve desired mechanical effects
10. record tests providing the required documentation to production for feedback
11. provide alternative solutions and designs if the effects cannot be produced within the original design, budget and schedule
12. liaise with other departments to ensure vehicles are prepared in ways that minimise risk
13. confirm that appropriate safety measures and necessary documentation are in place when working with pressure vessels and pipework valving
14. document all aspects of risk assessment and risk management

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1. script breakdown, budget, and production requirements for mechanical effects
2. how to read and understand technical drawings and specifications
3. mechanical engineering principles such as pneumatics, hydraulics, material grades and their properties
4. how to use mechanical engineering to create production props, effects and stunts
5. construction materials and a wide range of techniques, including how to select appropriate fixing and attaching methods
6. traditional and innovative technologies for cutting and shaping
7. fluid mechanics
8. the calculation of forces and when to have calculations signed off by an expert e.g. structural engineer
9. the design of various mechanisms
10. motors, drives, their proponent parts and how each is used to produce effects
11. how breakaways and release mechanisms work and the safety protocols when employing them
12. knowledge of projectiles and their trajectories
13. how mechanical effects are operated and react in different environments, including under water
14. how to operate mechanical effects within health and safety protocols, adhering to current industry standards and legislation
15. how to work safely at height
16. the legislation and safety measures for working with pressure vessels and regulated pipework valving
17. camera rigs and how they can be employed
18. how to use roll cages and vehicle preparation for stunts
19. current and emerging technologies and how these can be used to create mechanical effects
20. how Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) and 3D printing can work together to design and produce mechanical models
21. the manufacturing processes used in mechanics, including coded welding
22. what can be achieved by post production and visual effects for the required effects

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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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SKSPSFX8

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

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mechanical; animatronics; physical special effects; design; plan; hydraulics; force; script breakdown; budget; production; health and safety; CAD; CAM;

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