While we navigate the re-opening phase of the Coronavirus epidemic SCOTT MOTION FILMS LLC (SMF) has begun to develop a strategy to help prevent the spread of disease and to ensure that client, cast and crew remain healthy and safe while shooting. The below is a plan of rules and practices that will be followed on all applicable SMF productions.
- A Health Safety Officer (HSO) will be present throughout the day to screen all persons before being admitted to set as well as to ensure the below points.
Screening to include a temperature check and a check-in concerning cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever or chills and if there has been any contact with another person known to be infected COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
- Masks are mandatory at all times.
- No one will be permitted on set without a mask whether in a studio or out on location.
- If a person does not have one, or their mask has been lost or broken, SMF will have additional masks on hand to provide immediately.
- All personnel will have access to general hygiene stations that will include soap, water, paper towels, or an alcohol based hand sanitizer containing a 60% or more alcohol ratio for areas where hand washing is not feasible.
- All surfaces that are frequently used will be cleaned and sanitized before general crew call, between set breaks, and after crew wrap. This includes tables, chairs, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, toilets, faucets, sinks and any other elements of the work environment that people typically interact with.
- Various sanitizing equipment and products will be abundant, and wash facilities and closed bin receptacles will be clearly visible.
- All persons are to maintain a 6' minimum distance when possible. The arrangement of workstations will be designed to follow this rule.
- If a green room is unavailable at any particular location a separate zone will be created to allow talent the option to be isolated during set up, set breaks, and meals.
Talent will be directed immediately to this area when they are admitted on to set.
No other person will be allowed in this area without the direct consent of talent.
Area will be sanitized before talent arrives and at the end of the day, or anytime upon request of talent.
- Disposable gloves will be provided for situations where human contact is unavoidable.
- Hair stylists and make-up artists will wear gloves when working on talent and have adept knowledge and experience in the practice of sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing equipment, tools, and beauty products.
- In order to minimize unnecessary contact on-camera talent will be encouraged to bring a personal shielded mask that does not touch the face. If they do not have one, SMF will provide one.
- Audio engineers and sound technicians will be required to wear gloves when placing or adjusting mics on any person as well as any equipment, such as boom mics, that are designed to be close to a person’s face. They will sanitize any associated kit and gear that touches others between uses.
- Wardrobe stylists will wear gloves when prepping clothes and accessories for talent to wear, or when helping talent into wardrobe.
- Positions and roles on set will not be crossed. Personnel will only handle gear associated within their specific department.
- Camera, lighting, grip, computers or any equipment that gets frequent handling between multiple users will be sanitized throughout the day and between users.
- Rental equipment and their travel cases will be cleaned and sanitized before being loaded onto transportation vehicle.
- There will be no shared or buffet style meals or beverages.
- A digital menu viewable on personal devices will be provided in advance.
- All meals will have been prepared individually.
- Individually wrapped, disposable utensils will be provided.
- Craft-services tables will be regularly maintained and sanitized with single-serve products, unobstructed and easy to grab.
- SMF encourages its crew to take personal responsibility and to actively participate in keeping a clean and healthy set.
- Crew or persons on set that may be exhibiting signs of the virus will be required to go home, or stay home before coming in.
- Agreements, contracts, timecards, NDA’s, releases or any documents that require a signature will be done electronically.
- Call sheets will be provided digitally and will include this document.
- SMF will research and follow any local government rules and regulations that may be specific to that particular locality in relation to the prevention and spread of disease.
The above list has been compiled off of recommendations from the CDC, OSHA, the DOH, local governments, as well as discussions with colleagues, peers, producers, and people generally in the business of working on job sites with other people. It is a work in progress and will change as new information presents itself.
In recognition of the impact to the environment that the above practices will undoubtedly have, Scott Motion Films will take extra measures to reduce its human footprint by continuing to recycle, use earth friendly and compostable products, and to keep single use plastics to an absolute minimum.