Film industry gets back to work amid coronavirus pandemic

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp released a “best practices” guide for the Georgia film and television industries Friday.

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The state is a leader in the industries, setting a record for film in 2019 with nearly 400 productions filmed in Georgia. Those projects generated $9.2 million in wages, WSB-TV reported.

The 11-page digital booklet gives in-depth recommendations for each part of the filming process from casting to shooting on location.

“We are so grateful to the hardworking people who make up and contribute to Georgia’s incredibly successful film and TV industry, and we thank them for all the ways they have given back throughout the state’s response to COVID-19,” Kemp said. “The Georgia Film Office has maintained their close work with industry executives to develop these outlines for how productions can help protect cast and crew members.”

Some of the new guidelines include the following:

• Reducing numbers of extras
• Encouraging talent to wear masks
• Casting for productions remotely
• Temperature checks on set
• Eliminating open calls
• Cleaning and disinfecting shooting locations
• Staggered catering times
• Not sharing equipment
• Using walkies to communicate on set

“We will continue to help these important businesses navigate new circumstances,” Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said. "As we return to production across the state, there is no doubt Georgia will maintain its position as a powerhouse for film and television production.”

See the full guide for film and television best practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19 here.

Cox Media Group