Students should be aware of their moral and ethical responsibilities when it comes to use of outside works of art including copyrighted music, video, etc. Any student using copyrighted works must obtain the proper paperwork showing that they have permission to use those works. Students should also include the proper copyright and thanks to those who created and own the work in their projects.
Submitting assignments that you did not personally create or that you created for other classes (in previous semesters or in the current semester) is not permitted. Students found submitting non- original work will be in violation of IU's Code of Academic Ethics [Section II/Paragraph 7]:
Should a teacher determine that cheating or intentional plagiarism has occurred, the teacher should take appropriate action with respect to grades and report the dishonesty to the student affairs officer on the campus.
Safety
Basic safety rules should be followed on all sets to keep everyone safe, including:
Wearing closed-toe shoes
If you are working with hot lights that are turned on, use gloves
Inform others if you are moving an object by calling "Points"
Inform others if you are about to turn on a light by calling "Striking"
Keeping a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in plain sight and close enough to grab in case of emergency
When packing up equipment, ensure all items are cooled off before moving them into the provided case
Should an incident occur in which someone needs to medical attention, they need to be taken to the nearest hospital.
Productions run for as long as they need to. Making films is a fun and exciting way to spend our time but it is definitely a team effort. Thus, you do not want to be the one that slacks off, causing everyone's day to be longer. Therefore, best practices on set include:
This means that you are always aware of what's going on around you, you understand what's happening, where we are in the process of the day, etc. The easiest way to get blacklisted from working on projects is by constantly being on your phone while on a film set. Every set is an opportunity to learn. While you're not doing anything else, be near your key department head and listen to what is needed, be a step ahead, and help the production run efficiently.
When on set there must be clarity about what's going on around us. Again, safety is key, so if you are moving large objects with points that could hurt someone standing by, be sure to say "points" loudly and repeat until you've passed them. It is always better to over communicate this: "Points. Points. Points. Points coming through. Points. Points."
Any time someone asks you to do something, you should respond "Copy that". This lets the person know that you understand exactly what is being asked of you, and that you are confirming you will complete that task.
If you are unsure of what you're being asked, don't be afraid to pose questions to get clarity.
Once all is understood, say, "copy that".
Again, this is a professional environment. If you need to smoke or vape, please let your key department head know you'd like a 5-minute break and go to a designated smoking area far from set. Absolutely no smoking, illegal drugs or drinking of alcohol should be done on an university film set. If information surfaces that such activities have occurred on an university set, appropriate action will be taken against the students involved in that production.
Working with weapons
The use of prop weapons can present significant issues for student filmmakers. Think about the context of your story before adding a prop weapon and consider omitting prop weapons if they are not essential to your film.
Blanks, squibs, and other pyrotechnic devices are not permitted in student films.
Non-firing replica firearms may be used on off-campus shoots with approval from your instructor and with proper preproduction arrangements. A call to local police officers is required and local and federal laws pertaining to firearms must be followed.
Firearms, including prop firearms, and other items considered weapons are not allowed on IU property per policy PS-03:
“Possession of a firearm on Indiana University property is prohibited. The prohibition applies regardless of any permit to carry a firearm. The prohibition does not apply to law enforcement officers authorized to possess a firearm, either on or off duty, by the employing law enforcement agency. In rare cases, an exception to this policy may be granted for academic or research purposes. Such exception must be made by prior written authorization from the Superintendent of Public Safety and the campus police chief and the campus chancellor or provost. Possession of a dangerous article or substance as a potential weapon is also prohibited.”
Animals in film
The Luddy School strongly encourages students to avoid using animals in their films. INLOCC does not cover animals. If you choose to use an animal in your film, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of the animal.
While using your pet may sound like a simple addition to your film, animals can be unpredictable. Think about the ethical responsibility of using an animal before writing one into your script.
Animals (except for trained service animals) are not permitted inside university buildings or facilities.
Animals are, however, permitted in outdoor public spaces owned by the university as long as the following provisions are met:
The owner or handler is responsible for maintaining control over the animal at all times, and the owner or handler is solely responsible for the care and supervision of the animal at all times.
The owner or handler is responsible for properly containing and disposing of all animal waste.
The owner or handler is responsible for all damages and/or injuries caused by the animal.
All animals must be vaccinated against diseases common to that breed of animal in accordance with all federal, state, and local ordinances and/or regulations, and the owner or handler must be able to provide proof of such vaccinations if requested. In addition, all animals should have a tag that identifies the owner or handler and contact information in case of emergency.
All animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless, with respect to a service animal, these devices interfere with the task or work the service animal has been trained to perform or the individual's disability prevents use of these devices.
Animals may not be left tethered to a stationary fixture or tree or left unattended while on university property. In such case, the university may take reasonable efforts to remove the animal. However, service and emotional support animals may be left unattended within the confines of the owner's university on-campus residence or IU real estate housing consistent with the Guidelines for Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals in University Housing.
Recommended tools
While production equipment is provided, there are other basic items that are helpful to have when on set. The following items can be found at local hardware stores as well as online retailers:
