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Special Effects Assistant

Assists SFX technicians with prep, runs and safety perimeter — UK Special Effects grade; confirm title on the call sheet and deal memo.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Assist prep and wrap
• Perimeter and extinguisher readiness
• Runs under supervision

Reports to

SFX Technician / Supervisor

Works with

SFX team, AD floor for cordons

Career path

Trainee → SFX Assistant → Technician

Day to day

Fetch/prep; hold cordons; learn cue discipline; never fire anything without Supervisor authority.

Call times

Tests and prep often before unit; fire/pyro cues need clear windows. Wrap includes make-safe and returns — can run after camera wrap.

What to wear

Blacks/PPE as briefed; FR clothing near fire; eye/ear protection; boots; gloves — follow Supervisor rules strictly.

Tools & kit

Trade tools and PPE as Supervisor specifies; never personal pyro without authority.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• Risk assessments / RAMS / method statements
• SFX cue sheets
• Excel kit & pyro inventories

Related roles

Special Effects Technician, Special Effects Supervisor

More Special Effects roles