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Special Effects Supervisor

Leads physical SFX: fire, weather, mechanical and pyrotechnics (licensed) on UK film/TV.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Design SFX with Director/PD
• Risk assessments and licences
• Crew and kit schedule
• On-set supervision and abort authority

Reports to

Director / Producer; licensed lead for physical SFX

Works with

SFX Technicians, 1st AD, Stunts, Camera, Locations, H&S

Career path

SFX Technician → SFX Supervisor

Day to day

Design gags; licence/permits; brief crew; supervise cues; make-safe; own SFX risk assessments.

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 templates
• Cue sheets
• PDF plans
• Risk assessments / RAMS / method statements
• SFX cue sheets
• Excel kit & pyro inventories

Related roles

Special Effects Technician, Special Effects Assistant, Stunt Coordinator

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