USC Libraries Student Filming Guidelines

The USC Libraries, in collaboration with the School of Cinematic Arts, supports the educational process for developing film makers. As such, we have established the following guidelines which MUST be observed during student film shoots:

  1. All student film shoots MUST be course related.
  2. Film shoot request MUST be received at least (1) week prior (7-business days) to the preferred date of the film shoot.
  3. SCA students MUST submit a Student Filming Request Form online. Please initiate the film shoot request process by clicking the hyperlink. 
  4. SCA students MUST schedule a walkthrough with the USC Libraries Facilities department to review and discuss the USC Libraries Guidelines and expectations.
  5. SCA students MUST submit a fully executed USC Owned Property Location Permit and a signed USC Libraries Student Filming Guidelines Acknowledgement Form no later than the end of business (4:00pm) on the Wednesday prior to the requested film shoot date.
  6. Filming in USC Libraries is free of charge for the first 4 hours of filming ONLY. USC Libraries charges $40/hour for every partial/full hour thereafter (after initial 4 hours) for administrative and operational support.
  7. A check/money order, payable to USC Libraries, for the full amount covering the entirety of the film shoot, including load in/out, MUST be received no later than the end of business on the Wednesday prior to the requested film shoot date. Please make check or money order payable to: USC Libraries, 3550 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089. Cash or Credit Card are NOT accepted.
  8. A designated location manager from the film shoot crew MUST be on-site at all times while the production crew is working inside the library.
  9. If the films cast/crew is equal to or exceeds 10 or more, a Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer MUST be secured through the DPS office and remain onsite throughout the entirety of the film shoot. It is the production team's responsibility to arrange for a DPS officer to be onsite. You may contact DPS at (213) 740-6000. The CSO (unarmed) rate is $52/hour and the PSO (armed) rate is $75/hour. NOTE: DPS requires a 4 hour minimum with at least 2 weeks notice to schedule an officer.
  10. All production cast, crew, and equipment MUST be out of the library by the time indicated on the Location Release Form, no later than 30 minutes before closing.

Locations and Times

All film shoots MUST be scheduled during library operating hours. Please check the hours of operation at DML or Leavey Library (LVL) on the USC Libraries website. Production cast/crew may check in no earlier than 30-minutes after library opening hours to allow library personnel time to complete opening procedures. Production cast/crew and all equipment MUST be loaded out of the library by the times stated on the Student Filming Guidelines Acknowledgement Form and no later than 30-minutes prior to the posted library closing time.

The following locations are available for filming in Doheny Memorial Library (DML) and Leavey Library (LVL) during regular operating hours.

  1. Library Stacks (Levels 1, 2, 4, 9)
  2. Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall (DML 240)
  3. Rotunda (Ground Floor Monday-Thursday after 5 p.m.)
  4. L.A. Times Reference Room (DML 119)
  5. Top Drawer Society Room (DML 108A)
  6. Weingart Reading Room (LVL 105) - excludes filming close up shots of the Wall of Scholars
  7. Periodical Reading Room (LVL 108)
  8. 1st Floor Study Hall (LVL 113)
  9. 2nd Floor Study Hall (LVL 201/202)
  10. 3rd Floor Study Hall (LVL 302)

Additional Notes

  1. A Student Production Office Location Permit MUST be signed by a USC Libraries Facilities representative. Use of a location inside DML will NOT be approved until this form is signed by authorized facilities personnel.
  2. Students may ONLY use hand held cameras when filming and the use of supplemental lighting, dialog, and sound are strictly prohibited.
  3. If electricity is needed, it must be pre-approved, MUST adhere to a maximum 1K per circuit, and all electrical cords crossing walkways MUST be taped down.
  4. Camera dollies and smoke effects are prohibited.
  5. Set dressing MUST be kept to a minimum and is subject to approval by authorized facilities personnel. Any library furniture approved for use in a production MUST be returned to its original location.
  6. Library books may NOT be removed from shelves for use in a production.
  7. The production will be charged for the repair of any damage incurred.
  8. Safety First! Productions deemed as unsafe will NOT be permitted.
  9. Students are asked to be mindful of library patrons who are studying at ALL times.

 

If your production can film within these guidelines, please complete our online form and submit to initiate the approval process.

Commercial Filming requests can be made by contacting the USC Campus Filming Office.


USC Libraries Student Filming Guidelines Acknowledgement Form

Print and complete after your shoot is approved by Library Facilities.

Production Title: _____________________

Course Number: _____________________

Course Name: ______________________

Date of Shoot: _____________________

Time of Shoot: ________ to ________

Library location(s): _____________________


I acknowledge that I have read and understand these guidelines.

Name: _____________________

Title: _____________________

Contact Phone: _____________________

Signature: _____________________

Date: _____________________ _