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NYU Film Students Now Restricted By Rules
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 3, 2010
Modified May 3, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published May 3, 2010
Modified May 3, 2010
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NYU has been cracking down on filming rules following the death of one of their film students, and now a lawsuit against the school filed by his parents. John Hunt Lamensdorf died last year after being electrocuted on set for another film student's project, and many questioned the lack of a dedicated safety course in the school's curriculum.
The lawsuit was filed last week and points to the school's failure to safeguard undergraduate filmmaking students. But where the parents might be pleased, students are calling new rules "excessive." Misha Sundukovskiy's told the Wall Street Journal, "Something as simple as an actor getting pushed on camera now requires you to get a stunt coordinator." On top of that, students are concerned new restrictions will inhibit their creativity.
To further explain the rules (which were put into effect following Lamensdorf's death), the school's vice president for public affairs, John Beckman, wrote in a statement: "Tisch's regulations vary by academic level, but generally limit shooting locations, curtail equipment rentals and prohibit students from working with anyone outside the university's domain. Scripts and production materials are now vetted by a production supervision committee, and intermediate-level students must shoot within a 100-mile radius of the school. Shoots on rooftops, balconies, fire escapes, or bridges require pre-approved location photos and diagrams."
Tagged
film
John Hunt Lamensdorf
NYU
rules
students
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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