Category: Orientation

Overview

Students in the MFA Production program are expected to maintain a set of personal items that support their participation in classes and productions throughout the program. These personal items include tools, clothing, set supplies, storage media, expendables, or other commonly used materials needed for day-to-day production activities.

Because film production often involves long hours, changing environments, fast-moving schedules, and collaborative problem-solving, students are expected to arrive prepared to participate consistently and professionally. Maintaining essential personal gear helps productions operate more efficiently, reduces avoidable disruptions, and reflects the professional expectation that crew members take responsibility for their own preparedness on set and in production environments.

Required Technology

• Laptop computer
• Smartphone with data plan and camera
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Mixing Headphones ($169.00)
• Final Draft 13 Educational ($99.99)
• FSU Tech Checklist – required for all FSU students

If you are planning to purchase a new computer or software, and would like guidance on what to buy, contact Paige Roberts for assistance.

Required Production Tools & Attire

The school provides the tools and equipment needed for production, but there are some essential personal items that we require students to own, so that they can show up to set ready to work safely and efficiently:

• Tool belt
• Headlamp
• Closed-toed boots
• Leather gloves
• Work clothes
• Rain protection
• Sun protection

Suggestions for each item are included in the descriptions below—to provide an idea of what’s expected—but feel free to substitute with comparable items that fit your own personal style and needs!

Tool Belt

You’ll need to carry gear and have it handy at split-second notice. There’s no better way than to use a tool belt to carry these items around.

Suggestions:

• Kupo Utility AC Bag ($56)
• Huskey 6-Pocket Black Tool Belt Pouch ($25)
• Huskey 9-Pocket Black Tool Pouch ($15)

Headlamp

Don’t be left in the dark. Always carry a headlamp so you can work safely in hard-to-see situations on set.

Suggestions:

• Energizer Vision Ultra HD Headlamp, 400 Lumens ($26)
• Energizer Vision HD+ LED Headlamp, 350 Lumens ($20)
• Husky 500-Lumen Dual Beam LED Headlamp ($15)

Leather Gloves

A must-have for handling hot lights on set so you don’t burn yourself. Also a huge safety must-have for handling anything electric or handling bulbs.

Suggestions:

• Setware Hot Hand Gloves ($55)
• Milwaukee Goatskin Leather Gloves ($21)
• ARRI Leather Grip Gloves ($15)

Closed-Toe Boots

You will be carrying many heavy, bulky pieces of equipment and it is important to wear closed-toe boots to protect your feet from anything heavy dropping on them.

Suggestions:

• CAT Women’s Mae Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot ($130)
• CAT Men’s Invader Hi Steel Toe Work Boot ($130)
• CAT Women’s Invader Steel Toe Work Shoe ($115)
• CAT Men’s Invader Steel Toe Work Shoe ($115)
• Brahma Women’s Combustion 6″ Steel Toe Work Boots ($30)
• Ozark Trail Men’s Troy Boots ($30)

Work Clothes

Working on a film set comes with some serious risks. From hot gear to sharp tools, the environment can be dangerous if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s super important to wear clothing that is not too tight or too loose to comfortably work in and that it covers your midriff and most of your body. Lights, cameras, and other equipment can get really hot, and exposed skin is at risk for burns. Plus, with all the props and tools around, sharp edges can cause cuts or injuries if you’re not properly covered.

Suggested work shirts:

• Men’s Heavyweight Long Sleeve Pocket Work Shirt ($16.50)
• Men’s Lightweight Short Sleeve Pocket Work T-Shirt ($10.50)
• Women’s Long Sleeve Workwear Pocket Shirt ($25)
• Women’s Heavyweight Short Sleeve Pocket Work T-Shirt ($11.50)

Suggested work pants:

• Women’s Wrangler Workwear Pants ($35)
• Women’s Dickies Cargo Pants ($25)
• Men’s Wrangler Workwear Pants ($33)
• Men’s Dickies Cargo Pants ($25)

Rain Protection

The weather can be unpredictable and staying dry is key to staying safe and productive. A good rain jacket with a hood and adjustable cuffs will protect you from getting soaked in the rain, which can make working uncomfortable or even dangerous if you’re handling electrical equipment or sensitive gear.

Suggestions:

• Women’s Insulated and Waterproof Rain Jacket ($80)
• Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Rain Over Pants ($37)
• Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket ($32)
• Men’s Waterproof Rain Over Pants ($35)
• Explore other top-rated jackets here

Sun Protection

Spending long hours outside on a film set means you’re exposed to the sun for a good chunk of the day, and that can really take a toll on your skin and health. That’s why it’s so important to bring things like sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect you from harmful UV rays.

Suggestions:

• Columbia One-Size Sunhat w/ Drawstring ($18)
• Select sunglasses and sunscreen to suit your own needs

Suggested Items (Not Required)

• An external hard drive for personal backups of media files.
• Having your own, personal first aid kit on hand is always a good idea. This 180-piece first aid kit covers the basics and would make for a sound investment.

Overview

Academic onboarding provides incoming students with the information, procedures, and preparation necessary to begin the program successfully, including registration guidance, required paperwork, policies, technology setup, and other foundational academic expectations.

The onboarding process exists to help students transition smoothly into the structure and pace of the program before coursework and production responsibilities begin. Because the curriculum operates within a highly coordinated production environment, early preparation and clear communication are essential to reducing confusion, avoiding administrative delays, and ensuring that students are fully ready to participate in both academic and production activities from the start of the semester.

Graduate Students

1. New Student Checklist – Make sure you complete all the required steps on your New Student Checklist in the Online Status Check of your application. This includes submitting your Enrollment Intent Form and several other required steps to become a student at FSU. You’ll find a plethora of FAQ links about student life and FSU systems in your Online Status Check as well.
2. FSU Email – If you have not already done so, make sure your FSU student email is activated and get into the habit of checking it regularly. You can do so from within your my.fsu.edu account or webmail.fsu.edu.
3. Registration – Mary Correia, your Academic Advisor, will register you for all your film classes, so you do not need to worry about which classes to register for in the Fall.
4. Registration Holds – You need to make sure any registration holds are resolved before August 17th. To check that you’ve resolved everything, log in to your my.fsu.edu account with your FSU ID and password. Click on the Student Central icon in the myFSU Links section of the webpage (under your photo and identification information) and then click on the “My Tasks” tile. Any registration holds will be listed there, and you will need to click on the hold and follow the instructions detailed there to resolve it. If you do not resolve all holds before August 17th, Mary will not be able to register you for your classes.
5. Graduate School – Visit the Graduate School’s website to familiarize yourself with the larger FSU community, learn your way around campus, and research funding and tuition information.
6. International Students – Visit the Center for Global Engagement’s website for additional information that should be helpful to you about moving to Tallahassee and FSU.

Undergraduate Students

All BFA students:

1. FSU Email – If you have not already done so, make sure your FSU student email is activated and get into the habit of checking it regularly. You can do so from within your my.fsu.edu account or webmail.fsu.edu.
2. CoreFSU – If you are completing any outstanding Liberal Studies Graduation requirements over the summer, finish out strong! You must earn a passing grade in those courses and maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
3. Registration – Mary Correia, your Academic Advisor, will register you for all your film classes, so you do not need to worry about which classes to register for in the Fall.
4. Registration Holds – You need to make sure any registration holds are resolved before July 13th. To check that you’ve resolved everything, log in to your my.fsu.edu account with your FSU ID and password. Click on the Student Central icon in the myFSU Links section of the webpage (under your photo and identification information) and then click on the “My Tasks” tile. Any registration holds will be listed there, and you will need to click on the hold and follow the instructions detailed there to resolve it. If you do not resolve all holds before July 13th, Mary will not be able to register you for your classes.

Additional steps for Transfer students:

1. New Student Checklist – If you are a true transfer student from another college or university, make sure you complete all the required steps on your New Student Checklist in the Online Status Check of your application. This includes submitting your Enrollment Intent Form and several other required steps to become a student at FSU. (If you have already been a student at FSU, you do not need to do this step.)
2. University Orientation – Transfer students from another institution must also attend an orientation put on by the main university. Check your email to register and complete all the required steps prior to the orientation session you selected to attend. Mary will see you at that orientation session.
3. Major Change – Over the summer, Mary will switch your major to Production or Animation after she reviews any required summer grades. (By now, Mary or Paige Roberts would have contacted you if you needed to take courses.) When Mary is ready to change your major, you’ll get an email and see an item called “Undergraduate Program/Plan Change” on your myFSU To-Do List. Click through the steps as soon as this task appears, so that Mary can process the change.
4. Drop Other Classes – If you are registered for any Fall classes for your current major, you should go ahead and drop them. There are probably other students in the major you are leaving behind who would love to take your spots in those classes, and Mary won’t be able to register you for your film classes if you are still registered for a bunch of classes you no longer need.

Overview

As part of the production curriculum, students may at times be assigned to drive production vehicles, transport FSUFILM equipment, or perform other approved production-related tasks in an official technician capacity. To support these responsibilities, the College formally hires students as Technicians through the university employment system.

This process exists to ensure that students are appropriately covered under the university’s HR policies while performing authorized production work. Establishing students within this formal employment structure helps the program maintain safe, accountable, and professionally managed production operations while supporting the logistical demands of student filmmaking.

Hiring Process

If you are local in Tallahassee or live close-by:

• We have in-person appointments available over the summer to complete the hiring process. Please email Ryn Ford, the College’s HR representative, to schedule an appointment. Ryn can be reached at keb11m@fsu.edu. Be sure to include that you are a newly admitted BFA or MFA student in your appointment request.
• Please bring your original, signed Social Security Card and valid Driver’s License with you to the meeting. If you need to order a replacement Social Security Card, you can do that here.

If you are not local to Tallahassee:

• There will be a time scheduled for you during film school orientation week to complete the hiring process.
• Please bring your original, signed Social Security Card and valid Driver’s License with you to the meeting. If you need to order a replacement Social Security Card, you can do that here.

If you are a non-resident international student:

• Please reach out to Ryn Ford, the College’s HR representative, for guidance. Ryn can be reached at keb11m@fsu.edu.

Overview

The school provides the general tools and equipment needed for film production, but each student is required to maintain a basic set of personal items that support their ability to work effectively in classroom, production, and post-production environments. These personal items include tools, clothing, set supplies, storage media, expendables, or other commonly used materials needed for day-to-day production activities.

Film production depends heavily on preparation, adaptability, and reliability, often within fast-paced and physically demanding environments. Maintaining essential personal gear helps students contribute more effectively to productions, reduces preventable delays, and reinforces the professional expectation that crew members arrive prepared to meet the practical demands of collaborative filmmaking work.

Select Your Major

Please obtain the required items on the applicable list for your major before the start of film school orientation. You will be asked to bring items to orientation to ensure that you have everything you’ll need to start the semester off without a hitch.

• BFA in Animation
• BFA in Production
• MFA in Production
• MFA in Screenwriting

Overview

Students in the MFA Screenwriting program are expected to maintain a set of personal items that support their participation in classes and productions throughout the program. These personal items include commonly used technologies needed for day-to-day activities and some suggested items for those interested in volunteering on set..

Because filmmaking often involves long hours, changing environments, fast-moving schedules, and collaborative problem-solving, students are expected to arrive prepared to participate consistently and professionally. Maintaining essential personal gear helps productions operate more efficiently, reduces avoidable disruptions, and reflects the professional expectation that crew members take responsibility for their own preparedness.

Required Technology

• Laptop computer
• Smartphone with data plan and camera
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Mixing Headphones ($169.00)
• Final Draft 13 Educational ($99.99)
• FSU Tech Checklist – required for all FSU students

If you are planning to purchase a new computer or software, and would like guidance on what to buy, contact Paige Roberts for assistance.

Suggested Items (Not Required)

• Having your own, personal first aid kit on hand is always a good idea. This 180-piece first aid kit covers the basics and would make for a sound investment.
• If you have a hankering to volunteer on set, you may wish to assemble to your own, personal kit of production tools. To aid in this, we’ve compiled a suggested production tool guide with some recommendations.

Overview

Students in the BFA Production program are expected to maintain a set of personal items that support their participation in classes and productions throughout the program. These personal items include tools, clothing, set supplies, storage media, expendables, or other commonly used materials needed for day-to-day production activities.

Because film production often involves long hours, changing environments, fast-moving schedules, and collaborative problem-solving, students are expected to arrive prepared to participate consistently and professionally. Maintaining essential personal gear helps productions operate more efficiently, reduces avoidable disruptions, and reflects the professional expectation that crew members take responsibility for their own preparedness on set and in production environments.

Required Technology

• Laptop computer
• Smartphone with data plan and camera
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Mixing Headphones ($169.00)
• Final Draft 13 Educational ($99.99)
• FSU Tech Checklist – required for all FSU students

If you are planning to purchase a new computer or software, and would like guidance on what to buy, contact Paige Roberts for assistance.

Required Production Tools & Attire

The school provides the tools and equipment needed for production, but there are some essential personal items that we require students to own, so that they can show up to set ready to work safely and efficiently:

• Tool belt
• Headlamp
• Closed-toed boots
• Leather gloves
• Work clothes
• Rain protection
• Sun protection

Suggestions for each item are included in the descriptions below—to provide an idea of what’s expected—but feel free to substitute with comparable items that fit your own personal style and needs!

Tool Belt

You’ll need to carry gear and have it handy at split-second notice. There’s no better way than to use a tool belt to carry these items around.

Suggestions:

• Kupo Utility AC Bag ($56)
• Huskey 6-Pocket Black Tool Belt Pouch ($25)
• Huskey 9-Pocket Black Tool Pouch ($15)

Headlamp

Don’t be left in the dark. Always carry a headlamp so you can work safely in hard-to-see situations on set.

Suggestions:

• Energizer Vision Ultra HD Headlamp, 400 Lumens ($26)
• Energizer Vision HD+ LED Headlamp, 350 Lumens ($20)
• Husky 500-Lumen Dual Beam LED Headlamp ($15)

Leather Gloves

A must-have for handling hot lights on set so you don’t burn yourself. Also a huge safety must-have for handling anything electric or handling bulbs.

Suggestions:

• Setware Hot Hand Gloves ($55)
• Milwaukee Goatskin Leather Gloves ($21)
• ARRI Leather Grip Gloves ($15)

Closed-Toe Boots

You will be carrying many heavy, bulky pieces of equipment and it is important to wear closed-toe boots to protect your feet from anything heavy dropping on them.

Suggestions:

• CAT Women’s Mae Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot ($130)
• CAT Men’s Invader Hi Steel Toe Work Boot ($130)
• CAT Women’s Invader Steel Toe Work Shoe ($115)
• CAT Men’s Invader Steel Toe Work Shoe ($115)
• Brahma Women’s Combustion 6″ Steel Toe Work Boots ($30)
• Ozark Trail Men’s Troy Boots ($30)

Work Clothes

Working on a film set comes with some serious risks. From hot gear to sharp tools, the environment can be dangerous if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s super important to wear clothing that is not too tight or too loose to comfortably work in and that it covers your midriff and most of your body. Lights, cameras, and other equipment can get really hot, and exposed skin is at risk for burns. Plus, with all the props and tools around, sharp edges can cause cuts or injuries if you’re not properly covered.

Suggested work shirts:

• Men’s Heavyweight Long Sleeve Pocket Work Shirt ($16.50)
• Men’s Lightweight Short Sleeve Pocket Work T-Shirt ($10.50)
• Women’s Long Sleeve Workwear Pocket Shirt ($25)
• Women’s Heavyweight Short Sleeve Pocket Work T-Shirt ($11.50)

Suggested work pants:

• Women’s Wrangler Workwear Pants ($35)
• Women’s Dickies Cargo Pants ($25)
• Men’s Wrangler Workwear Pants ($33)
• Men’s Dickies Cargo Pants ($25)

Rain Protection

The weather can be unpredictable and staying dry is key to staying safe and productive. A good rain jacket with a hood and adjustable cuffs will protect you from getting soaked in the rain, which can make working uncomfortable or even dangerous if you’re handling electrical equipment or sensitive gear.

Suggestions:

• Women’s Insulated and Waterproof Rain Jacket ($80)
• Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Rain Over Pants ($37)
• Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket ($32)
• Men’s Waterproof Rain Over Pants ($35)
• Explore other top-rated jackets here

Sun Protection

Spending long hours outside on a film set means you’re exposed to the sun for a good chunk of the day, and that can really take a toll on your skin and health. That’s why it’s so important to bring things like sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect you from harmful UV rays.

Suggestions:

• Columbia One-Size Sunhat w/ Drawstring ($18)
• Select sunglasses and sunscreen to suit your own needs

Suggested Items (Not Required)

• An external hard drive for personal backups of media files.
• Having your own, personal first aid kit on hand is always a good idea. This 180-piece first aid kit covers the basics and would make for a sound investment.

Overview

Students in the BFA Animation program are expected to maintain a set of personal items that support their participation in classes and productions throughout the program. These personal items include commonly used technologies needed for day-to-day activities and some suggested items for those interested in volunteering on set..

Because filmmaking often involves long hours, changing environments, fast-moving schedules, and collaborative problem-solving, students are expected to arrive prepared to participate consistently and professionally. Maintaining essential personal gear helps productions operate more efficiently, reduces avoidable disruptions, and reflects the professional expectation that crew members take responsibility for their own preparedness.

Required Technology

• Smartphone with data plan and camera
• A tablet that you can draw on and type with, such as:
  • iPad with Apple Pencil and keyboard
  • Surface Pro with Surface Slim Pen and keyboard
• Final Draft screenwriting software:
  • For iPad: Final Draft Go iOS ($9.99 yearly subscription)
  • For Surface Pro: Final Draft 13 Educational ($99.99)
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Mixing Headphones ($169.00)
• FSU Tech Checklist – required for all FSU students

If you are planning to purchase a new technology or software, and would like guidance on what to buy, contact Paige Roberts for assistance.

Suggested Items (Not Required)

• An external hard drive for personal backups of media files.
• Having your own, personal first aid kit on hand is always a good idea. This 180-piece first aid kit covers the basics and would make for a sound investment.
• If you have a hankering to volunteer on set, you may wish to assemble to your own, personal kit of production tools. To aid in this, we’ve compiled a suggested production tool guide with some recommendations.

WHAT TO BRING TO ORIENTATION

1. Bring all the technology and production tools from your major’s list of required personal items. This gear will be checked on the first day of orientation to ensure you have what you need for classes.
2. Bring a bag or backpack to keep your items in, along with a pen and paper. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Boots are ideal. Tennis shoes are fine. Flip-flops, sandals, ballet flats, and shoes that don’t provide protection for your whole foot are not appropriate.
3. Wear comfortable clothes that you can physically work in. Layers are good because it can get hot on the sound stages but be cold in our classrooms.