Production handbook 2015 revised September 2015

Production Handbook 2015 STUDENT HANDBOOK Part 3 First Edition

© 2015-2016 Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles – Film and Television Revised Edition – September 2015 Prepared by: Allan Penales

TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface

i

General Regulations

1

Safety Policy Production Office Hours & Location

2

Studio/Editing Lab Operation Hours Facilities Booking Policies Maps

3

Use of Facilities

6

Equipment Checkout

7

Safety Guidelines Set Etiquette Insurance

8

Copyrights, Clearances & the Film Student Casting

9

Location

10

Permits Delivery and Archives

11

Student Code of Conduct

Production Handbook 2015

PREFACE

This handbook is prepared and made available to help you understand the basic rules and regulations pertaining to the services and facilities available to you at MSMU – Film, Media and Communication Program, including regulations of their use, your privileges and responsibilities in availing them.

This handbook, however, cannot anticipate every situation or answer every question regarding the different Film Programs we have on the Traditional, Weekend & Evening and MFA levels. The procedures and practices stated in this handbook are subject to change as needed or as the Film Department expands.

To maintain flexibility in the policies and procedures, the Film Department reserves the right to revise or rescind any provisions of this handbook without notice.

As a Film Student, you have access to certain professional equipment and facilities and with that privilege you are expected to treat it with care and respect.

Basic professional training in handling certain equipment is a requirement.

If you have any questions about policies and procedures that have not been specifically addressed in this handbook, please consult with our MFA Program Office, Program Dean or Adviser. This handbook is a “work in progress;” your suggestions matter to us so, please submit your feedback and let us know how we can improve our program together.

Your response will make the learning experience at MSMU a better one that could benefit current students and future revisions of this handbook.

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GENERAL REGULATIONS ACCESS YOU MUST BE A CURRENT STUDENT (ENROLLED) IN THE TRADITIONAL, WEEKEND & EVENING OR MFA FILM & TELEVISION PROGRAM TO USE THE EQUIPMENT AND/OR FACILITIES FOR CLASS ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS. Access to resources and equipment and participating in the end of semester screenings are privileges – not rights and under the discretion of the attending professor, Adviser and Dean.

Recommendations will be directed to the proper channels regarding certain redacted privileges of any student who has violated specified rules.

IDENTIFICATION CARDS Students of the MFA – Film & Television Program using the facilities in the HCS (Hollywood Center Studios) – Studio 12, Building 24 requires an additional ID that will be provided when you enroll in the program. The use of the LAB facilities in both the Doheny and Chalon campuses will require you to acquire a code and will be provided during the start of the semester.

SAFETY POLICY Under the MSMU Catalog Published in 2014-2016, every student when using any equipment that might present a possible danger to oneself or the group should undertake all safety and sensible risk management procedures.

Security is available on both campuses and the studio lot with additional CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) surveillance for additional safety.

Compliance is a must under the MSMU – Film, Media & Communications and MFA – Film & Television STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT and policies on the university.

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PRODUCTION OFFICE HOURS & LOCATION

Equipment Office (Chalon) MFA Program Office (HCS)

H-310 Chalon (Wednesday 10AM-3PM) HCS-BLDG. 24, RM. 204 (Mon-Fri 9AM-3PM)

STUDIO/EDITING FACILITIES CHALON

DOHENY

Editing Lab – H-322 Recording Studio – H-112

Editing Lab – Bldg. 4-120 Green Screen – Bldg. 4-120 Recording Studio – Bldg. 4-120

HCS Editing Lab – Bldg. 24-114 Production Sound Stage 12 Sound/Dub Studio – Bldg. 24 -203

Editing Lab in our three locations can be accessed 24/7.

Sheets will be available in the labs and are on a sign-in/out integrity-basis.

Studio 12 at HCS (Hollywood Center Studios) can be booked five days prior to the desired use dates, upon availability and approval. All requests needs to go through the MFA Program Office and will be forwarded to the Program Director for final approval.

FACILITIES BOOKING POLICY Students are required to fill out a reservation form with an attached script or description of the project that will be filmed/recorded in the sound studio/Studio 12 for the approval of the Department Head.

When approved, this will be a signed contract between the student and the University. It is the responsibility of the student, AFTER THE FILMING, TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IS RETURNED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION. There will be fines for any property loss and/or damage.

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MAPS

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USE OF FACILITIES

The MSMU – Film, Media and Communications facilities are for the benefit of all the students – current and future. Common courtesy and professional behavior demand that complex and expensive equipment be treated with respect and care.

Students are not allowed to have food or drinks of any kind in all the Editing and Lab rooms.

Scheduled classes have priority of use of the labs at all times. HCS Lab works in conjunction with the weekend classes so; permission is needed if using the HCS Lab during class time.

Visitors are not allowed in the lab areas. Only registered students are authorized to use the lab however, Permission Passes can be obtained from the MFA Program Office.

Please refrain from leaving personal files and installing additional software in all the lab computers. A respectable working atmosphere is encouraged in the labs. Computers are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Malfunctions should be reported immediately to the MFA Program Office.

It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that everything is returned to its original condition after using any MSMU facility and/or equipment.

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas at HCS (Hollywood Center Studios).

There is no billing system imposed currently. If a student is caught smoking without permission, the following policy will be strictly enforced:

First offense Second offense Third offense

-

Verbal warning Written warning Loss of privileges

Loss of privileges is upon the discretion of the Student Affairs Division.

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EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT A list of equipment for checkout is available in the Undergraduate Program through the Production/Cinematography Professor in-charge; a TA (Teachers Assistant) will be available for equipment checkout on certain hours for the Traditional and Weekend & Evening Programs.

Graduate students can view the list of available equipment for checkout through the MFA Graduate Office.

Students are required to fill out a detailed checkout form. Equipment Manager/TA will fulfill the request and the completed form will serve as the contract between the student and MSMU for equipment use. This is on a first-come, first-serve basis and there is no guarantee of the availability of certain equipment.

Loss of privileges will be strictly enforced upon the un-timely return of equipment.

1 – 2 days late 3 – 7 days late 8 – 10 days late 11 – 15 days late

-

1 week loss of privileges 2 weeks loss of privileges 3 weeks loss of privileges 1 month loss of privileges

Damage or Loss will be on replacement terms only!

SAFETY GUIDELINES Given the nature of the industry, the structure of every set is different; therefore following basic safety guidelines should be in effect.

• • •

Proper clothing and footwear is essential (no flip-flops and sandals) on set.

It is your responsibility to make sure that the appropriate safeguards are in place.

Securing wiring and cabling in place…etc.

Please refer to https://www.osha.gov/ for additional information.

SET ETIQUETTE There are general Film/Set Etiquettes that one must be aware of as early as possible in one’s career in film. This will be beneficial in all the projects that you will be doing for this program and would be helpful when you are in the professional workplace.

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(continued...)

• • • • •

Respect the chain of command.

Be polite, say please and thank you.

Learn people’s names.

Be watchful and respectful of your co-workers.

Try to show up a little early. Do some networking, learn where the equipment is, read the call sheet, have a coffee. Do whatever it takes to prepare yourself for the day.

Please click the following links for more help: http://howtofilmschool.com/how-to-film-schools-guide-to-film-set-etiquette/ http://www.rondexter.com/intermediate/production/set_ettiquette.htm http://www.wikihow.com/Behave-on-a-Film-Set http://masteringfilm.com/12-essential-set-etiquette-tips/ http://www.militaryfilmservices.com/pdf/Etiquette-Guide.pdf

INSURANCE MSMU – Film, Media & Communications and MFA –Film & Television Department does not offer any insurance for student film projects but is currently working on a blanket insurance for film student projects in the future. This does not mean that you should not know the importance of having one. This is only an overview and further research would be needed depending on your filming needs.

General Commercial Liability - A standard insurance policy issued to business organizations to protect them against liability claims for bodily injury (BI) and property damage (PD) arising out of premises, operations, products, and completed operations; and advertising and personal injury (PI) liability.

Property Damage and Liability - The insurance refers to a specific property that you may rent from an off-campus vendor and covers accidental damage or loss for that equipment. Only covers the damage to the specific property that you rented for filming.

Worker’s Compensation - This insurance covers your actors and crew that may be injured on the set while working on the project.

There are short term insurance policies that you can avail for specific days of your shoot. You can avail of these services by going through a broker.

Resources for this type of coverage can be acquired through a few production websites. You can also go directly to http://variety411.com/us/los-angeles/ for a list of available brokers close to you.

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COPYRIGHTS, CLEARANCES & THE FILM STUDENT As a student filmmaker, there are certain rules and regulations you need to follow so your film can be “cleared” for screening. There are two avenues in which your film can be viewed.

Private Screening This is the regular end of semester screening, by invitation only upon the discretion of the professor in charge. The film needs to follow all the clearances set forth by the professor and will be shown on a limited basis.

Public Screening Each year, there will be a Film Festival hosted by the MSMU – Film, Media and Communications and MFA – Film & Television Department that will highlight outstanding students and their work. All projects must have submitted and approved delivery requirements to be considered for MSMU – Film Festival.

This will go through a screening process and will have to adhere to set rules and regulations of public screening. A separate form is available for the Festival but here are some basic guidelines: • • • • •

Clearances of logos, brand names and trademarks Written consent of copyrighted materials Permission to exhibit clips, artworks and still photos Waivers Original Music and Published Music Licenses

Make sure that your release forms and permits are signed and dated.

A student film DOES NOT meet any of the criteria for “FAIR USE”.

Please refer to http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html for more information regarding “FAIR USE”.

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Last but not the least, copyright your own work. You need to place a COPYRIGHT notice, year of production and your name in the end of your film.

The purpose of the Public Screening is to raise the visibility of the quality of work of the Film Students here at MSMU and to provide networking for students, alumni, industry professionals and other friends of MSMU – Film, Media & Communications Department. The Film Festival branch of the Department has detailed information on how Public Screening works and how to participate.

CASTING Understanding Union and Non-Union Actors with regards to casting your film is essential. Depending on the professor, you may or may not be required to use Union actors but learning the process is always helpful.

You can go directly to this link to get more information on the rules and how to sign a Union Actor for your film. http://www.sagaftra.org/production-center/studentfilmsignatoryinstructions Use of Minors in Student Film Extensive requirements for theatrical employment: The Labor Commissioner issues permits to minors to work in the entertainment industry with required documentation from appropriate school districts as applicable and/or permits permitting employment of minors in the entertainment industry. Work permit for minors here: http://www.film.ca.gov/ProductionTools_WorkPermits.htm Use of Animals in Films With published guidelines, Certified Animal Safety Representatives are mandatory when working with animals on set. Read the guidelines for the safe use of animals under the AHA (American Humane Organization) here: http://www.americanhumane.org/assets/pdfs/animals/pa-film-guidelines.pdf

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Casting Resources Actors Access Backstage Actors Equity Casting Call Playbill SAG Indie Now Casting Casting Networks/LACasting.com

LOCATION Securing a location is very important when you have a specific look in mind.

Before you start scouting, make sure that you have a breakdown of your script and have listed the essential locations that you will need for your film. Remember to bring your release form if you decide that it’s a match.

A good resource is http://locoscout.com/ and FILM LA.

PERMITS Filming permits give you permission to film in that city or area. A Location Release form is different and specific to the property you are using. You can acquire a permit through FILM LA if you are filming in the Greater Los Angeles County.

There are specific rules if you are filming as a Student. Please click the link for more information: Los Angeles http://filmla.com/getting_started.php California http://www.film.ca.gov/Permits.htm OC http://www.cityoforange.org/depts/commserv/filming/default.asp Filming in Campus (Doheny & Chalon) is by approval. You can contact Lisa Melou of Campus Events via email (lmelou@msmu.edu) or you can call her office at (310) 954-4330 to acquire a permit.

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DELIVERY AND ARCHIVES MSMU – Film, Media and Communications will start providing an archival collection of student films in electronic and DVD format for research and information purposes. Items housed in the Archive would only include completed projects that were submitted from Production Classes in the Undergraduate and Masters programs.

Media Delivery Requirements for Screening and Archival purposes can be in the following formats: • • • •

DVD Blu-ray Disc™ QuickTime Movie (.mov) MPEG-4 (.mp4, .m4v)

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MSMU – FILM, MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT (In addition to Student Code of Conduct stipulated in Handbook Part 1 & 2) Standards are essential for a program to operate effectively; building a relationship is part of establishing trust. The responsibility of a student to honesty and integrity is expected, the code is intended to provide added measure of assurance in fulfilling the university’s requirements, the students must abide by the rules stated herein.

The code is an integral part of the education and experience in helping develop responsibility and honor. Adherence to this will allow students to enjoy academic and social freedom. Acts of intentional lying, stealing and cheating will not be tolerated.

Each member of the MSMU – Film, Media & Communications community is responsible for upholding and enforcing the Code of Conduct. This system cannot function unless each person takes action when he or she believes that any student may have violated it.

In most instances, if a faculty member, staff member or student in the Film Program believes that the Code has been violated, all information will be turned over to the Student Affairs Division. The Student Affairs Division will review the violation, decide to either address the violation with a penalty or record it in writing.

Policy violations include but are not limited to: Violations of those standards outlined in the MSMU Student Handbook Part 1 & 2, conduct that is in violation of the Code of Student Conduct includes: • • • •

• • • •

Unauthorized (expressly NOT authorized) collaboration on a project or assignment Any behavior that disrupts the educational experience of another student.

Representing as one's own work the work of another Violating MSMU copyright laws by selling or distributing MSMU owned films to individuals, organizations, or disseminating protected materials (including MSMU owned as well as movies and other media owned by studios or other entities) via the Internet or any other media Unauthorized access to any facility, including stages, editing suites, computer rooms, classrooms, faculty and administrative offices Unauthorized dissemination of security codes Unauthorized use of any equipment on or off the premises Violation of standards outlined in the MSMU Production Handbook and Safety Rules

If a student believes that he/she or any other student has violated any provision of this Code, he/she must report the violation to a member of the Student Affairs Division of MSMU-LA. Failure to report any violation of this code may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the Mount Saint Mary’s University-Los Angeles.