Production Safety

At California State University, Northridge's Department of Cinema and Television Arts (CTVA), safety is our top priority. We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of all students involved in film, television, documentary, and emerging media productions. We recognize that the creative process in these fields often involves complex and potentially hazardous situations, from working with specialized equipment and locations to managing large crews and sensitive materials. Our mission is to provide students with the knowledge, resources, and oversight necessary to conduct their productions safely and professionally.

 

Through a combination of comprehensive safety protocols, on-set training, and on-site supervision, we strive to instill a culture of safety that empowers students to make informed decisions throughout their creative endeavors. Whether you're planning a short film, documentary, or a television pilot, the Safety Production Coordinator is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your projects are completed without compromising the health and safety of everyone involved.

 

(You MUST start this process 3 weeks before your tentative filming dates) 

SAFETY & INSURANCE PROCESS – Step by Step 

  1. Faculty Preliminary Script/Treatment Greenlight 

  • Obtain approval from your faculty on the script or treatment. 
  • The faculty instructor must email the Production Safety Coordinator (elizabeth.soto-lara@csun.edu) a list of project titles that have received preliminary greenlight approval in their class. 

 

  1. Register Your Project for Safety Production Review 

  • Student Producers for each project must scan the QR code and fill out the form to register their project. 

 

  1. Complete the Mandatory Canvas Course 

  • All students who will be on set must complete the required safety course on Canvas. 

 

  1. Initial Safety Notes Delivery 

  • The Production Safety Coordinator will provide initial safety notes no later than one week after project registration. 

 

  1. Submit Risk Assessment Forms 

 

  1. Attend a Safety Meeting (If Applicable) 

  • The core team of any thesis project must attend a Safety Meeting to obtain the Safety Green-Light.  

  • If a project includes conditionally approved or conditionally excluded activities, the core team—Producers, Director, 1st AD, and DP—must attend a Safety Meeting to obtain the Safety Green-Light. 

  • If a project includes any Excluded Activities, coverage will not be provided, and students will have to procure their own insurance. 

 

  1. Safety Green-light Form Signature 

  • The Safety Coordinator will send the Safety Green-light Form via Adobe Sign to the core team —Producers, Director, 1st AD, and DP— and their faculty instructor.  

  • The form outlines the agreed-upon protocols and requirements that must be implemented highlighted in green. 

  • The form must be signed by all parties to be valid and to proceed with the insurance process. 

  • Once the form is signed by all parties, your project is greenlit from Safety, and you can initiate the Insurance Process. 

 

Prop Weapons Clearance Protocol

for Student Productions

Safety is our top priority when handling weapons on set or on campus. This protocol guides student productions through the correct clearance procedures to ensure full compliance with CSUN safety regulations.

Prohibited Weapons

· Firearms with operating parts and explosive weapons are strictly prohibited in CSUN student films.

· Only non-functional prop firearms may be used, pending full clearance.

 

Two 10-Step Clearance Processes

Clearance procedures differ based on filming location:

· On-Campus Facilities – Download Infographic here

· Off-Campus Locations – Download Infographic here

Each protocol covers:

· Clearance process for non-functional prop firearms and other weapons

· Safe handling and storage by a qualified crew member (armorer)

· Required approvals and permissions

· On-set safety procedures

 

Firearms Approval Form (On-Campus Only)

To use a non-functional firearm prop on campus, you must complete the Permission Firearms Weapons Approval Request Form before Step 3 (scheduling with CSUN Police Services). Download the Form here.

 

Other Prop Weapons

For props such as knives, hammers, pocketknives, syringes, etc.: Make an appointment with the CTVA Production Safety Coordinator and bring the prop for inspection and approval.

By following these steps, we aim to maintain a safe and professional environment for all our productions.

Working with Minors Protocols

At CTVA, CSUN, the wellbeing of minors is a top priority. We follow industry-standard protocols to protect minor talent and ensure they are cared for throughout the production process. These guidelines are designed to maintain a safe, professional environment for young performers both on set and on campus.

Who Is Considered a Minor?

Any talent under 18 years old is considered a minor in the entertainment industry. Whether filming occurs on a school day or weekend, a studio teacher and a parent or guardian must be present at all times while the minor is on set—and remain until the minor is officially released.

Working Hours for Minors

Work hours vary by age. Refer to the table in the infographic below for specifics. All minors are entitled to:

  • Mandatory school time
  • A 30-minute lunch break
  • 1 hour of rest and recreation

Call times may not extend past 10 PM if the minor has school the next day.

Studio teacher ratios:

  • 1 teacher per 10 minors on school days
  • 1 teacher per 20 minors on non-school days

See the full breakdown in the downloadable infographic below

The Exhibit G

Each minor’s work hours must be documented on the SAG Exhibit G form, which must be signed by a parent or guardian at the end of each filming day.

The Permit

Both the minor and the employer are required to have a Permit to Employ Minors.
To obtain the permit, follow the steps at here.

The Role of the 2nd Assistant Director (2nd A.D.)

The 2nd A.D. works closely with the studio teacher, 1st A.D., and minor talent to:

  • Ensure all working hours, school time, and rest periods are fulfilled
  • Divide school hours into manageable blocks (as short as 20 minutes)
  • Set appropriate call times
  • Notify the 1st A.D. as minors near their time limits

Download the Infographic

Working with Minors – Protocol Summary (PDF)

Includes:

  • Working hours by age
  • Permit guidance
  • Studio teacher ratios
  • Exhibit G requirements
  • Key contact info

 

Elizabeth Soto-Lara, CTVA Safety Production Coordinator

Email

Phone: 818.677.5869 | 818.677.7939

Office: Manzanita Hall 165