Welcome & Getting Started
Welcome to the SCA Production Guide
This guide is the starting point for making films at DePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts. Use it to find information about project approval, equipment, stages, filming locations, safety, paperwork, insurance, and production policies.
Whether you are working on a class project, thesis film, independent study, grant project, club project, or another student production, begin with the steps below.
SCA filmmaking is collaborative. Students are expected to work professionally, respect cast and crew, care for shared equipment and facilities, and help maintain a safe and inclusive production environment.
Start here
If you want to…
Start with…
Plan a new production
Submit a project for review
Find forms and templates
Review filming locations, permits, and insurance
Review safety requirements and restricted activities
Find production support and contact information
Report an emergency or safety concern
Check closures, holidays, and facility hours
Before you participate in a production
Complete these steps before reserving equipment, using SCA facilities, entering a filming location as cast or crew, or beginning production:
☐ Complete the annual SCA Production Training in D2L.
☐ Bookmark SCA Central in D2L.
☐ Submit the annual SCA Student General Release Form.
☐ Review Start a Project to determine whether your production is an Anytime Project or a Greenlighting Project.
☐ Review the Production Policies & Safety Standards.
☐ Check the Closures & Holiday Schedule before confirming production dates.
Additional forms, certifications, permits, insurance documents, or approvals may be required depending on your project, equipment, location, and activities.
What is SCA Central?
SCA Central is the School of Cinematic Arts' information hub in D2L. It includes production resources, announcements, Crew Calls, the Film Crew Directory, Patron Portal access, the Actor Database, The Well screenplay database, student employment opportunities, and other resources that support student productions.
Some SCA Central resources are available only to current SCA students. If you are enrolled in SCA but cannot find SCA Central or SCA Production Training in D2L, contact the SCA Production Office.
Understand the production process
1. Determine your approval path
Use Start a Project to determine whether you are making an Anytime Project or a Greenlighting Project.
2. Complete the required preparation
Complete training, submit the Student General Release Form, review safety and production policies, and gather the information needed for your project.
Important: Complete annual SCA Production Training at least 24 hours before making your first equipment or facility reservation each academic year.
3. Submit your project
Use the Patron Portal for an eligible Anytime Project. Use the Project Information Form (PIF) if your project requires Greenlighting.
4. Complete review and approvals
The Production Office may request additional information, paperwork, safety planning, permits, insurance, equipment details, or location documents. Respond to requests through Smartsheet and Dynamic View.
5. Reserve resources and begin production
After the required approvals are complete, review Equipment & Facilities and reserve eligible equipment, stages, rooms, or other spaces. Remember that a reservation does not replace project approval.
Need help?
If you are unsure where to begin, contact the SCA Production Office.
SCA Production Office Email: production@cdm.depaul.edu Phone: (312) 362-6862 Loop: Daley LL103 Cinespace: 2514 W. 16th St., Office 204
For immediate danger or a serious emergency, call 911 or DePaul Public Safety. For a non-emergency safety concern, visit Report a Concern / Safety Hotline.
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