Businesses across the country have found innovative ways to keep working safely through the coronavirus crisis – none more so than the film and TV industries.
The fact that dramas are shooting at all during the Covi-19 pandemic is remarkable – let’s face it, social distancing would get in the way of any romantic storyline! But the industry is nothing if not creative.
When I spoke to a group of senior industry professionals this week they were buoyant. While the latest phase of the crisis has delayed some shoots for a few weeks, many were starting work on set with new productions this month.
The Batman was filming through the autumn in cities hard hit by the Covid-19 crisis, Gentleman Jack series two were out and about in Yorkshire in November, and last week ITV confirmed that it had started filming a fourth series of The Unforgotten.
Here in Wales, let’s not forget that Casualty and Pobol y Cwm have been filming in their Cardiff Bay base – alongside factual favourites like Bargain Hunt and X-Ray.
The key to success has been rigidly enforced safety standards – like these
When I say rigidly enforced I mean it! An industry contact told me that six people had been fired on the first day of one British drama shoot for breaking their bubble and going to the shops!
We’ve all heard about the perspex screens used on soaps to allow actors to get up close and personal – but even on smaller productions the rules are strict.
A factual producer, who works alone, told me last week he now risk-assesses every interview, and cleans down everything he touches when he visits contributors in their homes or offices. At the same time I was training students in cleaning down cameras and other equipment so they could safely be passed onto others.
In my own work on Antiques Roadshow every interview was filmed outdoors whatever the weather, and we rigidly enforced social distancing with two-metre Covid-sticks.
Throughout these many shoots, and despite rising numbers of infections in the wider community, there have been relatively few outbreaks in the film and TV industry.
My conclusion from this: it is safe to film during this pandemic if it is managed properly.
At Rough Cut Media we are up to date with all the latest industry best practice. Our branded “Covid pole” goes with us everywhere! We film with small, often one-person teams so minimise the risks of infection. And we will risk-assess every situation.
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