The Big Seven – CMPA Handbook

COVID-19 Protocols

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.

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.

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.

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.

At least six-feet distance between individuals is recommended 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.

Mask-wearing is recommended 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.

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.