Industry task force creates guidelines for filming during the pandemic

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Various movie productions overseas have given the go-ahead to resume work on film and TV projects now that safety guidelines are in place. AVATAR 2 is gearing up to head back into production in New Zealand while it was announced that MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 is setting a September timetable to resume production now that safety protocols have been established for filming in the UK. Lost in all this has been the central hub of Hollywood itself as productions aim to get back to work, particularly in Los Angeles where the film and TV industry bring major revenue to the city. Now that many U.S. states are lifting lockdown orders and reopening businesses, Hollywood studios, performers, guilds, and production crews have begun to work out a plan on how to reopen the entertainment industry.

According to a report in "Variety", guidelines are being put in place that would allow cameras to start rolling again on film and television productions during the pandemic. The guidelines pretty much fall in line with what's being practiced overseas and they include mandatory temperature checks on set, actors wearing protective gear, daily symptom monitoring, consistent equipment sanitation, and a designated COVID-19 compliance officer on location. The plan was formulated by The Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force and here is more of what some of the 22-page document has to say about the guidelines:

"Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Cast and crew must practice physical distancing whenever possible. Physical distancing involves maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from any other person at all times, except when doing so is incompatible with one's job duties. Cast and crew should avoid congregating in groups. When practical, separate work locations into zones to facilitate physical distancing."

The document was recently presented to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's office and is also expected to be delivered to California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Los Angeles County of Public Health for review. I'm going to assume that current world events regarding the protests, looting, and riots won't make this review a priority but at least something is in place to get the ball rolling when the time is right. Film and TV sets can be very crowded, particularly on larger-scale films with sizable crews and ensemble cast members. Enforced guidelines are definitely going to make productions very different but at least it will allow actors and crew to safely return to work. Much like any business that has been lucky to reopen, it's going to be trial and error but I think it's something that will be done right. I went to a restaurant for the first time in months on Sunday and it felt normal and safe. The proper guidelines were implemented and the establishment was able to run without missing a beat. The same thing will happen on film and television sets as they get used to their new normal of working.