What productions should know as they get back to business during the pandemic

Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture and Sports just announced the updated guidelines for films shootings and sound recording.

Throughout the pandemic the productions in order to keep on filming and working, should compliance with government’s local guidelines. Given its importance here are some guidelines that every worker/business should follow:

• Indoor spaces must be kept well-ventilated. Only open-circuit air conditioners are permitted.

• Calculations should be made to ensure that adequate space is provided in the changing and dressing rooms; changes of clothes should be restricted to the essential.

• Antiseptic alcohol solution (70%) must be on hand in all spaces used for film shoots, sound recordings etc.

About Conducting film shoots / sound recordings:

• The 2-metre rule should be applied

• All equipment used should have been disinfected in the manner specified by the manufacturer prior to being placed in the venue

• If a scene requires actors to touch, the actors involved must disinfect their hands before and after the scene, and the contact should be kept as momentary as possible. Also, scenes in which one actor has to touch the face of another actor should be avoided.

In relation to costumes, wigs, make-up, etc.:

• These must only be used by the artists who wear them, and artists should dress themselves

• Costumes should be steam-cleaned before and after use.

• Professional hairdressers, make-up artists, wardrobe staff et al. will be required to wear gloves (which must be changed for each artist) and a non-medical mask every time they attend to an artist’s appearance. Should the artist choose to attend to his/her own appearance, they should take on an advisory role and keep their distance.

In relation to orchestras and choirs:

• The choir members should maintain a one and a half (1.5) meter all-round gap from other members and wear a non-medical mask when they are not singing.

• Choir/orchestra conductors are allowed to not wear a mask, so they can perform their roles, on condition that they remain at least two (2) meters from the members of the choir/orchestra. The use of an acrylic screen placed in front of the conductor / choir master is recommended.

For more information, be sure to check out all the Guidelines and restrictions here.