The School of Philosophy boasts what are arguably the best facilities of any philosophy program in the US. It is housed in the Mudd Hall of Philosophy, a building in the Tuscan style featured in Los Angeles travel guides and numerous movies and television programs.

Due to the historic nature and beauty of our building, it is a destination for photography, filming, and departmental and club events on campus. Please see below for our policy for reserving the MHP Courtyard for these purposes.

 

Booking the Courtyard for Photo Shoots or Events

Booking the courtyard for photoshoots or events is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Just follow these steps:

  1. Check Availability: Contact us to check available dates and times by emailing Donna Lugo at donnalug@usc.edu or by visiting our office, MHP 113, Mon-Fri. from 8:30am-5pm.
  2. Submit Your Request: If your requested date/time is available, we will send you a Code of Conduct Agreement for Photography and Events in the USC Mudd Hall of Philosophy Courtyard here. Please review, sign, and return the completed form to Donna Lugo at donnalug@usc.edu. The Code of Conduct Agreement outlines the guidelines and responsibilities for using the courtyard, so please review it carefully before submitting.
  3. Confirm the Booking:  Once we receive your signed agreement with the required point of contact information, we will confirm your reservation and send you a confirmation along with any additional information or guidelines for use. Please note: Your booking will only be confirmed once we have received the completed and signed agreement. Until then, your reservation will not be added to our department calendar.

 

Booking the Courtyard for Student Filming

IMPORTANT: Student filming is strictly NOT allowed inside Mudd Hall under any circumstances. No exceptions.

Students who wish to film outside Mudd Hall:

  • Must provide their own power / generator
  • Can only film outside office hours
  • Cannot block any handicap access ramps and corridors.

All persons and groups wishing to film OUTSIDE Mudd Hall and courtyard must have a USC-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATION PERMIT signed and stamped by the Philosophy Department office. We only sign in person–no emailed signatures.

 

Questions or Additional Information?
For availability or inquiries, contact:
Donna Lugo at donnalug@usc.edu
Brian Eckert at brianeck@usc.edu
Visit us at MHP 113, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm

 

Professional production companies/non-students interested in utilizing any part of Mudd Hall should contact USC Campus Filming at https://campusfilming.usc.edu/ or call 213.440.4280 to schedule a scout.