NEWS: Hollywood Content Producers Looking to Develop New Set Standards Upon Industry’s Reopening

The global health crisis has had an effect on just about every section of the Walt Disney Company. While the park closures may be forefront of most Disney fan’s minds, another industry that has had to make some big changes in the film industry.

Because of the current crisis, film production has essentially come to a full stop, with filming delayed, and movie releases intended for the next few months pushed back to allow time for movie theaters to reopen.

According to an article from The Hollywood Reporter, when the film industry does start opening back up, it will be with some major changes. Speaking with the Hollywood Reporter, sources have said that “leading Hollywood content producers and unions are working to develop new industry standards to prevent the spread.” Major studios such as Disney and Warner Brothers are said to be at the “forefront” of these conversations.

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California film commissioner Colleen Bell has been a participant in these conversations, and has said that, “There are a lot of discussions surrounding what re-entry should look like. There will be new production procedures and protocols that are rooted in safeguarding health, but what exactly they’ll end up being will look different for, say, a small production company compared to a large studio.”

When production does begin to reopen, president of FilmLA, Paul Audley, has said, “What we’re hearing is that when production begins to reopen, it’ll be done in phases. And the first phase most likely will include a numbers restriction and social distancing measures, so that would mean that any film permits will only be issued for very small productions.”

For larger productions, sources gave told The Hollywood Reporter that “there’s hope for July-August start dates but that fall may be more realistic.”

While there are not yet any official guidelines in place, some of what may be expected included, “gloves and masks may need to be worn on set, with the exception of actors who obviously can’t wear them on camera. In order to protect performers, there’s been talk of two actors in close proximity, especially intimate scenes, being shot separately and then bringing it together in postproduction.”

According to SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director David P. White, “We’re working with industry safety experts and coordinating with other guilds and unions on this issue now. No one yet knows when the industry will be able to return to work but we intend to be ready at the earliest possible time to ensure the safety of our members.”

Stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest updates on the parks, and The Walt Disney Company at large.