While Hollywood scrambles to restart in time for fall TV, a group of U.K. broadcast giants have introduced a set of industrywide guidelines for safe production during the coronavirus pandemic.
The BBC, ITV, Channel 4, ViacomCBS, Sky, Pact and several other companies laid out a 15-page memo that includes guidance for travel, essential crew and PPE.
Production on television shows must make provisions in six areas, the memo says: specifically consider people at higher risk of harm; heighten safety precautions for everyone at work; reduce the number of people involved in shoots; consider on-camera requirements, such as changing scripts to encourage social distancing; consider mental health and well-being of cast and crew; and establish feedback loops.
Directors are advised to film outside as often as possible and avoid small rooms where social distancing will be almost impossible.
Boom mics and fixed microphones are suggested to avoid close contact.
Iconic soap operas like "EastEnders" and "Coronation Street" have said they could resume production as early as next month.
"Great British television is keeping us company throughout the crisis, and I'm keen to get cameras rolling as soon as it is safe," Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said in a statement.
