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CDM SCA
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Prop Firearms Policy

Effective Fall 2026

The School of Cinematic Arts permits the use of approved prop firearms only in a limited number of designated upper-level courses and under strict supervision, safety protocols, and administrative approval.

Eligible Productions

Prop firearms may only be considered for:

  • Advanced Directing courses (DIR 385, DIR 387, FILM 487)

  • MFA Thesis projects

Prop firearms are not permitted in:

  • Introductory or intermediate production courses

  • Production Independent Studies

  • Anytime Projects

  • Student club productions

  • Productions outside approved SCA coursework

Location Restrictions

Prop firearms may only be used in approved SCA facilities at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.

Prop firearms are prohibited:

  • On DePaul campuses outside approved Cinespace facilities

  • In classrooms, offices, and residence halls

  • At all off-campus filming locations

Safety Requirements

All approved prop firearms must:

  • Be non-functional

  • Be rented from approved vendors

  • Be approved through the SCA review process

  • Be inspected by SCA production staff before use

  • Remain under direct supervision at all times

Each production must designate an approved Firearms Handler responsible for the custody, transportation, storage, and on-set management of all prop firearms.

Approval Process

Productions seeking to use prop firearms must:

  • Receive faculty approval

  • Submit a Prop Firearm Approval Form

  • Provide a production safety plan

  • Obtain administrative approval before production begins

Approval may be denied based on safety, staffing, facility, insurance, or liability concerns.

Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in suspension of production activities, loss of production privileges, disciplinary action, or additional university sanctions.