March 30, 2023 Update
Hollywood Studios Update Covid-19 Return to Work Protocols Expire April 1, 2023
The Hollywood Studios & Guilds Return to Work Agreement expires on April 1, 2023. It is anticipated that the rules for film and television covid-19 self-imposed rules will drastically be reduced or eliminated. Read the current Hollywood Reporter Covid-19 Return to Work Agreement update.
Restarting film & tv production worldwide following the Covid-19 and Corona Virus quarantine is highly anticipated around the world. Film & TV producers, executives, and film crews on productions that were interrupted, those in prep, and those that had been in the planning stages, and new film, movies, and tv series productions are eager to resume filming. We all look forward to Reopening Hollywood!
Cost of Return to Work Agreement Protocols
Cost of Return to Work Agreement Protocols
The cost of return to work agreement protocols amounted to 10-20% increase in film budget expenditures for film and tv series. In addition to inflation these costs greatly increased the the movie and television budget for studios, streamers, and indie film companies and producers.
The film budget for Hollywood productions, movie, tv series and indie films will be greatly impacted in addition to the lives of film crew employees. Health and safety is of paramount importance. The cost to provide a safe workplace abiding by the new guidelines will be significant and is being analyzed by studios, production companies, producers, line producers and unit production managers (including FilmBudget.com) as it affects film budgeting and scheduling for productions going forward.
Updates
Updates listed as plans, rules & regulations develop. The industry and governments are analyzing and are in preparation of guidelines for the resumption of film & television (and commercials) work around the globe.
Film and Television Production, tv series, and movies have been shutdown around the globe as quarantines have taken affect to stop the spread of the Corona Virus.
Contact FilmBudget.com to discuss film budgeting for Covid-19. It is critical to understand the costs to your movie budget of the required protections and precautions, which can mount and be extensive.
DISCLAIMER: Information is listed for casual reference only. Consult professional medical and government official regulations prior to filming or returning to production.
Check back here via FilmBudget.com Worldwide for continuous updates.
USA Film & TV Production | Restarting Production
Hollywood Studios, Unions & Guilds have extended return to work protocols through the end of January 2023.. Updates have included certain relaxed guidelines and allow for case-by-case vaccination requirements in Zone A. Additional restrictions on food service have been lifted.
Current Return to Work protocols had been extended through January 2023. Updates included adding booster shots to “fully vaccinated” status. Additionally mask quality requirements and paid sick leave terms have been updated. Read specifics summarized in The Hollywood Report article here.
Official Hollywood Union Return to Work Agreement can be found here.
Read the specific details from SAG-AFTRA and the DGA in the October 2022 Deadline Article here
Full Hollywood Studios, Unions, and Guilds Updated Agreement:
Producers Guild of America Releases ‘COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR PRODUCTION INDEPENDENT PRODUCTIONS’
Extensive document released August 28, 2020 details ‘On the Ground’ & ‘Notes From the Field’ Production Knowledge in the Age of Covid-19.
Utilizing data and experience from restarting productions, the PGA document provides greater insight into the guidelines and protocols required to maintain a corona virus and covid-19 free film and television production. Further articles on ‘Notes From the Field’ are forthcoming from the association of film and television producers which we will post here.
Los Angeles County, California Opens For Film, TV & Music Production
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health Order of the Health Officer Los Angeles County on restarting production.
UPDATE: LOS ANGELES COUNTY | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FILMLA
As Los Angeles Country enters the “Orange Tier” of the State of California Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework production protocols have been updated to advise of the lifting of local activity-specific restrictions.
UPDATE January 14, 2023:
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
Protocol for Music, Television and Film Production: Appendix J – link below:
This protocol has been retired and is no longer in effect.
Protocol for Music, Television and Film Production: Appendix J
Film Budgeting
Film budgeting for Covid-19 related production expense has been advised by producers to range from 5%-30% of overall film budget and tv budgeting costs. Film budgeting amounts for PPE, testing, zone creation and maintenance, etc. vary widely however low budget productions range more to the 5-10% range.
Film budgeting for larger, major studio, network and streaming tv series budget expenses for Covid-10 and Corona Virus precautions have been reported to be at the higher end of 20-30% of the movie budget or tv budget for these productions.
Previous update of January 2021 The Los Angeles Department of Health and FilmLA updated their guidelines. Details can be found here.
These new guidelines allow for less restricted filming rules. They also reduce the required quarantine period when contact is detected with an infected person from 15-10 days.
All employees are now required to be tested prior to starting work. FilmLA has advised that this has generally been undertaken prior to the requirement.
In addition to a new mask requirement in cubicle offices, Face Shields are required for any crew member who must be in close contact with another (Hair, Make-up for example.)
Actors remain exempt however must engage in social distancing, even when on-camera.
After Governor Newsom opened California subject to County approval, LA County announced Film, TV & Music Production may restart subject to the Department of Health Guidelines:
The Reopening Protocol for Music, Television and Film Production: Appendix J
This document was formulated with advice from the Alliance of Motion Pictures & Television Producers Industry Wide Labor Management Safety Committee Task Force (see below.) While the opening, guidelines and protocols are welcome news, various issues remain including insurance, which geographic areas will open and in what order. Film Permitting body FilmLA has as of yet not issued information on their resumption, nor scope and preference, in granting permits to productions, only that they will most likely not commence the process until at least Monday, June 15,2020.
Great News for Hollywood!!
“‘The Safe Way Forward’ Joint Report from the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and Teamsters on COVID-19 Safety Guidelines to Provide Safe Workplaces in a Pre-Vaccine World”
The major Hollywood Unions issued their Safety Guidelines today, “The Safe Way Forward,” a Multi-Union Report on Covid-19 Safety Guidelines” in a Press Release Notice to the industry which you can find it here.
The Notice provides information and an overview of the roadmap to restarting production as developed in concert with the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, Teamsters, Basic Crafts Unions – The Joint Report:
‘The Safe Way Forward” Joint Report from the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and Teamsters on COVID-19 Safety Guidelines to Provide Safe Workplaces in a Pre-Vaccine World” – Here is the Link to the Report.
Studios & Unions Issue Safety Guidelines
The Major Hollywood Studios & Leading Unions (IATSE, SAG, DGA) have issued safety guidelines from the Alliance of Motion Pictures & Television Producers Industry Wide Labor Management Safety Committee Task Force. The protocols are provided for local government guidance on preparing rules & regulations for restarting production. The proposals are submitted to enable the resumption of production of film, tv and streaming production. Link to the Guidelines below:
Proposed Health and Safety Guidelines for Motion Picture, Television, and Streaming Productions During the COVID-19 Pandemic Submitted: June 1, 2020
IATSE Local 600 Cinematographers Guild Key Recommendations & Protocols | June 3, 2020
IA Local 600 Principles, Key Recommendations & Recommended Departmental Protocols
California Announces Film & TV Production Can Return June 12, 2020
Governor Newsom stated Friday June 5th that production can resume in California as soon as Friday, June 12th on a County by Country basis.
Los Angeles County Will Issue Guidelines Thursday, June 11th.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Department of Public Health have announced today (June 10) they will release guidelines tomorrow on commencing production in accordance with Governor Newsom’s statement on the opening of California production on Friday, June 12. However, many issues remain to be resolved regarding health and safety in connection with the Corona Virus. Article in The Wrap is here.
Los Angeles County has Not issued a Reopening Statement as of yet. Read the IndieWire article here.
Georgia is the First State to Issue Film & TV Production Guidelines
The U.S. State of Georgia has issued production guidelines becoming the first state to do so. The State of George Film & Television Production Best Practices to Reduce Contagion of Covid-19″ link can be found Here via The Hollywood Reporter article of 5/22/20.
Oahu, Hawaii Announces Film & TV Production Can Begin June 5th.
Production may resume on the island under limited guidelines and quarantine protocols. Local News report link here.
Media Services Inc. Posts United States Pandemic Production Guidelines
Media Services has posted U.S. Pandemic Production Guidelines links on their website with each State that they are available. The link to their Corona Virus / Covid-19 page can be found here.
International Film & TV Production | Restarting Production
The British Film Commission & BFI Screen Sector COVID-19 Task Force Issues Guidelines
British Film Commission issued health and safety guidelines for restarting production in the U.K. Published today the advisory, which is not mandatory yet scalable for productions to implement, with the BFI Screen Sector COVID-19 Task Force recovery initiatives. Link to full document below:
British Film Commission – Working Safely During COVID-19 in Film and High-end TV Drama Production
Italy Producers & Unions reach agreement on Covid-19 Protocols to restart production
Italian producers and unions have come to an agreement on the protocols necessary to return to production. Shows that were underway prior to the shutdown will be prioritized with new shooting to come later this summer. Read the Variety article here.
France Details Safety Recommendations and Proposals for Film and Television Shooting to Resume
The French film industry has laid out its safety protocol recommendations and proposals to enable shooting to return. Following other European countries France’s guidelines appear more suggestions than regulations. France cannot mandate testing under law for example. A listing of some of the protocols can be found here.
UK Government confirms film & television production can restart within social distancing guidelines -Screen International
The Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport has confirmed the reopening of production. Full Covid-19 Secure Protocols will be published later this week. Read the Screen International article here.
British Film Commission Draft Safety Protocols Leaked [May 6, 2020] updated above
New Zealand Returns to Production. Safety Regulations Approved by Government
Work Safe New Zealand has published its workplace safety documents at https://screensafe.co.nz/
‘Avatar’ & ‘Lord of the Rings’ productions prepare for restarting.
Czech Republic To Open Production Immediately
Czech Republic has announced that they will allow film & tv production to resume immediately. Productions will be treated similar to factory work, requiring separation from the public. Guidelines have been posted to the Official Czech Film Commission website. Read The Hollywood Reporter article further detailing the announcement.
Details of Czech Republic current immigration update for production
Stillking Films (Amazon’s ‘Carnival Row’) Covid-19 Safety protocol for short format projects. In accordance with CZ government and our local Production Association (APA) guidelines
AFM | THE AMERICAN FILM MARKET Releases List of U.S. & Global Production Guidelines and Resources
AFM has just released a list of protocols from countries around the world. The list can be found here
Inside Hollywood’s Pricey Plans to Restart Production
In depth article with interviews and quotes from producers, studios and production service companies on the work being done to determine new protocols, costs and guidance required to restart production. Read the Variety article here.
Rules, Regulations and Guidelines, Health and Safety for Restarting Film & TV Production Worldwide
Rules, regulations and guidelines are being developed (and leaking online) for restarting film and tv production with much analysis and determination as producers, production companies, Major Hollywood Studios and Streaming Networks consider necessary actions that will be required to enable a workplace that is both Safe and Healthy for all persons involved. As these become confirmed they shall be listed.
Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee
The Industry-Wide Labor Management Safety Committee, comprised of all Hollywood Unions & Guilds, is holding meetings bringing all of their research and recommendations together. Formed in 1965, the Committee provides a focal point for the requirements to restart production. Here is a report from one of their preliminary meetings from Deadline published May 6th, 2020. Bottom line: strict protocols of testing and safety must be in place.
Hollywood Unions Media Conference Call – May 6, 2020
Recording of Entertainment Industry Conference Call of Members of DPE Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industry Coordinating Committee (AEMI), a group of unions representing members who work in the arts, entertainment and media industries, including SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, IATSE, AFMA (American Federation of Musicians), Actors Equity, IBEW.
The SAG-AFTRA President’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Safety is receiving and reviewing reports and recommendations from our internal staff experts, our field representatives, external epidemiologists and other consultants, as well as our sister unions.
We are also working closely with the employers’ labor relations and industrial sanitation and safety representatives – because we recognize that it will take all of us to ensure proper protocols are in place before we greenlight our members returning to the traditional work environment.
SAG-AFTRA President Gabreille Carteris
Hollywood Unions Layout Preliminary Workplace Guidelines
“The guidelines were endorsed by Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE). These are the guidelines as laid out by the guilds:
1. All work that can be done from home should be done from home if the worker so chooses, with proper tech support.
2. When work must be done in the newsroom, control room, studio, or in the field, basic CDC and OSHA guidelines on social distancing and protective measures should be mandated, with each worker supplied with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
3. All worksites and field vehicles should be equipped with sufficient disinfectant supplies and disinfected by professional cleaning crews regularly to ensure the best possible hygiene in all work areas.
4. Employers should adopt strict contact tracing plans to self-isolate those who may have been exposed to anyone who tests positive or exhibits symptoms consistent with the virus.
5. Layoffs, furloughs, and reductions in employees’ hours should only be considered after all other options have been exhausted. Before any reductions in hours/days for freelance and temporary workers or furloughs or layoffs of staff workers, there should be good faith discussions between the union and management (with financial transparency) to settle on the best course of action to ensure high-quality journalism and protect as many jobs as possible during this crisis.
The unions to endorse the guidelines are part of the DPE Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industry Coordinating Committee (AEMI), a group of unions representing members who work in the arts, entertainment and media industries.” -TheWrap 5/11/20
SAG-AFTRA, IATSE Virtual Town Hall with U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff
On May 12, 2020 SAG-AFTRA & IATSE presented a Virtual Town Hall with U.S. Representative Adam Schiff. Topics included questions from union members on financial matters which affect film and television film crew workers in the entertainment industry. Unemployment concerns of members whom work as both W-2 employees as well as independent contracts earning “mixed income” and length of Unemployment Benefits and extensions were discussed, among a wide range of crew concerns.
The full youtube video can be found Here.
IATSE hires epidemiologists to to advise on restarting production
The film crew workers union IATSE has brought on epidemiologists to advise the union and its workers on safety protocols for restarting production in advance of reopening Hollywood, film and television production throughout the USA and Canada. Read the Hollywood Reporter article.
American Society of Cinemtographers Forms Covid-19 Committee
Covid-19 & Corona Virus Workplace Resources
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha)
Main Osha website of the United States Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha Covid-19 Page)
“This webpage provides information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus pandemic. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infection with, the novel coronavirus—officially named SARS-CoV-2, which causes the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).“
Doc Society Whitepaper:
Independent Documentary Filming in the Time of Corona:
The Big Question: Should I Be Filming?
The Risk Assessment: what are the consequences of going ahead?
Corona Protocols: what’s the safest way to organize a shoot?
Advertising Producers Association (APA) Covid-19 Shooting Guidelines v.1.1
The Advertising Producers Association (APA) listed guidelines for Covid-19 Shooting protocols
The Film Budget Company
Commercial Production Designers & Art Directors propose production guidelines for shooting
100 Commercial Production Designers and Art Directors developed a proposed list of production workflow guidelines which could be applied to film and tv production. Read the Deadline article here.
Additional Articles
Screen Talks: Location Experts, Line Producers discuss what it will take to reopen Hollywood production
Screen International held a conference call with line producers, location experts, and production services representatives to discuss what it will take to restart production for film and tv. The call was sponsored by the St. Petersberg Clearwater Film Commission. Read the KFTV article here. Watch the informative conversation via the youtube link here.
Hollywood Unions Aim to Negotiate “Uniform Terms” With Employers as Industry Plots Restart
How Hollywood Can Make On-Set Work Safer When Production Resumes
Leaked Film & TV Safety Documents Lay Bare The Enormous Complexities Of Re-Starting Drama Shoots
Scientific Analysis of Chances of Contracting Covid-19 From Surface Contamination
Film & TV Budgeting and Scheduling for Reopening Film and TV Production
To have a professional film budget created, to have the new costs analysed and included in your current or future film budgeting and tv budgeting requirements for movies and tv series worldwide, and/or producer consulting services contact FilmBudget.com Worldwide Producer Jack Binder via the contact link.
Hollywood & London Based Film & TV Producer &
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