Studio Policies
The Denver Open Media facilities are a shared space. Users must respect the needs of other members and representatives/clients of the other building inhabitants. Members are expected to make sure their guests follow all rules and procedures of DOM. Members will be held accountable for the actions of their guests.






*All equipment used under a membership, whether free or at reduced member rates, must be used to create programming that will air on DOM channels.

Certification/Crew/Shadow Policy

Producers are expected to have the appropriate certification for the gear/studio that they are using. Certification is obtained by taking classes. Once producers are certified, a Deproduction staff member should not be needed for more than equipment check out and equipment malfunctions. Self-sufficiency is not only encouraged, but expected. If a producer is found using the equipment incorrectly and in a way that is causing damage to the equipment, the producer’s certification will be revoked and must retake the class.

DOM expects there will be a minimum of one studio-certified person in the control room at all times.

Studio producers may invite a guest to "shadow" during a shoot. Shadowing allows producers to operate cameras (with proper instruction from certified crew), be a floor director or sit in the control room to observe the session*. Shadowing is only allowed for 2 studio sessions per person; after these trial sessions persons wishing to continue assisting in the studio must become members. Members who obtain the basic programming membership may act as camera crew or floor directors for studio shoots (with proper instruction from certified crew).

*Producers must not allow the use of equipment by anyone not certified on that equipment. Membership privileges may be revoked for violation of this policy.

Check Out and Return

Producers should check in with staff and fill out Studio Check out form to request equipment and notify DOM of crew and shadows. Producers should be sure they receive all equipment listed on form. Any equipment not functioning should be reported immediately.

The studio and equipment must be left the condition it was received. All equipment should be turned off and furniture and set pieces put away. Staff will inspect studio and equipment to complete return paperwork.

Cancellations

If you must cancel a studio, please cancel your reservation a minimum of 24 hours in advance so others can reserve it.

Late Policy

Producers who are more than 20 minutes late for their reservation, without notice, will forfeit their reservation if another producer needs to use the studio. Please make any changes by modifying the reservation through the on-line scheduler.

Food and Drink

No food or drink is allowed in the studios or control rooms. Food and drink are allowed only in the kitchen area. The exception to this rule is for on stage talent: they are allowed to have a glass or bottle of water on stage during a shoot. A producer who brings food or drink in will have three opportunities to correct his/her behavior, the fourth time the Producer will lose their privileges.

Smoke/Heating/Flames

Due to strict fire codes and rules about smoke detectors, no flames or smoke or heating-producing equipment or materials will be allowed in the studios.

Fog machines and smoke machines are not permitted for the following reasons:
http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa010603d.htm
“Warning: All simulated smokes may set off a smoke detector/fire alarm”
http://www.smoke-factory.de/e_tourhazer.html
Almost every warns that it will set off smoke detectors.
Sprinkler systems are heat-activated, but we opted out of those (not wanting to sprinkle $50,000 worth of production equipment) and instead we were required to have extensive smoke detectors, which might be tripped by smoke machines.

Studio Rates

For members: Studio use is $15/hour (in addition to membership and certification costs) and only for non-commercial, public access production. Members who are certified in the Studio are not currently being charged for usage.

For Non-Members: Studio use for commercial users is $100/hour. This rate, unlike the member rate, includes a staff support person (for tech support, not to serve as a crew member), necessary because they have not gone through certification classes.