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Room 108
Castellaw Communications
1212 S. 3rd St., Waco, TX 76706

Lauren A Woodruff 254.447.1074
Equipment Manager

Jessica Bean
Studio Facilities and Production Manager

Bobby Frillou
Electronics/Technology Support Technician

Dan Beard
Production Supervisor

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Announcements

8.19.26

• Fall 2026 Training Schedule 

6.26.26

• There are several new items available including monitor mounts, multi tools and rechargeable AA batteries. 

4.1.26

• Please see this new guide for the terminology we use in the equipment division of FDM: FDM Rental Glossary

3.25.26

• There is a new booking wizard called "Department Head." Please use this wizard if you are checking out equipment in support of someone else's FDM class project. Everyone who has completed PM2 has access to this wizard. Please use this new form if you are ever checking out items for use on a set belonging to someone else, even if you are also in that class. Use the course wizards for projects that you will turn in for a grade in your own name. Let Lauren know if you have any questions. 

2.26.26

• Stingers need to be wrapped neatly (over over) and tied tightly with a shoelace-style bow using the attached sash cord.
• It is your responsibility to check that you have received the items checked out to you when you pick up. Anytime you discover that you've been shorted you must email lauren_woodruff@baylor.edu immediately to avoid confusion with check-in.
• When you arrive for check in you must touch base with Lauren or a student worker BEFORE unloading your vehicle and before grabbing a cart. We have limited space and tight timelines, so there will be a specific plan for exactly where your equipment needs to go to await inspection. Dumping equipment without talking to anyone will ABSOLUTELY not be tolertated. 
• With regards to Buildouts (not applicable to PM1/PM2/Audio Production/Sound Design): Prior to check out, Audio and Camera Buildouts must be completed if you are using any FDM equipment in those departments. If you don't have access to the parts of the rigs that you are sourcing from elsewhere for the purposes of a Buildout, we will use an FDM item that is equivalent or at least talk through the set up. Audio Buildout includes recorder, mics, transmitters, and all other accessories that will interact. Camera Buildout includes everything from the tripod head and up - if no tripod head will be used, it includes the entire camera rig and mounting strategy. 
• We are getting serious about pre-production packet approvals and for PM2 up, nothing will be leaving the equipment room going forward, without a packet approval. 

2.17.26

• All cameras that record to SD cards require UHS II cards. Please look for the roman numerals (II) in the item description to ensure that you get an appropriate media card. Keep in mind that PM1 and PM2 camera kits come with appropriate SD cards in the devices already, but no other cameras come with media included. 
• All major Audio recorders (Zoom F2, F3, F4, F8, & MixPre3) now come with media in the device. Each recorder comes with an appropriate SD card that should meet your needs. See staff if you have questions. 

2.16.26

• Weights and Generator Accessories now come as kits - see those resources for more details

2.9.26

• Beginning March 1st, all major 4000+ level projects will need a "Buildout" performed for both camera and audio prior to principal photography. Please see Lauren for details. 

10.15.25 - Training requirements for certain resources are changing. Resources with *T* in the name now require training. Please have a look at the training options and start requesting those through this system. If you don't have access to book something that you used to, go ahead and put in the rest of your booking request and then email lauren_woodruff@baylor.edu and we will work it out. 

9.15.25 - Several Announcements:

• Batteries are no longer stored in any equipment. Don't forget to check out batteries if the equipment you're requesting needs them. Additionally, you are expected to remove any and all batteries from equipment before check in. 
• XLRs are now available by specific length!
• Stingers are now available by Gauge and Length! 
• Tarps, Coolers, Folding Tables and one large fan are now available for rental. Find them in the Production section. 
• Arri light kits now come with 2 pair of gloves in each kit. 
• Camera Test Charts now come in a kit. Separately the chart stands also come in a kit now. Find them both in the Camera section. 
• In an effort to go through fewer disposable batteries as a department, Zoom F4s and F8s no longer come with the AA battery sled. Each recorder comes with one Talent Cell battery pack. You can request additional Talent Cells (this could be limited by availability). You can make a case to use disposable batteries in addition to Talent Cells, but the reason will need to be compelling. 

Help

For first-time Connect2 users, please follow these steps to create your account:

1) Log in to Connect2 using 'Student Account' and your Bear ID and password. This creates your Connect2 account.

2) Email lauren_woodruff@baylor.edu with the production course(s) you are currently enrolled in. This allows class-specific equipment permissions to be made available to you.

Roles and permissions may take as much as 4 calendar days to be assigned. Please complete this registration process well in advance of any necessary bookings.

For any additional questions about Connect2, please email Jessica Bean (J_Bean@baylor.edu).

Policies

Last Updated: August 24, 2026

FDM equipment rental is complimentary to students enrolled in a production course, and limited to course specific equipment or equipment the individual has obtained specific training on and is only to be used for FDM class assignments. Rental requires an approved pre-production packet for every project which must be included on each booking request. The Moody Library HelpDesk and ELC have equipment available for more broad use by the Baylor community. 

Storage/Transportation/Financial Responsibility

·       The responsibility of equipment safety falls to the renting student from the time of pick up, until the resources are back in the possession of FDM staff.

·       All rented equipment must be responsibly stored and transported to avoid damage, lost and theft.

·       Students may NEVER leave rented equipment unattended anywhere that others can access including on campus. Yes, equipment can be stored in a student’s own dorm room/apartment or a locked locker, so long as they (and known roommates) are the only person with access to that space. Students may not leave or store rented equipment in the Studio, Scene Shop, Castellaw labs, Castellaw common spaces, offices, or in/outside the equipment room.

·       Students are permitted to use and transport FDM equipment up to 100 miles from the main Baylor Campus in Waco. Farther transport can be approved by FDM Faculty or Staff and needs to be presented to Equipment Room Staff prior to rental pick up. 

·       Students assume financial responsibility for replacement and/or repair of equipment returned in worse condition than when it was checked out to them.

·       If students become aware of an issue with FDM equipment, it must be disclosed to FDM staff upon check in or sooner. This includes problems with unknown causes, damage, improper storage, missing items, etc.

·       Students are responsible for ensuring that bookings in Connect2 are complete. In some cases, FDM equipment is available for rental as a kit and in some cases, it is available individually. Please read resource descriptions and work with FDM staff to ensure that all needed equipment is included in bookings.

Glass/Batteries/Kit Integrity

·       Lenses and Camera Sensors (or other equivalents) are the lifeblood of the visual aspect of filmmaking. As such, lens caps, back covers and camera sensor covers are to ALWAYS be in place during transport, storage, precarious situations and any other times that the device isn't actively in use.

·       Batteries are fire hazards and/or corrosive – when they aren’t stored properly they can create expensive problems. Batteries are to ALWAYS be stored unconnected to equipment/devices. Remove all batteries during transport, storage and for check in.

·       Kits are carefully curated/built/organized, and it is important that all equipment returns in the configuration/condition/storage that it is checked out in. 

·       Port doors need to be used if provided, as do provided organization pouches. 

·       Applied tape of any kind must be removed before equipment is checked in. 

Logistics/Communication

·       Be prepared to show photo ID at pick up.

·       There are 3 time-limited parking spots outside of Castellaw for equipment pick up and check in. We cannot help with parking tickets or towing outside those spots. 

·       Students will “sign-in” and “sign-out” when picking up or dropping off a scheduled rental. 

·       Rentals must be picked up and checked in by the student whose name the booking is in. They can certainly have help from others, but that individual must be present.

·       If the rental is for a group project, all group members are expect to help with pick up and check in. 

·       Pick up time for a specific rental is selected during the booking process. Students are encouraged to arrive 5-10min before their scheduled pick up time. The equipment room staff will strive to fulfill check out and have students on their way within 45min of the scheduled pick up time, but numerous students are likely to be checking out on the same dates, so patience and understand are appreciated. Due to limited staff, space and time it is possible that pick up could take an hour or more. Please plan accordingly and students can always inquire about the check in/out volume expected by FDM staff. It is possible that FDM staff will work with students directly to identify alternative pick up times during instances of high rental volume. Please watch for these types of communication via Baylor email. Over communication is always preferred to the alternative.

·       Check in is expected 24 hours after pick up and the specific time that works for the renting student can be selected as part of the booking request. In most cases, check in is welcome early on the day requested for check in. It is possible that FDM staff will work with students directly on a more specific time for check in during instances of high booking volumes. Please watch for these types of communication via Baylor email. Over communication is always preferred to the alternative.

·       PICK UP and CHECK IN are first come first serve. We make every effort to be reasonable, helpful and fair but FDM staff reserve the right to make exceptions as needed and patience is appreciated.

·       Last second changes to rentals are not guaranteed to be filled and in most cases won’t be. Please make sure that bookings in Connect2 are complete at least 24hr prior to pick up.

·       Data/Video transfer is an activity that must be performed before scheduled check-in. Incomplete check-ins will not be accepted. 

·       Studio spaces are kept deadbolted unless a booking has been made and approved.

Other

·       Students are not permitted in the Equipment Room (108) unsupervised. 

·       Courses number 3999 and below require booking requests to be submitted at least 24 hours before requested pick up time. Weekends don’t count, so a pick up for Monday morning at 10AM must be submitted in Connect2 by the prior Thursday at 10AM. Bookings can be made up to 6 weeks in advance. 

·       4000 level classes and up require booking requests to be submitted at least 48 hours before requested pick up time. Weekends don’t count, so a pick up for Monday morning at 10AM must be submitted in Connect2 by the prior Thursday at 10AM. Bookings can be made up to 8 weeks in advance.

·       Projects for 4000 level classes require a “build-out” before principal photography begins. This activity is scheduled in Connect2 via the training wizard. All major camera and audio rigs anticipated to be used will be built out by the student. The entire project group must be present for group projects. 

·       Rental requires an approved pre-production packet for every project to be included on each booking.

·       Resources are rented as a whole. Renters must take and keep track of the entire kit, it’s storage container and all the pieces. We don’t have anywhere to store incomplete resources. Most items in Connect2 should have details listed about what they include but if questions/concerns arise, please contact equipment room staff.

·       There are a number of resources categorized as specialty (dollies, sliders, focus pullers, easy rigs, gimbals, upper leave cameras and more) which require training before they can be rented. Please refer to the current training information and policies for details.

·       It is recommended that students inspect equipment immediately upon pick up. Renters should check equipment condition, operation and ensure that they are familiar with the way items are packed. The lounge has space to do this, please don’t crowd the halls. 

Prop weapon rental requires additional steps and a separate form. See staff for details. 

There are penalty fees if policies aren't followed appropriately, if resources are damaged or lost and if equipment is turned in late. Please review the following specifics: 

Late Fees:

Up to 1 Hour Late: $25
More than 1 Hour Late on Same Calendar Day: $35
One Calendar Day Late: $55
Each Additional Day Late: $45

Other Penalty Fees:

Battery Non-Removal Fee: $25 after two warnings
Lens/Camera Improper Storage Fee: $50 after one warning 
Cleaning/Rebuild Fee: $5-$100
Repair/Replacement Fee: Current Market Value for Repair or Replacement 
Repair/Replacement Non-Disclosure Multiplier: Up to 2X Repair/Replacement Cost

Pro Tip: Take a photo during check out to help you remember and to plead your case if something came into your possession in bad condition.

FDM reserves the right to increase fees for habitual infractions and/or revoke check out privileges for habitual infractions at staff discretion.