Overview 

This standard is about creating bald caps and small prosthetic pieces such as facial parts and scars for use on productions.

As the process sometimes involves producing part casts to make such small prosthetics you will be required to show you can part cast. It is recognised that some pieces can be created without requiring a cast to be taken and you will also need to show you can make those, too. It includes creating a pattern to fit the individual performers’ head shape to produce a bald cap.

Finally, it also includes treating the performer with care and making them as comfortable as possible during the process.

This standard is applicable to several roles but is most applicable to the role of the Make Up Artist or Prosthetics Artist.

 

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. confirm whether the performer has any medical conditions that could preclude them from having a cast taken
  2. obtain medical advice and the performer’s permission where necessary
  3. perform skin tests and take action in the event of an adverse skin reaction
  4. ensure that the performer’s skin, hair, facial hair and clothing are prepared and covered
  5. position the performer to minimise personal discomfort
  6. explain the preparation, casting and removal techniques to the performer and provide opportunities for questions
  7. ensure the performer is clear on what to do if an emergency arises during the prosthetics application and wearing process
  8. obtain replication of the performer’s features without defects or distortion of the cast
  9. remove the cast safely and restore the performer’s skin and hair to its original condition
  10. create sculptures and moulds using the appropriate techniques, materials and methods
  11. create small prosthetic pieces that can be applied directly to the performers using the appropriate technique, materials and methods
  12. ensure that the sculpture and mould meets all technical requirements to enable the production of the finished prosthetic piece
  13. make a pattern for the prosthetics and/or bald caps that fits the individual head shape of the performer
  14. transfer the pattern to a head block
  15. create bald caps using the appropriate techniques, materials, and methods
  16. finish, store and remove moulds and prosthetics to avoid deterioration, distortion, and damage
  17. keep records pertaining to the use of moulds and prosthetics
  18. liaise with third party providers to obtain prosthetic pieces and bald caps as required

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the requirements of the design brief and the limitations of the department
  2. the schedule and budget for the production
  3. how to identify and liaise with third party providers for prosthetic work
  4. health and safety legislation, policies and guidelines applicable to part casting and making small prosthetic pieces and bald
  5. the importance of checking if the performer has a history of allergies and other sensitivities
  6. what tests to take for skin compatibility and adverse reactions
  7. what action to take in the case of an adverse reaction
  8. the required mobility and security of the prosthetics
  9. the different techniques, materials and methods employed to create appropriate mounds and prosthetics
  10. the processes for creating small prosthetic pieces including; preparation techniques, casting and removal procedures, emergency procedures, positioning and joining sections and trimming and marking the positive impression
  11. how to obtain replication of the performer’s features without defects or distortion of the cast
  12. the appropriate techniques, materials and methods to create sculptures and moulds
  13. whether the use of casting, sculpting or moulding procedures are required before their application
  14. how to ensure that the sculpture and mould meets all technical requirements to enable the satisfactory production of the finished prosthetic appliance
  15. how to remove the cast safely and restore the performer’s skin and hair to its original condition
  16. how to make a pattern to fit the individual head shape of the performer and how to transfer the pattern to a head block
  17. the importance of finishing, storing, and removing moulds and prosthetics to avoid deterioration, distortion and damage
  18. how and why to keep accurate records and documentation pertaining to any moulds and prosthetic work