Let’s adhere to the new normal:
Guidelines for Film and Television creations
With the spread of the coronavirus, the worldwide film and television industry is in a crisis.
The film and television industry in Sri Lanka was also affected by the closure of all theatres. However, the Government has paid attention to restore these production activities and issued a set of guidelines to be followed in pre-production, shooting and post-production activities.
The Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe has sent this letter for the attention of the designers in the industry.
According to the letter of the Director General of Health Services, the following health tips should be adhered to when starting the design.
General Health Advice:
• If you have fever, cough or cold, stay home.
• Wash hands regularly with soap. Wash hands with soap and rub for at least 20 seconds.
• Wear masks regularly. Be sure to wear it properly.
• Avoid touching the face, nose and eye.
• When you cough or sneeze cover your mouth with a tissue or with your elbow. Put the used tissue into a trash bin that opens with the leg.
• Limit your contacts as much as possible.
In addition to these general guidelines, a set of guidelines have been issued for specific health habits to be practised in the field of film and television during the time of pre-production and production:
• Whenever possible, carry out scheduling, negotiations, casting discussions and steps related to pre-production
• Make only the most important appointments. Call only those who are compulsory for meetings. In each case, try to maintain a distance of one metre practising social distancing.
• Incorporate social awareness campaign on the spread of coronavirus infection, in your artistic productions where possible.
The Directors and Producers have been issued with a set of guidelines to be followed during the production.
• Establish hand washing facilities in every filming location. Provide adequate hand sanitizers at the location of the shoot and where the artist is staying.
• Whenever possible, call the minimum number of craftsmen in the filming location. Avoid crowd scenes as much as possible.
• Inform all artists who come to the venue of the shoot to follow appropriate pre-health care procedures. Production managers must oversee it.
• Ensure that all appliances (product accessories, door knobs, restrooms, etc.) that are used by more than one person are regularly cleaned with alcohol concentrated liquid or something appropriate.
• Do not include anyone who shows any symptoms at the filming location. Get them checked for proper medical checkups.
• Always keep everyone in your group aware of coronavirus and its spread.
• Provide face masks for everyone in the team. Always be aware of the one meter spacing.
• Ensure that all the costumes are separated. Wash them thoroughly, and do not promote the exchange of any costumes within the cast.
Also, provide necessary transport facilities maintaining social distancing norms. The Director General of Health Services states that they should be made aware of the use of private vehicles whenever possible. The announcement further states that only the team needed for the shoot should be summoned, provided with adequate ventilation and spacious locations and that the minimum number of attendees should be prepared.
Guidelines for makeup artists:
• Makeup room must be occupied by one person at a time for makeup work.
• Set up a separate booth for makeup
• Makeup artists must wear face masks
• Sterilize the equipment and desk frequently used by him / her.
• Ensure that the makeup artist has the necessary facilities to sanitize the equipments frequently.
• Use personal makeup and wardrobe whenever possible
Food providers must be properly cleaned and masked at all times, and all food and beverages must be provided in a disposable container. Food is strictly prohibited in the buffet system.
Only the most essential people should be involved in post-production and all related technical equipment required for the post production must be sterilized properly.
The Director General of Health Services has stated in the release that these instructions should be followed before starting production.