We’ve been challenged before and have 40 years experience meeting them.
Unfortunately Covid-19 is here to stay and we need to find solutions to move forward. First and foremost we need to stay safe and healthy, but we can still get things done.
We're getting back to work. Yet, there are some changes that we all need to consider. We've established these protocols but the bottom line is that sets will be more regimented and overall number of people on set will be smaller.
I’ve taken steps to ensure safe remote studio shooting, solo or in smaller groups. Large productions may have to wait but with care we can still get done what needs to get done. As the country becomes safer we’ll move forward with larger productions (10 or more personnel on set).
In studio we can produce product and talent shoots with live feeds, screen sharing and live markups. We’ll connect through Zoom and review the work through High Tail. On location is similar but live feeds may be more limited depending on the circumstances.
On location we can shoot from a distance one-on-one or using careful guidelines as those listed below.
- Use minimal crew.
- Include a Safety Officer responsible for monitoring protocols and surface cleaning.
- No carpooling. Crew members and clients will arrive to the shoot location in their own vehicles.
- Social distancing, both between crew members and clients/subjects.
- Minimizing the number of people on set.
- Scouting/preparing lighting ahead of time to minimize subject time on the set. We'll need to set aside more time.
- New remote digital tech solutions for client review from a distance.
- Employing the use of digital composites when photographing groups.
- Wearing masks, and when appropriate, gloves/safety glasses, and other PPE as well.
- Frequent cleaning of equipment and hands with disinfecting/sanitizing wipes. We may require a full time cleaner to attend to surfaces and equipment.
- Delineation of duties between crew members so that specific equipment is only handled by one person.
- If using a makeup artist on set, setting forth procedures for sanitizing equipment or using new supplies and application tools.
- Minimizing air travel, utilizing “road trips” over longer distances when required.
- Beginning each job with a JSA (Job Safety Analysis) meeting to plan the shoot and discuss all safety hazards, as well as specific COVID-19 mitigation procedures.
- Generally be extremely careful that everyone feels safe and confident on set.
Insurance waivers may be required.