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COVID-19 Protocols
PREPARATION
- Anticipating concerns and having a robust safety plan in place for production is of critical importance.
- This starts with writing and development, reducing risk factors by being mindful of what will be required to actually shoot the words on the page.
- Scripts and locations should also be locked sooner than usual, in order for each department to have sufficient time to develop a safety plan.
- Tech scouts at locations will be a particularly crucial step in this process, to think through a plan for how the space will be used and how each day of production will run.
SCOPE MANAGEMENT
- When we don’t keep production scope in check, we inevitably end up fighting the clock and safety measures get compromised as we scramble to make our day. To address this:
- Each show will only be permitted to shoot at one location each day — i.e., no company moves during the course of a work day.
- The 1st AD must also carefully plan the set-up schedule to budget sufficient time for extra safety protocols.
THE ZONE SYSTEM
- Keeping the shooting location secure and organized is of vital importance. All shows must utilize a zone system to create controlled work areas and a closed set. The zone system is based on the physical spaces where specific activities take place:
- ZONE A – UNMASKED-ACTOR SPACES
This is a perimeter created for when performers need to work without protection. This is typically when first team comes in to shoot the scene and the set is cleared of all non-essential crew members. - ZONE B – ALL OTHER WORKS AREAS
Anywhere else the production has a footprint is Zone B. This needs to be a controlled area with a secure perimeter that prevents non-approved people from entering the space. The only entry to this zone is through a reception checkpoint. - ZONE C – THE OUTSIDE WORLD
This is everywhere beyond the perimeter of the production.
HEALTH MONITORING
- Students are encouraged to use the FSU Daily Wellness Check app and be tested for COVID-19.
- If a student feels sick, they should not come to set or class.
- If a student appears to be sick on set, the Shop Steward or the Producer should alert the Head of Production immediately.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
- By default, a six-feet distance between individuals should be maintained whenever possible.
- This will need to be thought about carefully during pre-production to ensure that each location has enough space to allow for cast and crew to properly distance when they are building and shooting a scene.
- In situations where physical distancing is not possible, the physical proximity should be kept to a minimum duration and an extra level of protection should be considered, such as a plexiglass divider, eyewear, or a face-shield.
FACE-COVERING
- Mask-wearing is required indoors at all times and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. This applies to all cast and crew.
- The school will have a supply of disposable masks available for each production. Cast and crew may wear their own masks if they are rated for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Each production should designate an outside, mask-free area, with enough space for people to maintain physical distancing.
- Exceptions: Actors may remove masks during a take or when they need to remove a mask for wardrobe, hair, and make-up.
SANITIZING
- The cast and crew should be frequently reminded — both verbally and through signage — to wash/sanitize their hands.
- Key areas of the location should be sanitized throughout the day, including: frequently touched items, such as door handles; hard surfaces, such as tables and countertops; and any set dressing or props that the actors will touch.
- Throughout the workday, each department should disinfect their equipment regularly.