Guidelines agreed to get the television cameras rolling again
Television stars will have to do their own makeup, and cast and crew may have to bring their own cups and plates to sets, in new coronavirus safety rules agreed by UK broadcasters to get the cameras rolling again on some of the country’s favourite TV shows.
The new guidelines have been agreed by the UK’s biggest broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky and news broadcaster ITN, as well as Pact, which represents the hundreds UK independent producers.
Popular programmes such as Coronation Street, Eastenders, Emmerdale and Top Gear plan to resume filming in the coming weeks, as stocks of episodes of the hit soaps start to run out, despite a rationing of episodes since the lockdown in March.
The 15-page document includes guidance such as enabling on-screen talent to do their own makeup, or by remote instruction, and “limit or curtail” any on set touch-ups.
Stars accustomed to be being driven to locations and sets may now have to do it themselves, with travel guidance stating that “single occupancy vehicles” should be used where possible.
In terms of on-location guidelines, “outdoor filming” is preferable, although ideally not in a public space. When filming does take place indoors, producers should aim for a “large open space with good ventilation” and should “avoid small rooms where possible”. Sets should also use “green screens” to support the reduction in the number of people on a production.
The guidance says lunch breaks should be staggered and that crockery, eating utensils and cups could be brought in from home by cast and crew, so they don’t have to be cleaned and cleared by others. “The owner would be responsible for cleaning and ensuring they were identifiable.” Another option is to provide disposable alternatives.
Personal protective equipment “should only be required when filming in higher risk settings such as hospitals. It should be noted that the current Public Health England guidance is that the UK does not currently advise use of face masks outside of care settings.”
The guidance is not explicit about the question of older actors on sets. It has been suggested that older actors, those more at risk of serious illness if they contract the coronavirus, may have scaled-back roles, at least when production initially resumes.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s director of television, said last month that older characters such as Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow, played by 87-year-old William Roache since 1960, could be sidelined for a while after lockdown. The character recently moved into a luxury retirement complex.
“Our production teams are now working hard to bring many more much-loved shows back for viewers,” said Carolyn McCall, chief executive at ITV. “This requires really innovative thinking, but above all, the safety and wellbeing of all those who work on the programmes is paramount.”
Read the original article at The Guardian