> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://scaproduction.depaul.edu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://scaproduction.depaul.edu/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-faqs.md). # Equipment FAQs ### Find Answers to Common Equipment, Reservation, Certification & Facility Questions Use the sections below to quickly find information about equipment centers, stages, and Cinespace operations. *** ### Find Your Answer | I need help with... | Go to this section | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | General equipment checkout, reservations, holds, fines, and account questions | [**General Equipment FAQs**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-faqs.md#general-equipment-center-faqs) | | Loop equipment checkout, pickup, returns, and reservations | [**The Cage FAQs**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-faqs.md#the-cage-faqs) | | Advanced camera and sound equipment | [**Camera Vault FAQs**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-faqs.md#camera-vault-faqs) | | Grip and lighting equipment | [**The Shack FAQs**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-faqs.md#the-shack-faqs) | | Stage reservations, stage equipment, set changes, and stage rules | [**Cinespace Stage FAQs**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-faqs.md#cinespace-stage-faqs) | | Cinespace IDs, parking, [**shuttle service**](/equipment-and-facilities/shuttle-schedule.md)**,** visitor lists, and campus access | [**Cinespace Campus FAQs**](#cinespace-campus-faqs) | *** ### Browse FAQs Select a category below to view frequently asked questions.
General Equipment Center FAQs **Who can check out equipment?** If you're a currently enrolled SCA student, you're good to go! SCA equipment centers are here to help you bring your projects to life. *** **How much does it cost to check out equipment?** There is no cost to check out equipment. However, you are responsible for returning everything on time, clean, and in good condition. Late returns, missing items, or damaged gear may result in fines or replacement and repair charges. *** **Do I need a project number to reserve equipment?** It depends on the type of project. [**Greenlighting Projects** ](/start-a-project/greenlighting-projects.md)generally require an approved project number before equipment reservations can be made. [**Anytime Projects**](/start-a-project/anytime-projects.md) may reserve eligible equipment without a project number, subject to equipment availability. If you're unsure which process applies to your project, contact the Production Office. *** **How do I reserve equipment?** Log in to the [**Patron Portal**](https://cdmwebcheckout.cdm.depaul.edu/sso/patron#!/) using your student credentials and reserve the equipment you need for your project. *** **How far in advance can I reserve equipment?** Most eligible student productions may reserve equipment up to 30 days in advance. MFA thesis projects receive 60-day advance access. *** **Can I edit my reservation after I've submitted it?** Yes. If your reservation has not yet been approved, you can make changes directly in Patron Portal. If your reservation has already been approved, contact the equipment center at least one business day before your pickup and staff will help make any necessary updates. *** **Can I walk in and borrow equipment without a reservation?** No. Reservations through Patron Portal are required. Same-day reservations may be available, but typically require advance notice and approval from the equipment center. *** **Can someone else pick up or return my equipment?** You must be present to pick up and sign for equipment checked out under your name. Another member of your project team may be able to assist with prep or return equipment, but you remain responsible for all items checked out under your account. *** **Can I lend equipment to another student?** No. Equipment may only be used by the project and student under whose name it was reserved. You are responsible for all equipment checked out on your account. *** **What happens if I'm late for a pickup or return?** If you're running late, contact the equipment center as soon as possible. Repeated late pickups may result in reservation cancellations, while late returns are considered a policy violation and may result in fines, account holds, or restricted checkout privileges. *** **What if I damage or lose equipment?** Contact the equipment center immediately and provide a detailed explanation of what happened. Prompt reporting helps staff resolve the issue and ensure equipment remains available for future productions. *** **I have a hold on my account. How do I get it removed?** Contact the equipment center manager who placed the hold. They will explain the reason for the hold and the steps required to remove it. *** **I have a fine. Where do I pay?** Fines can be paid online through the [**SCA Payment Portal**](https://my.cdm.depaul.edu/CIM/Cage/Cagepay). *** **Patron Portal is giving me an error. What should I do?** Email the equipment center with a description of the issue and include a screenshot whenever possible. This helps staff troubleshoot the problem more quickly. *** **Can student staff help me load or unload equipment?** Due to staffing limitations, student staff are generally unable to assist with loading or unloading equipment. Patrons are responsible for bringing enough crew members to safely prep, load, and unload their reservations. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the equipment center manager. *** **Can I use DePaul resources for commercial or non-DePaul projects?** No. DePaul resources are for educational use only. Using them for commercial or outside projects is not permitted. Violations may result in disciplinary action and the loss of access to SCA facilities and equipment.
The Cage FAQs **How long can I keep equipment?** Standard equipment checkout is 48 hours (2 business days). Because the Cage is closed on weekends, some reservations may effectively be longer: * Check out Monday → Return Wednesday * Check out Thursday → Return Monday * Check out Friday → Return Tuesday Maximum checkout lengths may vary based on equipment availability and academic calendar periods. *** **Can I pick up my reserved equipment early or late?** We do our best to accommodate scheduling requests, but early pickup is not always possible during busy periods. Arriving more than 30 minutes late may result in your reservation being canceled. If you need to adjust your pickup time, please contact The Cage as soon as possible. *** **Can I return equipment early?** Yes. Early returns are permitted, but on-time returns are preferred so staff can plan daily operations and prepare equipment for other productions. If you need to return equipment early, please contact The Cage to coordinate a return time. *** **Need more information?** **Email:** We're here to help. Please reach out with any questions about equipment reservations, checkout procedures, or project needs.
Camera Vault FAQs **Can I pick up or return equipment on Saturday?** No. The Camera Vault is closed on Saturdays. *** **If I'm shooting on a DePaul stage, can I pick up gear in the morning and return it in the afternoon?** Possibly. Contact the Camera Vault Coordinator before your shoot to discuss your project and equipment needs. Accommodations may be made based on availability and scheduling. *** **Can I check out additional equipment after I've picked up my reservation?** Usually no. Additional equipment requests are only approved in limited circumstances, such as safety concerns or situations outside the patron's control. Any additions require approval from the Camera Vault Coordinator or a Senior Vault Technician. *** **Does the Camera Vault have any film cameras?** Yes. The Camera Vault has an Arriflex 535 available for practice and educational purposes. The camera is not available for student film shoots. *** **Need more information?** **Email:** We're here to help. Please reach out with any questions about camera packages, audio equipment, reservations, or equipment certifications.
The Shack FAQs **Can I pick up or return equipment on Saturday?** Generally, no. However, Saturday returns may be permitted if your project is filming on one of the DePaul stages. Please contact the G\&E Coordinator in advance for approval. *** **Another project member has certifications that I don't have. Can we create multiple reservations?** No. The Shack only permits one reservation per project unless special approval is granted by the G\&E Coordinator. *** **If I'm shooting on a DePaul stage, can I pick up gear in the morning and return it in the afternoon?** Possibly. Contact the G\&E Coordinator before your shoot to discuss your project and equipment needs. Accommodations may be available depending on scheduling and availability. *** **Can I check out additional equipment after I've picked up my reservation?** Usually no. Additional equipment requests are only approved in limited circumstances, such as safety concerns or situations outside the patron's control. Any additions require approval from the G\&E Coordinator or a Senior Studio Technician. *** **Need more information?** **Email:** We're here to help. Please reach out with any questions about grip and electric equipment, reservations, certifications, or stage support.
Cinespace Stage FAQs **Can I use the stages and classrooms outside of my scheduled class time?** Yes. During the academic quarter, stages and classrooms are primarily used for scheduled classes, but students may reserve available spaces for approved projects. To reserve a stage or classroom: 1. Submit a Project Information Form (PIF) and receive a project number. 2. Complete the required SCA Safety Training for the current academic year. 3. Log into Patron Portal to view availability and make reservations. You may reserve one stage, one classroom, and the Hair & Makeup Room at a time. Multi-day projects require separate reservations for each day. The Virtual Production/Greenscreen Stage cannot be reserved through Patron Portal. To request access, email with your project number, requested dates and times, and a brief description of your project. *** **Who do I talk to on the day of my shoot?** Your primary point of contact is the Stage Assistant assigned to your stage. Stage Assistants can be found on stage or in Room 1508 and can help with check-in, facility questions, and production support throughout your reservation. Be sure to complete a final walkthrough with your Stage Assistant before leaving. *** **What equipment is included with my stage reservation? What if I need more?** Each stage includes a standard grip and lighting package and comes fully dressed with set elements specific to that stage. If you need additional equipment, you may reserve gear in advance from The Cage, Camera Vault, or The Shack. Please do not move equipment or set dressing between stages. If you need assistance during your reservation, contact your Stage Assistant. *** **Can I change or paint the sets?** Not without approval. If you would like to modify a set, paint surfaces, or make other significant changes, email your proposal to and include a plan for restoring the space. Painting and major set modifications are generally limited to summer and other academic break periods. *** **Can I use fake blood, haze, or other effects?** Yes, with advance approval. Submit your effects plan to before your shoot. Effects must be reviewed and approved before use. Fire, smoke, rain, and water effects are not permitted. *** **Can I eat on stage?** No. Food is not permitted on stage. Water in sealed containers is allowed. Please use a reserved classroom, the common kitchen, or the breezeway for meals, craft services, and breaks. Help keep shared spaces clean by removing all food and trash when you leave. *** **Can I bring a vehicle on stage?** No. Vehicles are only permitted on stage during approved class activities under faculty supervision. The breezeway may be used briefly for loading and unloading, but vehicles may not park or block traffic. *** **Am I allowed to operate stage power and lighting systems?** Some electrical systems may only be operated by authorized personnel.

FacultyFull-Time StaffStage AssistantsStudents
Main Panel X X X
Grid Lighting (spacelights, greenscreen)


X


X


X


Perimeter work lights X X X X
House lights (wall switch) X X X X
Distro boxes X X X
Lunchboxes X X X X
Stingers X X X X
Chain Motors X X

If you are ever uncertain about operating electrical equipment, ask your Stage Assistant for guidance before proceeding. Safety is always the priority. *** **My shoot is running long. Do I really have to clean up?** Yes. All productions are responsible for leaving the space ready for the next user. Before the end of your reservation, make sure you: * Reset all set dressing * Return standard equipment to storage carts and staging areas * Remove any additional equipment you brought into the space * Remove all tape and temporary materials * Sweep, clean, and remove all trash Please plan your schedule accordingly and reserve time for wrap and cleanup. *** **What if I damage something or notice something broken?** Report it to your Stage Assistant immediately. Prompt reporting helps us address issues quickly and prevents additional damage or safety concerns. *** **What gets me in trouble?** Common violations include: * Failing to clean up after a production * Missing a reservation without notice * Using unapproved special effects * Altering sets without permission * Blocking fire lanes or emergency exits * Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol Violations may result in fines, suspension of reservation privileges, canceled projects, or other disciplinary action. *** **Need more information?** [**Full Stage Policies here**](https://d2l.depaul.edu/d2l/le/content/653204/viewContent/12725506/View) **Email:** [**cinespacestages@depaul.edu**](mailto:cinespacestages@depaul.edu) We're here to help. Please reach out with any questions about stage reservations, facilities, or production support.
Cinespace Campus FAQs **Do I need a Cinespace ID in addition to my DePaul ID?** Yes. Your Cinespace ID provides access through the security gate and allows you to enter designated exterior doors on the DePaul Cinespace campus. **→** [**Learn more about obtaining a Cinespace ID**](/equipment-and-facilities/getting-access-to-cinespace.md#how-to-obtain-a-cinespace-id-card) *** **I lost my Cinespace ID. Can I get a replacement?** Yes. Please email [**Nick Schmidt**](mailto:nschmid5@cdm.depaul.edu) as soon as you realize your ID is missing. Replacement IDs can be picked up from the Loop Equipment Center *** **I'm planning on driving to Cinespace. Can I park there?** Yes. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors may park in Lot C or Lot J. Be sure to display a yellow parking pass on your dashboard so security can identify your vehicle as belonging to a member of the DePaul community. Parking passes are available near the entrances to each parking lot and in the Stage Assistants Office. If supplies are running low, please notify a Stage Technician. Questions about parking should be directed to J.A. Hardy. *** **I missed the shuttle. Can I get to Cinespace another way?** Yes. You can take the CTA Pink Line to the Western station or take the #49 Western bus to Western and 16th Street. *** **Can prospective students tour Cinespace?** Yes! Prospective students and their families can register for a Friday campus tour. Tours are limited to 30 participants, so early registration is recommended. [**Register for a Cinespace Campus Tour.**](https://connect.depaul.edu/portal/cinespace-tours) For questions about tours, contact Jordan Rivers at [**jrive122@depaul.edu**](mailto:jrive122@depaul.edu)**.** *** **I'm not sure whether the shuttle has already left. How can I check?** You can track shuttle locations in real time using the shuttle trackers below: * [**Loop - Cinespace Shuttle Tracker** ](https://cloud.samsara.com/o/39426/fleet/viewer/osm1av2GVm0PHnxgj5T9) * [**Lincoln Park - Cinespace Shuttle Tracker**](https://cloud.samsara.com/o/39426/fleet/viewer/nILirrdEPuMONsb8s04U) *** **My cast and crew list has changed. How do I update my Cinespace Security List?** No worries. Changes happen frequently. For SCA student productions, update your visitor list template and upload the revised version to your Dynamic View submission. Changes submitted less than two business days before your shoot may not be processed in time. For individual visitors or non-student productions, send the updated list directly to J.A. Hardy. Please use the official template and avoid modifying its format, as changes may delay processing. *** **I'm not sure if my cast and crew visitor list has been approved. How can I check?** For SCA student productions, the Production Office will coordinate any necessary updates. For individual visitors or non-student productions, J.A. Hardy will typically confirm once your list has been processed. If you have not received a response within two business days, follow up directly. Whenever possible, submit your visitor list early, even if it is not yet complete. *** **I want to film in a parking lot or common area. Who should I contact?** Requests to film in exterior spaces, parking lots, hallways, common areas, or other shared spaces should be directed to J.A. Hardy. Please submit your request at least two business days before your shoot. Earlier requests are strongly encouraged because availability may change. *** **I think I left something on a shuttle. How can I check?** Email J.A. Hardy with: * Your name * Which shuttle you rode * Approximately what time you rode * A description of the missing item Shuttle drivers inspect vehicles after each run, and staff will do their best to help locate lost items. *** **I have a question about production paperwork. Is anyone from the Production Office available at Cinespace?** Yes. The Production Office maintains an office near Classroom 101 on the first floor of the Cinespace campus. **Office Hours** * Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM * Friday: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM The Production Office can assist with project paperwork, forms, approvals, and general production questions. *** **Need more information?** **Email:** We're here to help. Please reach out with any questions about campus access, transportation, parking, visitor lists, or general Cinespace operations.
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