As filming resumes, how are we making our shoots safe for staff, crew and clients?
We’ve been reviewing practical ways to resume the full production of TV commercials, whilst adhering to the rules on social distancing and ensuring the safety of our staff, film crews, artists and clients.
During Lockdown, we’ve been making TVCs and other content based on graphics, animation and library footage. So we have in fact been able to do everything up to, but not including, live action shoots.
This is how we are re-starting the filming process:
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Casting
Casting of actors can in the first instance be done using self tapes — i.e. they film auditions on their mobile phones. Following this, we will audition a shortlist of artists using Zoom. This allows the client to view auditions taking place at the same time as the director going through the motions. This has been working very well and could in fact become the future of casting! Particularly if it enables us to see a wider variety of applicants from further afield.
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Recces
Initial recces will take place by Zoom. The clients will be able to view videos of the shortlisted locations before a member of the Space City team visits in person with the Director.
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Location/Studio Filming
At the moment, local councils are still reserved when granting filming licenses for public environments. However, there are still plenty of creative ideas that can either take place in a studio or a private, residential home setting.
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Safety Procedures In Studios
We are filming in larger studios to ensure enough space for everyone required on set. Studios will be asked to implement strict safety procedures such as social distancing and being deep cleaned before, during (where possible) and after the shoot.
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Safety Procedures At Space City
On sight location settings, i.e. Space City will provide strict safety instructions and ensure that deep cleaning procedures are carried out prior to the shoot as well as during and after filming is completed. We also ensure social distancing and testing rules and regulations are instilled.
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Minimising Covid Spread Risks
To minimise the spread of infection, where possible we operate with a smaller crew and only permit a few clients to attend the shoot in person. This also reduces costs for your TV advert. Remote video streaming will be arranged for other clients to participate in the shoot in real time if necessary.
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On Set Control Measures
In order to minimise the risk of spreading infection, anyone related to the filming will be asked, in advance of the shoot, to complete a declaration of health questionnaire, and may be asked to provide evidence of a negative test.
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Shoot Travel
We organise travel to and from set for artists via Addison Lee and/or Uber. Crew members should, if possible, drive in their own cars to the studio/location, avoiding public transport.
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Safe Scheduling
Where possible, start times will be staggered for crew and cast members, to avoid everyone turning up at once, and temperature testing will take place upon arrival to ensure everybody entering the premises. Anyone with an elevated temperature will not be permitted to join the filming team and safe passage home will be arranged if required.
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Regular Hand Sanitising
Hand sanitisers, soaps and paper towels will be provided for use throughout each day. Everyone will be expected to wash their hands regularly and, particularly if they are touching equipment, use antibacterial hand gel.
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Advertising Covid Supervisors
If required a Covid safety supervisor will be present on the shoot and would be responsible for the following…
- Ensuring set is clean before shooting – overseeing cleaners
- Place distance markers on floor and keep clear throughout working day
- Make sure that hand-sanitising stations are set up correctly
- Make sure all areas have been set up correctly as needed
- Make sure that PPE is visible
- Make sure notices/posters are set up and visible
- Make sure toilets are set up and clean
- Ensure social distancing is observed throughout the shoot
- Replenish PPE as required
- Check communal areas are clean and not over-crowded
- Brief all cast and crew on best practice to limit transmission on set
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Equipment
Crew members should use their own equipment where possible. When items are hired in, the hire company should ensure that any kit being supplied has undergone a thorough disinfection clean before being loaded for delivery. Hire companies should also ensure that any personnel delivering the kit wear gloves and masks to minimise cross-contamination. Crew required to unload any equipment will also be provided with gloves and masks.
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Artists
If we are filming a single person (e.g. a presenter in a studio/location setting), this should be readily achievable. If the creative calls for groups of artists within close proximity of each other (e.g. a couple or family) we will consider casting a real couple or family that are already living together. However to ensure the comfort of both artists and crew on set, we will take additional measures, such as using larger studios and locations, to give more space to all individuals on set and keep crew members to a minimum, as well as following the most up to date government safety guidelines. Alternatively, it might be possible to film locked-off shots, where artists take it in turns to deliver their performance, and we then assemble the sequence in post-production.
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Sound Recording
Where possible we will use boom mikes. Sound recordists will also instruct artists on how to wear radio mikes from a safe distance.
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MakeUp and Wardrobe
Wardrobe selections will be made prior to the shoot day – to avoid multiple changes of costume on the filming day, and, where possible, artists will be asked to wear their own clothes. Artists will be given a designated room to change in and a sanitiser wipes, gloves and a plastic bag to keep their own clothes in.
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Makeup Artist
Where hair and make-up is a necessary requirement, enhanced PPE equipment must be worn, including gloves, apron, mask and visor. The materials used for make-up should be unique to each artist and, ideally, they should be disposable. All other equipment should undergo thorough cleaning before and after any shoot.
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Catering
Food options will only be made available if they can be served in individual take-away style boxes/containers. We regularly work with environmentally aware caterers in order to reduce single use plastic products. Where this is not possible, per diems will be offered to cover the cost of individuals bringing their own food from home.
