# Starting a new project
Greenlighting Process:
🚦REDLIGHT - Phase 1 Submit a new project
**Red Light Phase 1: Submit Your Project Information Form (PIF)**
**Purpose**: Red Light is the first step in getting your project officially recognized and set up in the system.
**Steps:**
1\. Click the **"SUBMIT A NEW PROJECT"**” button above this section to begin your PIF.
2\. Provide the following basic project details:
* Project Owner name and contact information
* Class/syllabus info, or Grant/DHub club sponsor for non-class projects
* Script or treatment attachment
* Shoot dates
3\. After submission, the **SCA Production Office** will:
* Receive your form and assign your project a production number.
* Set up your project in **Patron Portal** for equipment and facility reservations
4\. Access instructions for using **Patron Portal** in the “Equipment” files on SCA Central, or contact equipment center staff for help.
**Tip**: Attach your script or treatment before submitting your PIF to save time later.
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:exclamation: **Important - Academic Integrity Warning**
Honesty is essential for a safe and successful production. Falsifying information on your Project Information Form, equipment reservations, or any required documents can put students, crew, and equipment at risk.
These rules exist for your safety. Violations may result in university sanctions under the Academic Integrity policy. While the University provides insurance coverage, false information can create a false sense of protection and endanger your production.
Always provide accurate details to keep your project, cast, and crew safe.
🚦YELLOW LIGHT - Phase 2 Smartsheet Dynamic View - Check Project Status
**Yellow Light Phase 2: Provide Detailed Project Information**
**Purpose**: Yellow Light indicates your project is active and ready for more detailed planning. At this stage, you can reserve equipment and stages.
**Next Steps:**
1\. You will receive a **Phase Two submission form** to your DePaul email address, notifying you of your Yellow Light status.
2\. Complete the form with detailed information about your project, including:
* Safety plans
* Location needs
* Cast and crew lists
* General Release Forms (signed by all cast and crew participating in the project)
* Any special considerations (e.g., weapons, stunts, Intimacy Coordinator requirements)\*
3\. The Phase Two form starts an **ongoing conversation with the Production Office**. Your project will remain in Yellow Light until:
* All questions are answered
* Required paperwork is uploaded
* The project is approved (Greenlit)
**Tip:** Students can view and update their project information through “Smartsheet” during pre-production and production.
\*See the sections on weapons, stunts, and Intimacy Coordinator for additional guidance.
🚦GREEN LIGHT - Phase 3 Patron Portal - Reserve Equipment/Stages
**Green Light Phase 3: Project Approved**
**Purpose:** Green Light confirms that your project has been fully reviewed and officially approved. You are now cleared to begin production.
**Next Steps:**
1\. Your project status in **Patron Portal** will change from Yellow to **Green**.
2\. The **Project Owner** and any **Secondary Contacts** will receive an email notification confirming final approval.
3\. After Green Light, you will receive reminders from the Production Office to submit:
* **Call Sheets** for each shoot day
* **Production Reports** for stage use and shoot days
**Tips: Post-Production Checklist**
Begin thinking about post-production during pre-production. Important steps include:
* Engage editors and post-production partners early
* Consider technical workflow (camera, memory cards, and editing system)
* Plan for continuity, visual effects, and other post concerns
Addressing these details early is much easier and less costly than fixing them in post-production.
Students must also **sign the** [**SCA Student General Release Form**](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/addbb6b83ff3408fbddd17d78f2480ed) **annually** to participate on crew or appear on camera.
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SmartSheet "How To" Videos
Creating a Smartsheet Account Smartsheet Basics Greenlighting Process
Update Requests Location & Equipment Rentals & Submissions Release Forms
Smartsheet Prop Weapon