Equipment Rental Desk
The Department of Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts equipment check-out facility (a.k.a. The Kage) provides film students with the tools, supplies and services needed to produce film, video, animation and other creative works.
The Kage is Hiring for Fall 2024!
Interested in working at the Kage? Please download and email or drop off a physical copy of your completed application form to thekage@colorado.edu by May 3rd at 4 p.m.
Cheqroom Updates:
- “Project Title” and “Class” must be filled out when making a reservation.
- “The Kage” location has been renamed to “Equipment Rental.”
Policy Updates:
- There is now a $5 Extension fee for reservations over 48 hours.
- If you are 30 minutes late, your reservation will be canceled.
- We are introducing “Walk-In Hours” on Fridays. No reservation needed 2:30 PM-4:30 PM. Equipment during walk-ins is first come, first serve.
Labs/Studio Updates:
- Audio Lab renovations have been completed. The studio is now available to TRAINED students.
Making a Reservation
Booking equipment for the first time? See how to claim your account here:
How to set up an account and log in to Cheqroom
Reserve Equipment or Book Appointment
All Equipment Check In/Out must be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance via the online schedule system.
You can rent equipment for a maximum of 48 hours (or over the weekend). Reservations longer than the allotted time are subject to manager approval and will have a $5 extension fee.
Walk-in Appointments are ONLY during walk-in hours on Friday.
Reserving equipment in Cheqroom
Equipment Reservation Tutorial
Computer Labs/Studios:
Atlas 345 is a first come, first serve walk-in computer lab.
Atlas 310 requires a reservation and can be reserved ONLY when a class/event has not been scheduled in that room.
Please remember to share computers with your peers.
Studios like Grey Box in Macky and the Audio Lab (Atlas 306) are reservations ONLY. Please make a reservation in Cheqroom in advance to allow us time to ensure you have access to those rooms.
General Policies
Cinema Studies facilities and equipment is available only to students currently enrolled in production courses within the department. Equipment availability is subject to production students course level. Non Cinema Studies students, graduates and non-production Cinema Studies students are not allowed to rent Cinema Studies equipment or facilities.
Students can rent gear for a maximum of 48 hours or over the weekend. There is a $5 extension fee for any reservations over the 48-hour/over-the-weekend limit.
2023-2024 Kage Rental Agreement
Payment Information
All payments must be by credit/debit card. Rental fees and other charges must be paid when picking up equipment or purchasing supplies.
Late fees are assessed for items not returned on time. Unpaid fees will result in a suspension from renting gear.
We DO NOT accept American Express cards, checks, or cash.
Financial Assistance
Students who have financial need and are enrolled in CINE 2000, CINE 2500, CINE 3515, CINE 3400, or CINE 4500 may apply for a CINE Production Scholarship (formerly Kage Aid) each semester.
Students enrolled in CINE 3400 and CINE 4500 can apply for a Grillo Grant during fall semester.
Students who receive a Grillo Grant are not eligible for a production scholarship for the same class/film project/semester.
Gear Fridays
Want more hands-on instruction with the equipment? The Kage will host bi-weekly seminars from Feb 2nd-April 5th with extra hands-on training to ensure you’re comfortable with the technology and your set runs smoothly!
Workshop #1
February 2nd, 11am @ Grey Box: Cameras (Panasonic G7, Gh4, Canon XA60, Sony A7iii, BlackMagic Pocket 4k).
COMPLETED.
Workshop #2
February 16th, 11 am @ Grey Box: Cameras II (Canon C200, BlackMagic Ursa Mini, RED Epic Dragon).
COMPLETED.
Workshop #3
March 1st, 11 am (Location: Macky 1B02L ): Sound Equipment* (Sennheiser G4s, Boys Lavs, Rode Mic, Boya Mic, AT Mic, Zoom F8, Zoom F6)
*This session DOES NOT include training for the Audio Lab.
COMPLETED.
Workshop #4
11 am (Meet at the Kage): Video Village & Movement (Matthews Doorway Dolly, Ronin DJI Gimbal, Jibo, Camera Goat, Shoulder Rig)
RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 12!
Register for Movement Workshop
Workshop #5
April 5th, 11 am (Location TBD): Lighting (3 Point Lighting, Special Techniques, Lighting Movement)
Kage Resources
Coming soon: Stay tuned for Kage YouTube Tutorials.
1. I don’t see the reservation tab in my Cheqroom account. This means you don’t have access to reserve gear yet. Please email thekage@colorado.edu with a list of classes you currently enroll in, and we will grant you access.
2. Why won’t Cheqroom let me check out/return at a specific time? We’re at desk capacity and likely attending to another student/teacher/class during that time. You will need to pick another time to return. If you have trouble finding a time that works, please email thekage@colorado.edu to request accommodations.
3. What happens if I don’t pay my late fees? If you have unpaid fines, you will be blocked from Cheqroom and unable to reserve equipment, computers or studios until the issue is resolved.
4. What happens if I can’t afford my late fees? Please email thekage@colorado.edu or call the Kage at 303-492-1533 and ask to speak directly with a manager about unpaid fees. We will work with you to set up a payment plan and remove the block on your account.
5. Why don’t I have access to certain gear? The type of gear available to you is based on the classes you are enrolled in. This is to ensure that equipment is shared with everyone. If you think something is wrong with what is available to you, please email thekage@colorado.edu with a list of classes you are enrolled in so we can confirm your access.
6. All the equipment I want is showing as unavailable. What do I do? Check out something else, reschedule your shoot, or outsource to a professional rental house. You can speak with Kage employees to talk about alternatives/resources. However, if an item is unavailable, there is very little we can do about it.
7. I want to edit in a computer lab but forgot to make a reservation. What do I do? If you forgot to make a reservation for a computer lab and need access, call the Kage at 303-492-1533 during our open hours, and we will attempt to accommodate your needs as best we can.