The AICP just released guidelines for production and post-production companies to follow when producing content in light of the current COVID-19 health crisis.  The new guidelines, "COVID-19 Workplace Guidance and Considerations," give general guidance for all companies to follow, as well as specific recommendations by job function. 

In releasing the guidelines, the AICP expressed a few key principles: 

  • Producers will have to "place an unprecedented amount of thought and planning into steadfast attention regarding hygiene and sanitation that maintains safe and healthy working environments";
  • Producers will need to take into account the additional time and cost that will be required in order to achieve a safer production environment;
  • Producers should plan to "work with the least number of people in close proximity to each other" in order to help ensure a safe environment and and to give participants a sense of confidence about the safety measures being taken;

In its "General Practices for all Worksites" guidance, the AICP gives extensive recommendations about how to maintain a safer production environment.  Some of the highlights of th:

  • Requiring employee health testing and collecting health history; 
  • Providing washing stations, hand sanitizer, and PPE; 
  • Designing locations to allow for social distancing; 
  • Creating one-way pathways; 
  • Staggering arrival times to minimize congestion;
  • Changing work hours to avoid rush hour; 
  • Limiting in-person staff to essential personnel;
  • Requiring the wearing of masks;
  • Procedures for sanitizing production environments; and
  • Avoiding use of shared equipment.

The AICP also provided "Production Specific - Departmental Guidance," which gives recommendations for a wide variety of functions, including casting, hair and makeup, handling of equipment, talent, and wardrobe.  

For example, the AICP's guidance for working with talent includes recommendations such as: 

  • Consider a temporary barrier between actors before shooting takes place; 
  • Consider alternate shots to "allow for maximum separation";
  • Consider the number of extras required; and
  • Execute paperwork digitally whenever possible.  

Originally published by Frankfurt Kurnit, May 2020

www.fkks.com

This alert provides general coverage of its subject area. We provide it with the understanding that Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz is not engaged herein in rendering legal advice, and shall not be liable for any damages resulting from any error, inaccuracy, or omission. Our attorneys practice law only in jurisdictions in which they are properly authorized to do so. We do not seek to represent clients in other jurisdictions.