THINGS ARE GONNA CHANGE: COVID-Safe Guidelines Given To Encourage Australia’s TV & Film Industry To Restart Production

AUSTRALIA has released COVID-Safe Guidelines to encourage TV and film production in the country. The 41-page document is a joint effort among several organisations to develop secure practices to kickstart the industry.

The guidelines include mandatory provisions that each production must adhere to in order to be in compliance, which was provided by the government's medical advice and health and safety legislation. It details the maximum number of people that can be on set, along with shooting distance range and recommendations on personal protective equipment (PPE), travel, transport and hygiene control measures. 

The COVID-Safe Guidelines were created by the Australian Screen Sector Task Force, comprised of variety of groups, including the Australian Film TV & Radio School, trade union Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance, Screen Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Company and production companies such as Endemol Shine Australia and Fremantle Australia, in consultation with the federal health department. Fremantle Australia, whose popular soap opera NEIGHBOURS, was the first drama in the English-speaking world to continue production amidst the lockdown after setting safety measures.

To date, the COVID-Safe Guidelines is the most extensive set of protocols administered by any state or country.  The document will continue to be updated as more recommendations become available by health officials.

Written by Charysse Tia Harper of Xplore The World