June 8, 2020

You can read our analysis of the key FAQs and legal considerations here.

Pact explains that the BFC document is intended to provide high-level guidance to manage COVID-19 specific risk in producing film and high-end TV drama in the UK.

It has been prepared in consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) with input from crew and crew representatives, industry bodies (including Pact), unions and the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and in consultation with Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In the case of high-end TV drama productions, the BFC guidance should be considered alongside the broadcaster guidance, which was published on 18 May (as reported in last week’s N2K).

Pact reminds readers that all film and TV industry guidance should also be read in conjunction with the latest UK Government guidance. Productions based in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales should additionally check for the relevant devolved Government guidance as it may differ. Pact has created briefing documents for members about the Government guidance and devolved Nations guidance.

Pact also reminds readers that the documents provide guidance only. Each production must be assessed on the basis of its own unique circumstances and appropriate protocols should be created for the production accordingly.

The UK Screen Alliance has published guidance for safe working in visual effects and post-production during the pandemic. The guidance aims to provide a framework for post and VFX companies as they transition back to on-premises working with client attendance, whilst ensuring the safety of their employees, contractors, and clients (including producers).

The guidance has been created in consultation with companies from the post and VFX sectors and industry bodies including Pact, BFI, BFC and BECTU. Again, each post and VFX house will have its own specific guidance that it ought to be notifying to producers in advance. To read Pact’s news release in full and for links to the relevant documents, click here.