> 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/start-a-project.md). # Start a Project ### Find the Right Approval Path for Your Production Use this page to determine what approval process applies to your production and what you need to do before filming. Whether you are making a class project, thesis film, independent study, grant project, or club project, start here. Complete the required prerequisites, then determine whether your project follows the [**Anytime Project**](/start-a-project/anytime-projects.md) or [**Greenlighting Project**](/start-a-project/greenlighting-projects.md) approval path. **Important:** You must complete the required training, submit the annual Student General Release Form, and be enrolled in an SCA program during the quarter in which your project takes place. *** ### Step 1: Complete the Prerequisites Complete these requirements before beginning a production or requesting SCA resources. | Requirement | What You Need to Do | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | [**SCA Production Training**](https://d2l.depaul.edu/d2l/home/1164695) | Complete the annual SCA Production Training in D2L. | | [**Student General Release Form**](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/addbb6b83ff3408fbddd17d78f2480ed) | Submit the annual Student General Release Form. | | **SCA Enrollment** | Confirm that you are enrolled in an SCA program during the quarter in which your project takes place. | | **Project Information** | Identify your project category, dates, locations, equipment, activities, and support needs. | If you are unsure whether you meet these requirements, contact the SCA Production Office before making reservations or beginning production. *** ### Common Production Categories Your production may fall into one of the following categories. A production category describes the type of work you are making. It is separate from the approval path described below. | Production Category | Description | | ----------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Class Project** | A production completed as part of an SCA course assignment. Requirements may vary by course and instructor. | | [**Independent Study**](/production-independent-studies.md) | A faculty-supervised production completed for academic credit outside a traditional production course. Review the Production Independent Study requirements. | | **MFA Thesis Film** | A production completed as part of the SCA MFA program. | | **Grant Project** | A production supported through an approved SCA grant program. | | **Club Project** | A production sponsored by a recognized SCA student organization. | *** ### Step 2: Choose Your Approval Path All SCA productions follow one of two approval paths. #### Anytime Project Most small student productions begin as an [**Anytime Project**](#anytime-project) unless they require additional review, approvals, specialized equipment, locations, or production support. Your project may qualify as an Anytime Project if it generally: * Takes place on student-owned property * Has five or fewer participants * Uses basic equipment that does not require advanced certification * Does not include stunts, intimacy, prop weapons, permits, or other special production requirements **Next Action:** Start an Anytime Project in the [**Patron Portal**](https://cdmwebcheckout.cdm.depaul.edu/sso/patron#!/). *** #### Greenlighting Project A [**Greenlighting Project** ](/start-a-project/greenlighting-projects.md)requires review and approval from the SCA Production Office. This process helps coordinate project registration, paperwork, equipment, stages, locations, permits, insurance, safety planning, and other production resources. Your project requires Greenlighting if it includes any of the following: | Your Project Involves... | Examples | | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **A Special Project Category** | Independent Study, Grant Project, or Club Project | | **Advanced Equipment** | Equipment requiring certification, including equipment from the Camera Vault or The Shack | | **Special Production Activities** | Stunts, Intimacy Coordination, or Prop Weapons | | **Special Locations** | Filming on DePaul property, filming on public property requiring permits, blocking sidewalks or public access, filming in alleys, or filming in Chicago parks with more than one handheld camera | | **A Location Not Owned by a Student** | Any property requiring a location agreement, permit, insurance, or other approval | | **Additional Production Support** | Outside equipment rentals, insurance requests, or Production Office coordination | **Next Action:** Start the Greenlighting [**Project Information Form (PIF)**](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b990f88678b444d7a0ac8143d0a01619). *** ### What Is the PIF? The [**Project Information Form (PIF)**](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b990f88678b444d7a0ac8143d0a01619) is the first step in the Greenlighting process. You may be asked for information about your script, production dates, cast and crew, locations, equipment, vendors, safety concerns, and other production requirements. After you submit the PIF, the Production Office may contact you through [**Smartsheet**](/start-a-project/smartsheet-and-dynamic-view.md) with additional questions, forms, documents, or approval requirements. *** ### Not Sure Which Approval Path Applies? If you are unsure whether your project qualifies as an Anytime Project or requires Greenlighting, contact the [**SCA Production Office**](mailto:production@cdm.depaul.edu) before making reservations or beginning production. The Production Office can help you determine the correct process. *** ### What Happens After You Choose a Path? #### If You Are Making an [Anytime Project](/start-a-project/anytime-projects.md) Use the [**Patron Portal**](https://cdmwebcheckout.cdm.depaul.edu/sso/patron#!/) to begin the project and reservation process. Review [**equipment and facility requirements**](/equipment-and-facilities.md) before requesting resources. #### If You Are Making a [Greenlighting Project](/start-a-project/greenlighting-projects.md) Submit the [**Project Information Form (PIF)**](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b990f88678b444d7a0ac8143d0a01619). The Production Office will review your project and may request additional information, paperwork, safety planning, permits, insurance, equipment details, or approvals through Smartsheet. Be sure to monitor [**Smartsheet**](https://app.smartsheet.com/login?dlp=%2Fdynamicview%2Fviews%2Fb861416e-b4aa-48ef-91c4-e6af6ffc8fdf) and respond to any requests for additional information. *** ### Important: Reservations Do Not Replace Project Approval Making an equipment, stage, room, or facility reservation does **not** automatically approve your production. Complete all required project submissions, paperwork, certifications, safety reviews, permits, insurance requirements, and approvals before filming. Do not assume that a reservation confirms that your project is approved to proceed. *** ### What's Next?
What You Need NextGo To
Equipment, stages, or facilitiesEquipment & Facilities
Smartsheet and project requestsSmartsheet & Dynamic View
Production policies and safety standardsProduction Policies & Safety Standards
Locations and permitsFilming on Location & Permits
Forms and submission requirementsFilmmaking Paperwork
Production supportProduction Resources & Support
End-of-project responsibilitiesWrap
*** ### Contact the Production Office The [**SCA Production Office**](mailto:production@cdm.depaul.edu) supports project development, filming on campus and in the Chicagoland area, permits, insurance requests, production paperwork, and the [**Greenlighting process**](/start-a-project/greenlighting-projects.md). If you have questions about your production, contact the office before making reservations or beginning production.