# Production Policies & Safety Standards
**Note:** All students must complete the [SCA Production Training](https://scaproduction.depaul.edu/sca-production-training) and sign the SCA Student General Release Form before reserving equipment or using SCA facilities.
SCA Production Training SCA Student General Release Form
SAFETY ROLES ON SET
Every crew member is responsible for **set safety** and the safety of others. Film equipment can be dangerous—**follow all rules**.
**1st AD (First Assistant Director) – Primary Safety Officer**
* **Run Safety Meetings:** Start each day reviewing emergency plans (fire exits, extinguishers, first aid, nearest hospital). Hold updates if plans change.
* **Submit Daily Production Reports:** Location, incidents, and Safety Meeting notes. One report per shoot day.
* **Lead Responsibility:** On small crews, the Producer may take this role, but **the lead filmmaker is ultimately responsible** for safety.
**Production Report Template:** is available on SCA Central or under [Filmmaking Paperwork](https://scaproduction.depaul.edu/filmmaking-paperwork) tab.
NEGLIGENCE
Failure to follow safety protocols, report injuries or damages, or take responsible precautions on set may result in:
* Removal from the set or crew
* Loss of access to SCA equipment or facilities
* Additional disciplinary action from SCA
**Student Fines:**
* Not taking proper precautions to prevent loss or damage may result in fines.
* Examples: lost equipment or items stolen from an unattended vehicle.
**Responsibility:**
* These incidents are **not covered by insurance**.
* The student who submitted the shoot proposal to the Production Office may be held financially responsible.
SET SAFETY
These are standard practices to keep everyone safe on production sets.
**Length of Shooting Day**
* Exhaustion is a major cause of accidents please respect your team.
* **Maximum workday:** 12 hours from call to wrap (union shoots: 10 hours).
* Includes all pre-production and production time.
**Meals and Breaks**
* Provide **meals no later than 6 hours** after crew call.
* Meals should be **nutritious** and enough for cast and crew.
* Provide a **separate area** where everyone can sit for at least 30 minutes.
* Craft Services supports food, drink, and cleanup, considering allergies.
* **Drinking water must be available** on every set.
**Holding Areas**
* Provide a **safe, comfortable space** for inactive cast and crew near the set.
* Must offer protection from elements (heat, cold, rain, wind).
WEATHER CONCERNS
**Cover Set:** A “Plan B” location ready on short notice in case of bad weather during an exterior shoot.
**Responsibility:** The **Producer** ensures the crew is aware of expected weather, working with the **Location Manager** on contingency plans.
**Monitoring:** Begin tracking weather **at least one week before** the shoot to prepare a cover set, adjust schedules, or reschedule if needed.
**Severe Weather:** For hazards like flash flooding, high winds, or lightning, have an **action plan** shared with cast and crew during the Safety Meeting, following standard set safety guidelines.