Dear Readers,
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This handbook is a guide for Department of Mass Communications students,
faculty and staff.
The state-of-the-art facilities are available to enhance learning experiences. These
guidelines and departmental policies are designed to maximize student and faculty
access to the computer labs and audio/visual equipment.
Try not to let frustration get the upper hand, if you have problems. The faculty and
staff are always willing to answer any questions. Please refer to this handbook for
information about rules, and regulations, and eligibility for use of equipment and
resources.
Some of the information provided in this book is subject to change. When necessary
changes are made you will be notified by the lab technician and your instructors.
This book is not your only resource. This handbook does not serve as a substitute
for information provided by your instructors. This handbook is not a substitute for
faculty advisement, the University catalog, or the SSU student handbook. Your
contribution to helping us maintain a safe, clean, and respectful media center is
greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Cherry
Media Lab Technician
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Contents
Contact Information……………………………………………………………………4
Shooting in Savannah…………………………………………………………………..5
Hours of Equipment Checkout and General Guidelines……………………………...7
Liability for Equipment………………………………………………………………....9
Hook-Up Tests………………………………………………………………………….10
Reserving an Edit or Audio Suite…………………………………………………….13
Computer Maintenance………………………………………………………………..14
Cancellation…………………………………………………………………………….15
Lateness and No Show Policies………………………………………………………..15
Shooting Tips…………………………………………………………………………...16
Information and Forms………………………………………………………………..18
Extracurricular Activities……………………………………………………………..19
NAMES AND NUMBERS
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Office of the Dean
Dr. Michael Schroeder, Interim Dean
912.356.2208/2209
Dr. Semetria McFall-Dickerson, Assistant to the Dean
912.356.2208/2209
Department of Mass Communications
Dr. Charles J. Elmore-, Interim Chair
912.358.3376
Ms. Karen Conner, Administrative Assistant
Mr. Michael Cherry, Sr., Lab & Equipment Technician
912.358.3378
912.358.3371
Department Faculty
Dr. Juliana Maria Trammel, Associate Professor
Professor Reginald L. Franklin, Assistant Professor
Professor Kai C. Walker, Associate Professor
Professor Lester Sloan, Visiting Professor
Professor Angela Wilson, Assistant Professor
Prefessor Phelps Hawkins, Assistant Professor
Professor Sandra Earley, Temporary Full-Time Instructor
912.358.3372
912.358.3373
912.358.3364
912.358.3374
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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SHOOTING IN SAVANNAH
Location Agreements
Location agreements are required when shooting on private property and some public areas.
Sometimes prior verbal agreements are made with some proprietors, but students are still
encouraged to have some kind of written agreement.
***Permits
Permits are required for most filming on public property and in some cases for private property.
Although there are NO FEES for these permits, there are time requirements for certain
activities. Contact the City of Savannah Film Office as soon as possible.
**Police
Certain permits require that off-duty police be hired. For instance, only uniformed police
officers can stop or divert vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The basic rate for police is $18/hour
with a 4-hour minimum. The Film Office will determine if police are needed and help to
arrange them.
**Fire
Fire Department personnel are not required on a set unless specified in the permit and are
arranged through the Film Office.
** Parking Passes
City Parking Passes can be purchased from Parking Services at the Bryan Street Garage at the
corner of Bryan and Abercorn during regular business hours.
**Press Releases
The Film Office distributes press releases to all local media for things such as extras and open
casting calls.
**The information you have just read can be found at
Http://www.savannahfilm.org/SavannahFilm/index.html The Savannah Film Commission
***For production information in other cities and state check for a state production guide in
equipment check-out or look on the Internet.
COMMUNITY SAFETY NOTICE FOR SSU STUDENTS
Due to heightened security following 9/11/01, it is now critically important that students do not
photograph or film at sites that are considered potential targets for terrorism. These locations
include places such as oil facilities/storage, refineries, water and sewage treatment plants, port
facilities, electrical substation and even the Talmadge Bridge.
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While these sites may be visually interesting for a class project, students need to understand that
they are expected to respect this request by the FBI. Avoid being investigated. Investigations of
students are time consuming and present inconveniences to both students and law enforcement
agencies.
As a professional practice, make prior arrangements with any facility or location when you want
to photograph or film.
NOTICE FROM OGLETHORPE MALL
Oglethorpe Mall is a private property and, as such, reserves the right to oversee any activity that
takes place at the Center. Any visit related to university-sanctioned projects must be cleared
through the Mall Management Office. Please contact either Colleen Humphries or Sue Hawkins
at 912.354.7038 to make an appointment. Upon arrival at the Mall, students should stop by the
Customer Service Center to confirm their presence and sign a Hold Harmless Agreement. We
also ask that no pictures and/or drawings be taken of the various storefronts in the Mall. This
can be accomplished by working around any of the various fountains or common areas.
Oglethorpe Mall is glad students choose to use the mall locations for course assignments. The
mall representatives ask that students follow these rules to ensure both the students’ and their
customers’ safety. If students have questions, they should contact the office of Mall
Management.
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HOURS OF EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT
Hours of equipment checkout are posted in Kennedy room 144.
The Department of Mass Communications maintains office hours between 8:00am –
5:00pm, 5 days a week in Kennedy room 213.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Only students currently enrolled in the Department of Mass Communications classes, with
valid SSU ID, and in good financial standing with the Bursar may use department facilities
and equipment.
Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted in the class rooms, editing labs or the television
production studio. Violators may lose editing privileges.
Sony Mini-DV Tapes are strictly PROHIBITED in any Panasonic deck or cameras. Sony
DV tapes have a coating (lubricant) that will contaminate and therefore damage Panasonic
deck heads.
Headphones should be used in all labs/suites. If in an isolated lab/suite volume levels should be
kept down and doors should be shut at all times.
Students are responsible for the equipment in the room, studio, or labs in which they are
working. The University is not responsible for personal belongings or the equipment reserved in
a student’s name. Students are responsible for replacement of gear checked out in their names.
Help keep the equipment in good shape by REPORTING any problem you may have had. If a
piece of equipment malfunctions or breaks, do not try to fix it yourself. Report it to the lab
technician or the Department Office immediately.
The facilities and equipment are for the production of assigned class projects only.
After leaving a lab or studio, make sure all trash is picked up and the room is left clean.
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ABOUT CHECK-OUT/IN
All equipment must be returned in the same condition as it was when checked out. If equipment
is damaged, students will be charged based on the extent of damage.
Most film and video cameras manuals are located online. GL-1, GL-2, and DVC Pro camera
manuals are available to be checked out with cameras.
It is the student’s responsibility to enroll and attend the classes that provide these skills. The lab
technician is available to answer your questions during scheduled lab hours.
Examine your equipment and make sure that you have every article listed on the reservation
checklist. Small accessories can be easily overlooked if you do not examine the gear and
complete the checklist. The reservation sheets are contracts; once signed, students are taking
full responsibility and assuming liability for every piece of equipment on that sheet. “I never got
this,” “This was never given to me,” or “We never used this,” are not valid reasons for missing
or broken equipment.
Remember that the purpose of the reservation system is simply to provide students with the
equipment they need to produce their class assignments. The lab technician has no authority
over the scheduling of course projects, production packages, or the policies that govern the
Department of Mass Communications.
Any request for equipment beyond the standard production package must be make through the
Department Chair. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS!
RESERVING EQUIPMENT AT EQUIPMENT CHECK-OUT
Students must reserve all equipment 24 hours in advance. Students are required to
physically come in and reserve the equipment. We do not accept reservations over the phone.
The equipment can be reserved between the hours of:
10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday
EXTENDED HOURS
Overnight Kits are generally reserved for seniors shooting their senior projects. In order to
get approval, students must submit their packets to their professor as well as the
department chair. Submission requirements can be picked up in the Equipment Checkout
office upon request.
NOTE: Students will be able to check out Overnight Kits an hour before closing on the day
after a reservation is made.
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Students are granted extended hours for special projects with written permission from the
professor of the related class.
Group checkout is allowed with your instructor’s signature. All student names and ID
numbers must be on the sheets and on the books. Every member of the group must be
present to check out/in the equipment and must be present and leave a valid student ID.
LIABILITY FOR EQUIPMENT
Your signature on the equipment check-out sheet is an acknowledgement that the equipment is
fully functioning and undamaged. If equipment is damaged at check-out, make sure the damage
is noted on the check-out sheet.
Equipment should be safeguarded at all times. EVERYWHERE! (even in SSU buildings).
Never leave equipment in a car, van, or truck, even if it is locked or in a bonded garage.
Equipment has been stolen under all of these conditions.
The costs of losses are reported to the Bursar and you will be billed. Students who have not paid
for lost or damaged equipment may not be allowed to register or graduate. If you would like to
contest a charge, see the Department Chair.
Report any theft or lost equipment immediately to the main office of the Mass
Communications Department (912.356.2169) Negligence or failure to report deems you
responsible for full replacement costs.
CAMERAS
The GL-2 Camera can be checked out for a total of 4 hours a day, not to exceed 4 times (16
hours) a week. . Only students who have taken or are currently enrolled in COMM: 3301
and / or COMM: 3305 may have access to these cameras. Other students in the Mass
Communications Department wishing to use the GL-2 must have the appropriate
signature.
The XL-1 can be checked out for a total of 6 hours a day not to exceed 4 times (24hours) a
week. Only students who have taken or are currently enrolled in COMM: 3301, COMM:
3305, COMML 4107 and COMM: 4815 may have access to these cameras.
The DVC Pro Camera can be checked out for a total of 6 hours a day not to exceed 4 times (24
hours) a week. Only students who have taken or are currently enrolled in COMM: 4107
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and / or COMM: 4815 may have access to these cameras. These students must pass a HookUp Test before they can check out the camera.
The HD Camera can be checked out for a total of 6 hours a day not to exceed 4 times (24
hours) a week. Instructor’s signature is required.
The 35mm Camera can be checked out for a total of 4 – 6 hours a day, not to exceed 4 times
(16 – 24 hours) a week. Only those students who have taken or are currently enrolled in
COMM: 3102 may have access to these cameras.
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
The Tascam DAT Recorders can be checked out for 4 hours a day, not to exceed 4 times (16
hours) a week. Only those students who are enrolled or have taken…Introduction to Radio
Production are eligible to check out audio equipment. Instructor’s signature is required.
LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
The Softbank II kit is available to those students who have taken or are currently enrolled in
Introduction to Film Production. The kit may be checked out for as long as the camera is in
use, or up to 6 hours per day. Instructor’s signature is required.
PLEASE NOTE: It is good practice to carry a small, inexpensive VO (volt-ohm) meter.
Faculty members will explain how to check electrical power, power cables, microphone cables,
and fuses.
Be careful with cables. Avoid bending, or winding too tightly, as wires may break inside the
insulation. The same damage occurs if cables are stepped on or slammed in doors. Blown bulbs
from lights kits must be returned during the check –in or the student will be charged.
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Hook-Up Tests
LIGHTING & GRIP
OPEN UP ALL STANDS
 Make sure all legs are tightened.
 Check for missing/broken knobs.
 Verify legs or frames are not bents.
STRIKE, SPOT, & FLOOD EACH LIGHT
 Check for dents and frayed cords, and exposed wires.
EXAMINE EACH FLAG, SILK, NET, & SCRIM
 Check for water/discoloration, brown spots, threading tears, holes, tears
along edges,
dark streaks and marks.
PUNCTURED OR TORN SANDBAGS???
SPARE BULB KIT
 Remember to bring in burned out bulbs or you will be charged.
STINGERS
 Check them for frayed end and exposed wires.
FILM CAMERA
SCRATCH TEST
 Test each magazine, use virgin film only (not supplied).
SPEED TEST
 You should see four dots (in any configuration) on the speed checker at 24
fps.
DO YOU HAVE ALL THE CONTENTS?
(1) Camera Body
(2) Magazines
(4) Care Adapters
(2) Magazines Covers
(1) Body Cover
(1) Pistol Grip
(1) Lens Port Cover
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(2) Power Cords
(1) Xerox copy of SR II manual (located in film case)
Matte box w/ (2) filter slides *
Double bar w/ extensions *
* Only for Advanced Production
LIGHT METER
 Remove lumisphere, check for scratches.
 Analog light meters must have high slides.
SLATE
 Check for any permanent marks or cracks.
 The use of permanent markers on a slate will deem it useless for further
use, you will pay fill price of replacement.
BATTERIES
 Check that each one works. Use a voltage reader.
TRIPOD
 Extend all spreaders and legs. Make sure each lock is in place.
 Check tension levels of both the tilt and pan dials.
 Check for slide, pan, and tilt locks.
FILTERS
 Check for deep scratches, chips, or air bubbles throughout the entire filter.
 Make sure the filter ring itself is not bent in any way.
 Screw the retaining rings together and to the series 9 adapter ring to ensure
the threading is not stripped.
CHANGING BAGS
 Make sure no tape is left inside and check to see there are no tears on both
layers of the changing bag.
 Test both inner and outer zippers that they close properly.
 Check the “armpits” of the bag for holes or tears.
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SOUND
SOUND KIT CONTENTS
 XLR cables
 Shock mount
 Softie
 Pair of headphones (provided by the student).
BOOM POLE
 Extend and lock each section of the boom pole (do not over
tighten the sectional locks, a common error).
 Thread the shock mount to the boom to see that the threading is not
stripped.
TASCAM DAT
 We do not give technical seminars on the TASCAM SAT during check
in/outs. It is imperative that a qualified person (i.e. instructor or lab tech…) be
present for a DA-P1 check in/out. Check for battery cover, strap, and strap
attachment screws.
PROCEDURE WHEN RESERVING AN EDIT OR AUDIO SUITE
You may reserve an edit or audio suite at any time during the Department of Mass
Communications hours of operation. Reservations may be made 24 hours in advance as long as
the weekly maximum of 4 times a week is not exceeded. Students must reserve in the allotted
block of time and show up no more than 15 minutes after the block begins. A student may leave
early.
Students may use an open editing slot. On a walk-in basis, walk-in sessions will not count as
one of the four allowed slots. If a student is more than 15 minutes late, another student may take
the available suite.
Students must cancel 24 hours in advance. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Students may cancel over the phone as long as it is 24 hours in advance. Please call the lab
technician to cancel.
If a student breaks the allotted blocks or sign-up too many times during the week he or
she will be removed from the reserved time without notice.
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EDITING SUITES
The Premiere Suites are available to those students who are currently enrolled in or have taken
COMM: 3301, Intro. to Radio and TV Production and / or COMM: 3305, Intro. to Film
Production. A student is allowed to reserve the suite for 4 hours a day, not to exceed 16 hours a
week.
The G5 Mac Lab Suites are available to those students who are currently enrolled in or have
taken COMM: 3105 Writing for Newspaper/Magazines, COMM: 3110 Desktop
Publishing, COMM: 3303 Writing for Radio & TV, COMM: 3101 Media Arts & Design,
and COMM: 4106 Communications Practicum. Students who are currently enrolled in the
above classes are allowed to reserve up to 3 times a week. Mass Communications student not
enrolled in the above classes are allowed to make reservations twice a week. Students enrolled
in Communications Practicum may reserve space up to 3 times a week.
The Sound Lab 1 stations are equipped with DigiDesign 008 systems running ProTools LE.
There are no dedicated DAT decks available on these machines and the stations require
headphones for monitoring. An Isolation booth is available in this room and can be patched into
any station. This booth is suitable for voice and sound recording but not ADR session. Students
may reserve these stations for up to 4 hours per day, not to exceed 3 times per week. All
students who are currently enrolled in or have taken COMM: 3301 Intro. To Radio & TV
and / or COMM: 4110 Adv. Radio Production may have access to these suites.
TELEVISION STUDIO
Reservations must be scheduled and reserved in person or by e-mail with Professor Franklin.
No telephone reservations.
All sessions are limited to 1 hour per reservation.
All sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Call if you decide to cancel a session. Any unannounced absence will result in the cancellation
of all previously reserved sessions.
The students reserving the studio/chroma key are responsible for the actions of their cast and
crew.
No smoking.
No food.
No drinking.
Clean up after use (no trash, no tape left on floor. No set or prop storage.)
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COMPUTER MAINTENANCE
Periodic cleaning of all drives may occur without notification. Students needing storage
must submit a letter stating their needs to the Department of Mass Communications.
The following actions will result in a one-week suspension:
1. Bringing food or drinks into the labs.
2. Renaming the hard drives or folders
3. Storing media or projects on the Training System folders.
The following actions will result in suspension for the remainder of the semester.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rewiring of computers, decks, routers, etc…
Loading software on the computers.
Opening panels on the rack.
Plugging in devices without approval other than firewire.
The following actions will result in permanent suspension:
2. Vandalizing/destroying any system or software.
3. Verbally or physically abusing staff, faculty, or equipment within the department and/or
institution.
CANCELLATIONS
Students must cancel kits 24 hours in advance. Canceling edit/audio time can be done over
the phone or by coming to the office. If you are canceling, do not leave a message on the
voicemail. YOU MUST SPEAK TO THE LAB TECHNICIAN. When a student cancels, the
cancellation counts as one of his or her allotted weekly kits. For example: the student may only
reserve equipment four times a week. If they cancel, the cancellation of a kit counts as one of
the four. They may not reserve for a fifth.
LATENESS AND NO SHOW POLICIES
Equipment must be returned on time because other students are depending on it. Chronic
lateness will result in loss of equipment privileges. Equipment will be checked out/in only
during the office operating hours. A student cannot be more than 10 minutes late picking up
his/her equipment or more than 15 minutes late returning it.
All changes of check-in/check-out times are done in person.
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All Equipment must be returned by 5:00 pm. All editing must be completed thirty minutes
before the building closes. Failure to return equipment on time will result in a loss of
privileges. Failure to leave an edit suite when asked will result in a loss of privileges.
Smoking, Food or Drinks are not permitted in the edit or audio suites, and anyone caught with
such items will be asked to leave.
SHOOTING TIPS
The following briefly outline important points to remember while shooting.
1. The Film Camera:
a. Load in subdued light.
b. Save the film spool and box for shipment to lab.
c. Be sure the emulsion faces the lens.
d. Check the loops. Run the camera for a test.
e. Make sure the take-up is secure.
f. Close the camera door. Pull on it to make sure.
g. Run 5 feet for safety leader while checking camera speed.
h. Zero the counter.
i. Tape the camera door to ensure complete light tightness and to prevent leaks.
*** use only gaffers tape. NOT DUCT TAPE!!!
2. Light Meter
a. Make sure the needle registers light changes.
b. Set the E.I. (ASA) to the speed of your film stock.
3. The Video Camera
a. Check batteries for full charge.
b. Set white balance for current area.
c. Set iris to manual
d. Set zoom to manual. Zoom in and check front focus, zoom out and check back
focus.
e. Set the audio reference for both camera and mixer.
f. Record 30 seconds of bars and tone.
g. Play back on a different VCR – check audio level, color (chroma & luminance),
and tracking on tape.
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4. Tripods
a. Set the hexagon plate into the “quick-release” lock. CAUTION: do not move the
“quick-release” lever when tilting down because the camera will fall off!
b. Be sure each leg extends freely and locks securely.
c. Check the pan and tilt movements; movements should be smooth and locking
should be secure.
d. It is advisable to wrap the battery belt around the tripod instead of around your
waist when shooting; otherwise you might pull the tripod and camera over when
moving away.
5. Lighting Kit:
a. Do not over-tighten stand set knobs. They can be stripped.
b. Check the fuse system of your location. Remember that 10 amps on a circuit will
allow for approximately 1000 watts of illumination.
c. Make sure power is OFF before making any connections.
d. Determine the power requirements of the location shoot if you will be using
several high wattage lights. Most homes have 15 amp circuits @ 120 volts. The
formula is WATTS = VOLTS * AMPS (W=V*A = “West Virginia”) or 120 * 15 =
1800 watts available per circuit. You can easily take extra stringers (extension
cords) with you and plug lights in circuits from other rooms of a house. This is far
easier than scrambling to replace a fuse in an emergency.
INFORMATION AND FORMS
Breakdown Services: Used by students to release casting information to agents and
managers on the Actor Access Website http://www.breakdownservices.com
Camera Report: A daily report usually filled out by the assistant cameraperson,
which contains information pertinent to the day’s shooting. It lists such details as the
number of takes shot, the amount of film footage exposed, and recommendations
concerning the selection of takes, and general comments.
Editing Log Sheet: Used to log all of your edits (by roll number, edge numbers, code
numbers and description).
Insurance Request: Designed to access insurance coverage on specific locations and
rental houses.
Release of Talent: Signed by the non-union actors in your production giving you
artistic control over their photographic likeness and/or image as it relates to your
project ONLY!!!
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Resource List: Up-to-Date list of recommended vendors dealing in film video
supplies, equipment and lab work. The list includes current phone numbers, addresses
and services.
Script Breakdown Chart: A detail description of your scenes as they relate to actual
production of their inclusive and respective shots.
Sound Report: Filled in daily in accordance with each take, usually by the field
sound person, which contains information pertinent to the day’s sound recording. It
lists such details as remarks regarding the quality of the sound as it relates to each
separate take.
Storyboards: A layout of sketches, drawings or still photographs in continuity that
outlines the main action and the narrative progression of the sequence or an entire
film.
* * * Many of these forms are available from your instructor as well as the
websites. ***
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
MASS COMMUNICATIONS STUDENT ASSOCIATION
TIGER’S ROAR
WHCJ
CHANNEL 96/TIGER EYE NEWS
INTERNSHIPS
For off campus internships see Professor Novella Cross-Holmes.
OUTSIDE FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVALS
For a list of US and International Film and Video Festivals, see your instructor (list
includes name, address, telephone, e-mail, and / or fax, and when the festival takes
place; may not include the submission date or requirements). All information is
available on the internet at http://www.filmfestivals.com or at http://www.aivf.org.