Model should have a default of false, so things that are not defined as true will default to false.

src/program/forms.py

@@ -183,6 +183,9 @@ class EventProposalForm(forms.ModelForm):
         self.fields['track'].empty_label = None
         self.fields['track'].queryset = EventTrack.objects.filter(camp=camp)
 
+        # make sure video_recording checkbox defaults to checked
+        self.fields['allow_video_recording'].initial = True
+
         if eventtype.name == 'Debate':
             # fix label and help_text for the title field
             self.fields['title'].label = 'Title of debate'

src/program/models.py

@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@ class EventProposal(UserSubmittedModel):
     )
 
     allow_video_recording = models.BooleanField(
-        default=True,
+        default=False,
         help_text='Uncheck to avoid video recording.'
     )