BASICS
What is Fire Escape Films?
Fire Escape is a student-run organization that provides filmmaking equipment
and education to filmmakers. It organizes a variety of educational workshops,
arranges screenings of student work at Doc, coordinates large-scale projects
like the Silent Film Festival, maintains and acquires filmmaking equipment
and keeps our luxurious subterranean office pert and pretty.
How
do I join Fire Escape Films?
There’s no three-step program to becoming a member. If you’ve
worked on a project, then you’re a "member." All our events
and workshops are open to anyone, at any time. You can help out with any
project at any time, no experience required. HOWEVER, to be able to check
out our equipment yourself, you must have: completed an intro project,
paid $10/quarter in dues, signed a quarterly contract, and have had your
proposal approved by the Committee.
What,
exactly, does it mean when a film is “produced” by Fire Escape
Films?
It means that whoever made the movie filled out a proposal form,
got our approval, and used our equipment/got funding from us. Sometimes,
even often, we screen films that aren’t “Fire Escape”-produced.
To use the Fire Escape Films title, though, your film must have been proposed
to and approved by the Committee.
Who
is eligible to use Fire Escape’s equipment?
You'll need to do four things before you can reserve our equipment:
complete an intro project, fill out a proposal for
your project and have it approved by the Committee, pay $10/quarter in
dues, and sign an equipment use contract.
That way we know who you are, what you’re doing, that you more or
less know what you’re doing, and that you will be accountable for
the equipment you're using. (Read our
Equipment Checkout/Usage Rules.)
What
is an Intro Project?
An intro project is a project in which an experienced Fire Escape
member shows a first-timer the ropes and teaches them what they need to
know to make it big, keep it safe, and break as few things as possible.
Intro projects come in all ways and kinds. During the fall, we coordinate
quite a few Intro Projects, tailored specifically to teaching newbies.
In Winter and Spring, newcomers have the alternative of joining a “real”
project for their Intro Project—so long as the person in charge
has agreed to take them on—or of seeking someone out to mentor them
on a project of their own. The Education Chair coordinates Intro Projects,
so if you want to get Intro-Project’d up and you missed the fall
rush, send him an e-mail
and he’ll set you up.
What
if I haven’t completed an Intro Project yet, but I have the dream
and I just can’t wait?
The Committee will consider such requests on a case-by-case basis.
In the past, we’ve made exceptions for people who have taken Judy
Hoffmann’s Film Production class or who have other extensive outside
experience. Send an e-mail to the Committee. For smaller-scale projects,
you may also be able to find someone to act as an Intro Project advisor
to you.
What’s
up with dues?
The PCC, the University organization that funds Fire Escape, has mandated
that the organization raise some of our own funds. So, before you can
check out your own equipment or propose your own project, you need to
have paid $10 (per quarter of these privileges) to Fire Escape. This money
goes towards the upkeep of equipment and towards funding projects, so
in a way you’re really just giving back to yourself.
What's up with the scary contract?
As in the case of dues, the University has mandated that
Fire Escape make its members more accountable for the equipment they're
using, to prevent expensive theft and damage. The contract (available
here) states that: 1) you are liable for the equipment
while it is reserved in your name, until it is returned to the Office,
and may be made to bear the cost of replacement or damages, 2) that you
agree to be recorded in the Office, should Fire Escape install a security
camera, 3) that you agree to adhere to Fire Escape equipment use policies,
and may forfeit your equipment use privileges if you don't.
Re 1), this doesn't mean that you'll be shelling out
every time something breaks and that no accidents will be taken into account.
It means that you will be liable if your willfull negligence, in contradiction
to Fire Escape's rules and expectations,
results in damage to equipment, or if equipment is stolen while in your
possession. Re 2), no, the Office doesn't actually have
a security camera. Yet.
What
is the “keylist”?
The keylist is the list of people who are allowed to check out the key
to the Fire Escape Office, the place where we keep all of our equipment
and everything else you’ll need. It is updated based on the people
who have paid dues and signed a contract, so that they can get into the
Office and get their equipment when proposing a project. The Office Chair
is in charge of maintaining the keylist—if you should be on it and
aren’t, contact him.
EQUIPMENT/RESERVATIONS
How do I reserve equipment?
After having proposed and received approval for your project
(after completing an Intro Project, paying your $10/quarter, and signing
an equipment use contract, of course!),
you are free to reserve any of our equipment. Read our expectations, then e-mail
the Equipment Chair with the date and time of your reservation, from
when you will be taking the equipment out until when you’ll be returning
it, as early before the requested date as possible, preferably a week
in advance. Be sure to include EVERYTHING you’ll be checking out,
and to request all the time you’ll need to put away and return your
equipment. (Overestimate!) Keep in mind that you may not be able to use
exactly what you want during the times you've specified; the Equipment
Chair will do his best to meet your request to the fullest extent possible
with substitutions, suggestions, or time changes as needed. Keep your
confirmed reservation on file so that you won’t forget when you
need to have your equipment back in the office, or the changing combination
to the equipment cabinet.
Does
anyone receive priority for equipment reservations?
No. Reservations are made strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Planning ahead and being organized will be invaluable assets to you!
What
is expected of me when I reserve equipment?
1) We expect that all equipment will have been returned to the
Office at the end of your reservation time. If you have the Panasonic
reserved from 1:00-10:00, it should be back in the Office by 10:00. Equipment
reservations are sometimes made back-to-back, so be realistic and generous
about the amount of time you’ll need. (As a rule, you will ALWAYS
need more time than you think.) Reserve your equipment overnight if you
need to.
2) We expect that if you break something, you’ll
tell us (specifically, the Equipment Chair) about it. It happens. We understand. But
we need to know about it so we can fix it. Remember, if you have a question,
it’s much better to ask than to continue on in doubt and end up
with bad footage or a broken piece of equipment. E-mail or call someone
on the Committee for help.
3) We expect that you’ll be sufficiently knowledgeable
about the equipment you’re reserving to use it safely and responsibly.
If you have any questions about how something works, e-mail or call the
Committee and arrange to have someone show you how to use the piece of
equipment in question.
4) Overall, we expect that you’ll be careful with
and respectful of equipment.
Can’t
I fudge these rules a little bit?
We have these rules so that as many people can use our equipment as possible.
Given our limited resources, the system simply doesn’t work if people
disregard reservations or otherwise try to cut corners for their own advantage.
If you don’t return your equipment on time, or if you take it without
a reservation, it may seriously impede another project. In the past, people
have had to cancel hard-to-organize shoots, with actors and crew, because
of others' negligence. Fire Escape provides incredible filmmaking equipment
to students with relatively few strings attached, but you must play by
the rules and be considerate of the rest of the community if you’re
going to enjoy this privilege.
What
will happen to me if I break these rules?
The Equipment Manager can put people on probation at his discretion
for breaking rules. “Probation” means that your equipment
checkout privileges are rescinded for a period of time up to a month.
If, however, you seem to be repeatedly and deliberately shirking rules
in a way that shows contempt for the rest of the community, you may lose
your equipment checkout privileges period.
What
if disaster strikes and I absolutely can’t get my equipment back
in time?
E-mail the Equipment
Chair. Get the equipment back ASAP. If you are going to hand off
equipment to someone else directly, email the Equipment Manager and let
him know.
What
equipment does Fire Escape have?
See our Proposal Form for a full listing, and contact the
Equipment Chair if you have questions about what any of these items
is or does.
I
don’t know how X works, and I really want to use it for my project...
what should I do?
Learn! We’re all about the edumacation. E-mail the Chairs
and they’ll put you in touch with someone who can teach you.
Can I use the new HD camera?
Absolutely, being used is what it's for. But we'll expect you to submit an official project proposal and justify your wanting to use it.
Should
I reserve editing time at the Fire Escape editing suite in the office?
We’re more laid back about people using the editing suite
(it’s okay to mosey in and use it if it’s free), but people
who have reservations always have priority over those who don’t.
Editing time can be reserved by e-mailing the Office
Chair.
Where
do I get DV tapes?
The Equipment Chair keeps DV tapes, and will arrange to give them to you by request
after your proposal has been approved.
PROPOSING
How do I propose a project?
Fill out a proposal form and
give it to the Committee, either by e-mail
or in person. (Be sure that you qualify first, though—you must have
completed an Intro Project, have paid your $10/qtr, and signed an equipment
usage contract, or have arranged to do these things before you'll
need to use equipment.) If the Committee has questions or reservations
about your project, we’ll ask you to attend the next meeting to
discuss them. If not, the Chairs will send you notice of approval within
48 hours of submission.
Are
there any stipulations on the kinds of projects Fire Escape approves?
Not many. The main function of “proposing” is to
let the Committee know who’s up to what when, giving it a chance
to offer constructive criticism/caveats to filmmakers, and to give filmmakers
a way to request new equipment or funding they’ll need for their
projects. It isn’t the Committee’s job to approve the artistic
content or the merit of a project.
How
do I make Fire Escape’s next big project/Crime Fiction?
The Committee doesn’t organize Fire Escape’s big
projects. Ambitious, hard-working people like you do. If you want to mount
a feature-length production, you’re in charge of recruiting and
assembling your own production team. As with all things, though, feel
free to ask the Committee for advice and support.
Can
grad students propose projects?
Of course! We highly encourage it.
Can
alumni propose projects?
Yes, although priority will be given to current students. Funding for
these projects will only be granted on a case-by-case basis, though.
FUNDING
How does Fire Escape handle funding for projects?
Because Fire Escape is funded primarily by the PCC (Program Coordinating
Council), it can only fund expenses for independent projects (projects
that aren’t Intro projects or part of our large-scale initiatives)
that are “related to programming.” That means that, pretty
much, we can only pay for new equipment purchases, film, film processing,
and film/digital transfers associated with your film. We sometimes also
pay for other non-material production expenses, such as transportation
or location fees. But our ability to fund the yards of Christmas lights,
the 20 foot muslin backdrop, the costume rentals, or the doughnuts for
your crew, is limited. (Read on for more about available University funding
resources, or read about the reimbursement
process.) You definitely can't get reimbursed for anything you don't specify in your project proposal.
Where
else can I find funding for my project?
Glad you asked! There are several of “grant-making” groups
who accept applications for money by individual-led independent arts projects.
Try the Student
Fine Arts Fund for grants up to $1500, and the UChicago
Arts Planning Council for grants up to $15,000.
How
do I get Fire Escape to pay for something for me?
Fire Escape only funds through reimbursement. After the expense has been
approved as part of your proposal, leave your receipt (along with your
name, telephone and e-mail address, home address if you want the check
mailed to you, and student ID number) in the purple folder on the table
in the Office. The treasurer will file the expense, and some day, the
University will send you the reimbursement. (See our Financing
Info Sheet for more infomation.) Remember that Fire Escape expenses
are technically tax-exempt; to make your purchases without paying
tax, fill out the tax-exempt form from Reynolds Club 001. You can only get reimbursed for expenses you specify in advance in your project proposal.
What
happens to items I purchase with Fire Escape’s money?
They belong to Fire Escape, and must be returned to the Office when you’re
finished with them. Check out our hot Legos the next time you’re
visiting. (Note, though, that Fire Escape doesn't typically fund for props
and costumes.)
FOR
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/ONE-TIME EVENTS
What if I’m from another organization and want
to use Fire Escape’s equipment for a single-time event?
You’ll need to be supervised by someone who is approved
to check out equipment (who meets this requirement?),
and have them reserve it for you the normal way.
They must be responsible for the equipment and overseeing its use throughout
the event. Not sure of a contact? Contact the
Development Chair.
I’m
from another organization, and I want Fire Escape to record X event!
Our Development
Chair is responsible for coordinating the video-recording of on-campus
events. Submit an Event Recording Request form to the Development Chair
at least three weeks (unless under special circumstances) before the event
you would like to have recorded. We can't guarantee that we'll be able
to find someone to record and produce the DVD of your event, but we'll
do our best. We charge a fee of $100 via departmental transfer (Form 16,
available in the ORCSA Office) for the recording and production of one
DVD of the event, payable on receipt of the DVD. See the form for all
the details.
Why should Fire Escape members be excited about videotaping other RSO events?
Because you'll get "Fire Escape Bucks" for each event you videotape. This means extra funds for your own next project, guaranteed!
Dude,
I’m throwing this sweet party, can I use Fire Escape’s lights?
Unless you’re the Co-Chair herself, no.
SCREENINGS
How many/what screenings does Fire Escape have per
year?
Fire Escape holds three regular screenings in an academic year:
our Winter Film Festival in early winter, which showcases the Fall intro
projects and other unscreened student work; a large programming Festival
in mid-spring, which features student-produced films with a particular
theme (past festivals include the Silent Film and Imaging Chicago Festivals);
and the Spring Film Festival, held in late spring, which screens the best
work of the year. We also hold other screenings according to the volume
and length of works that we receive—feature-length films like Die,
Zombies…Die!! and The Pursuit of Happiness have received
their own screenings, and in the past FE has put together “theme
night” screenings of two or three longer pieces.
I
want my work to be screened at Doc… what are my options?
Contact the Publicity Chair, who is in charge of scheduling screenings.
Doc Films charges a handsome sum of money for the use of its projector,
and prefers that anyone seeking to schedule a screening do it through
Fire Escape, so this really is your best course of action. And yes, Fire
Escape does screen works that aren’t technically “Fire Escape
Films.”
When/why
are some screenings advertised on the Doc calendar when others aren’t?
By mutual Fire Escape and Doc agreement, only projects that have
a final cut when the Doc calendar is put together will be advertised on
the calendar.
I
missed a screening… where / how can I see past Fire Escape works?
Almost all Fire Escape past works are viewable in the Film Studies
Center on the third floor of Cobb. (This impressive library of movies
is available to everyone and is a fantastic resource. Take advantage of
it!) Many past works are also archived in the Office on DVD. Send an e-mail
to the Office Chair if
you’d like to check one out. Almost all past works are archived
on big-DV tapes, as well, and you can watch them on our computers using
the decks.
OFFICE
Where is the Office?
In the “garden level” of Ida Noyes. That means the
basement, past the Maroon office and around the corner to the left. It’s
the one with all the Fire Escape posters duct-taped to it.
How
do I get into the Office?
If you are on the keylist,
you can check out the Office key from the desk attendant in the Ida Noyes
Office on the first floor of Ida while the building is open. (See Ida
hours below.)
When
is Ida Noyes open?
The building manager will be there to get the key for you during
these hours:
Monday-Friday: 8am-12am
Saturday: 10am-12am
Sunday: 1pm-10pm
If you are working with (or are) a member of the Committee, who all have
their own keys, the building itself will be unlocked (while the Pub is
open) until the following hours:
Monday-Thursday: 1am
Friday-Saturday: 2am
Remember these hours well. Nothing is worse than carting all your equipment
back to Ida Noyes late at the night only to discover that it’s locked.
ACTUALLY
MAKING MOVIES
I’m enthusiastic, yet inexperienced and scared
and working on my first independent project. Will someone experienced
be checking up on me?
Not as such, no. You, the filmmaker, have both the burden and
the privilege of being completely in charge of your own production. To
survive, you must know how to ask for help when you need it (and you will!).
Never hesitate to e-mail or call anyone on the Committee to ask a question
or to have a piece of equipment explained to you. We expect you to ask
us. We really, really want you to ask us. Don’t be shy! It’s
our job! We’re
friendly!
How
do I assemble a crew?
Ask people. E-mail the listhost and see who responds. Send out
personal invitations to likely candidates. Talk to people you know who
like or are interested in filmmaking. Ask Committee members for leads.
Get people excited about your project, have a schedule ready so that they’ll
know what the commitment will be, and stay organized throughout.
How
do I find actors?
You can try e-mailing the ut-general
listhost, which almost all actors on campus are subscribed to--but
don't spam it. Also try the movie-actors
listhost, for actors who are specifically interested in acting for film.
(Remember to include details about your roles, reasons your project is
interesting, and be specific about the shooting schedule and time commitment
involved.) A better approach is to personally approach specific actors
about joining your project. Talk to the UT’s Fire
Escape Liaison, who has a fairly good idea of the campus acting pool,
for tips and suggestions. Alternately, you can hold an audition. If you
hold it along with UT’s quarterly auditions in first week, you’ll
have a guaranteed turnout; talk to the UT's Fire Escape Liaison (BEFORE
the quarter's first week) and he’ll arrange it.
How
can I schedule auditions for actors?
If you want to hold your auditions along with UT’s first-week
quarterly auditions, talk to UT’s Fire
Escape Liaison sometime BEFORE first week and he’ll arrange
it. If you want to hold a solo audition, you’ll need to schedule
your audition space (traditionally a room in Cobb) through ORCSA. (See
their website for more info.) Demand for University rooms is amazingly
high, so the earlier you can schedule yours, the better.
Where
can I get props and costumes?
UT’s (fairly small) collection of Props and Costumes is available
to Fire Escape members for free (minus a potential dry-cleaning fee for
costumes). Contact UT Production manager Dan
Stearns via e-mail to see if UT has what you’re looking for
and to arrange a reservation.
|
