Testing Protocols
The major difference between sets pre-COVID and now is the stringent testing and quarantine protocols that all sets have implemented to protect against the spread of the virus. One of the key measures is mandatory testing for all cast and crew members before their first day of principal photography, and then every three days after that. This is intended to ensure that no one with the virus would expose others on set.
This protocol, however, is not without its flaws. For instance, cast and crew are allowed to return to work before the test results are available, meaning a potentially infected person could infect the entire production during the waiting period. This was exemplified by a case on the popular talk show, The View, where Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro were directed off stage due to false positive test results. Despite The View's daily testing of their cast, their protocol lacks an efficient system for managing possible infections, making it less effective in preventing the spread of the virus.
Had the production waited for the results and released those with negative tests, it could have better controlled the situation and minimized disruptions to the schedule.
Isolation Pods
Another significant change is the implementation of isolation pods for the main cast. These pods house the main actors separately from the crew to minimize their potential exposure to the virus. This is more about safeguarding the production than protecting individual actors. It's important to recognize that ensuring the timely completion of a project with millions of dollars at stake demands stringent measures.
For instance, Tom Cruise implemented a highly controlled set for his projects during the pandemic. While it might seem cold to limit actors' movements, such stringent measures are necessary to protect the production's investment.
Current Negotiations and Future Uncertainty
Currently, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is negotiating various issues, including potentially changing the way productions are run due to the ongoing pandemic. One of the contentious issues in the negotiations is the length of the workday, with current schedules often stretching up to 16 hours. As a mother and understanding the importance of work-life balance, I strive to limit my sets to 10 hours. However, not every director or producer shares this consideration. The work schedule is one of the significant sticking points in these negotiations, alongside demands for higher pay.
The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but it is clear that while the driving force is still financial, those involved in production will continue to implement measures to protect the bottom line and ensure the safety of all who work on the sets.
In conclusion, the transformation of film and TV sets in the post-COVID era has brought new challenges and protocols. While these measures are essential for the safety and wellbeing of all involved, they also present significant changes that may have a lasting impact on the industry.