Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the Student Manual for current Film Centre policies.

RESERVATIONS & CHECKOUTS:

  • Do I have access to the JHU MICA Cage?

    • If you are a student at Johns Hopkins or MICA taking a class at the Film Centre, then yes! Attend one of our Orientation sessions to get added to the checkout system. Students who fail to attend Cage orientation and submit a signed contract will not be granted Cage or facilities access.

  • What equipment do I have access to?

    • For a list of all of our cameras, check out this page. Notice on the left the tiers. Tier 0 represents any Film Centre class. Tier 1 represents any Level I production course. Tier 2 represents any Level II production course. Tier 3 represents equipment for Thesis/Capstone and other final projects.

  • How do I make a reservation?

    • Once you are signed up and in the system, simply log in with your MICA credentials at checkout.mica.edu. Refer to our "Tutorials" page to watch a video of the reservation process. Cage staff are not to make reservations or checkouts for any students or faculty members. If you have a problem with WebCheckout, contact the Cage and we'll help walk you through it.

  • How long can I make reservations for?

    • Items may be checked out for up to 4 days. If you need to renew, call the Cage @ 410-462-7592 and if there are no conflicting reservations, you can keep the gear for an additional 24 hours. Only one renewal per checkout.

  • What if I really, really need equipment for longer than 4 days?

    • Students who need to make extended reservations must get special permission from their professor. Talk to your professor then fill out the production form in the reservation system and a cage staff member will assist you. Because you’ll need to seek permission, the form will need to be filled out a week in advance of your pickup.

  • I would like to pick up my order before you are open, or return my order after the Cage closes. Is that okay?

    • No, all reservations and returns must work around our hours. If you need an earlier pickup, plan to make your reservation for the day prior.

  • What is a Cave?

    • The Film Centre has 4 Caves, which are lockable closets by the Cage. A Cave can be checked out to safely store equipment. You must still return your own equipment even if it’s in the cave at your return time.

  • Can I reserve rooms through The Cage?

    • Yes, through the Cage you can reserve editing suites, the Sound Stage, and Recording Studio.

    • The 5.1 edit suites, Sound Stage, and Recording Studio require a brief training. Please make an appointment to gain access.

    • If you would like to reserve a teaching space (classroom or screening room) click here.

  • What happens if I break or lose a piece of gear?

    • If you break a piece of gear, you will be responsible for the costs. We will bill you for the costs of repair and replacement up to the Insurance deductible.

  • What happens if I return equipment late?

    • Late fines begin accruing immediately at the scheduled return time. Fines are billed as $2 per hour per item capped at $25 per item per day. These add up fast so make sure you return your equipment on time.

  • What happens if I miss a reservation?

    • The first time you miss a reservation, there is no charge. After the first time, there is a fee of $25 for not showing up for a reservation pickup. If you know you will not be able to make your reservation the day of, please call us. If it is before the day of you can cancel it at checkout.mica.edu. Our staff prepares reservations ahead of time and not showing up to a reservation leads to staff preparing a reservation and then having to unpack it again. In addition, it prevents other students from being able to use that gear during the time of the reservation.

  • Where can I park to load my equipment?

    • The parking lot adjacent to the Film Centre is a $6/day pay lot operated by a third party. The closest MICA owned lot is located at the corner of W Lafayette and Maryland Ave (must have a MICA parking pass). Limited street parking is available on 20th St, where the rear entrance to the Film Centre is located. This rear door is for card-holding students, faculty, and staff only, all visitors must enter the front entrance (on North Ave) and check in with security. Film Centre/Cage staff are not available to assist in the loading or unloading of equipment. Please take this time into account to prevent late fines.

OTHER:

  • Should I contact the Film Centre to hire students to shoot my wedding, family reunion, birthday party, or short/feature film?

    • No, please contact MICA or JHU's career development offices to post jobs on MICA or JHU job boards.

  • I see a suspicious person in the building, who should I contact?

    • Any safety or security concerns should be communicated to security at 410-225-7594 or call 911.