By Win Williams

The entertainment industry is anxious to get back to business. But rising coronavirus infection rates in major production hubs like California and Georgia have everyone in a state of “weird suspended animation” despite the safety-first focus on testing, budgets and quarantine rules.

A lot of moving parts are involved to ensure that production proceeds in a way that meets the safety-first imperative. It’s not just an issue of keeping craft-specific safety needs and measures in mind. Attention must be paid to local safety guidelines, testing availability and restrictions (like quarantine requirements in specific states or countries) that can impact logistics and budgets.

As film and production companies ready for next steps, their attention should focus on general safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the cast and crew. Some of these include developing a worksite specific plan, designating a COVID-19 compliance officer to manage its implementation, and training everyone involved with the production on how COVID-19 spreads and how to protect themselves. Other safety measures include developing guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, employee self-screening and testing protocols. There are also basic engineering and administrative controls that need to be put in place before filming begins.

It’s paramount, however, for production-specific measures to also be incorporated into the plan. Among the critical considerations:

  1. Crew members: Task-specific controls should be put in place for anyone who works in close proximity with performers – this includes hairstylists, makeup artists, special effects teams and sound techs. Other steps include altering workspaces to ensure physical distancing requirements can be met. Access to trailers and other workspaces should be controlled. Face masks must be used and hand hygiene practiced regularly.
  2. Performers: Physical distancing guidelines must be reinforced with performers, and PPE used when possible. Shooting schedules should minimize performer travel time. If visitors must be present, they must follow safety guidelines.
  3. Casting: Virtual casting and auditions are the safest option, but if live calls/sessions are unavoidable, the space should be large enough to accommodate physical distancing. Performers should be separated by Plexiglas if they’re not wearing PPE, and everything should be thoroughly cleaned between auditions. One-person auditions are recommended.
  4. Minors: When minors are involved, they should be accompanied on set by one studio teacher and one guardian only, with everyone observing distancing guidelines and wearing face masks. (Children under 2 are exempted.) Remote schooling is preferred, if possible.
  5. Animals: For animal performers, only their handlers should be allowed on the set, and the only animals allowed are those involved in the production (no personal pets should be permitted).
  6. Transportation: Private transport is preferred for safety instead of mass transit or public transportation, with drivers and passengers using face masks and maintaining physical distance. Vehicles should be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant between drivers and occupants.
  7. On-location safety: For outdoor on-location filming, locations should be prioritized that can accommodate physical distancing during production. Hand-washing facilities/stations should also be provided. Indoor locations should not be unless they have been deep-cleaned. When using occupied locations (such as residences), occupants should be checked for COVID-19, and the premises must be cleaned and sanitized prior to use. Adequate ventilation is also important.
  8. Scouting: To ensure safe scouting, virtual scouting should be encouraged. Tech and director scouting should be done in small groups to allow for physical distancing. Preferred locations should allow complete control of the site.

HUB International’s team of sports and entertainment insurance experts are ready to guide your team on all the risk considerations that should be factored into planning for any type of show.

Get the latest information, guidance and resources on Coronavirus (COVID-19) to help you protect what matters most on our Coronavirus Resource Center.