There are three things that are essential to film production and even more so in this new chapter. The first two we are very familiar with: coming in on or under budget and staying on schedule to make that happen. But now we have a duty to protect the health and safety of our crews, talent and families like never before. This is a HUGE responsibility not to be taken lightly. We must treat this with reverence and respect because one careless move could put us all at risk. In order for us to keep working in a safe and healthy way, we need to establish a new department of team leaders that we know and trust. This team becomes the face of the company they represent and therefore must be culpable and professional in our collective and vigorous fight against infectious diseases especially COVID-19.
The COVID compliance team (CCT) is not production, nor is it craft services, or locations. The COVID compliance officer (CCO) or team member is not one person with a certificate. The CCO or CCT cannot be medical personnel or set medics without a production background either. In our experience, the most successful teams have been a collaboration of veteran union set-medics, coupled with experienced Producers and/or Production Managers with multiple COVID compliance certificates between them. Keeping our sets safe takes pre-planning, insightful conversations, compassion and strength. We need to anticipate, be proactive, and solution oriented.
The CCT needs to be educated, well informed and organized. We need to be smart, quick on our feet and well trained. We need to be great communicators, thoughtful and discrete. Using the suggestions and guidelines from DGA, SAG, AICP, OSHA, Task Force, IATSE, set medic unions, and more, we have derived a plan that paves the way for a seamless and favorable shoot. We adapt, modify and adjust our approach to fit perfectly within each location, set and crew size. We are able to reconstruct our methods and systems to align with productions needs and expectations while still keeping the health and safety of all participants at the forefront of our goals. We work together to address and implement the best strategies for advancement.
Our short time back into production in this new chapter has taught us a lot. And the biggest take away is that there is a lot involved. Our current field experience as a consistent team working side by side and hand in hand from tech scout to prep to shoot to wrap has allotted us the most invaluable understanding and practical knowledge that will far exceed any expectations.
Our action plans, techniques and methodologies are meant to set a new high standard for our way forward with protocols and guidelines that help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in our industry and at home.