US Film and TV Production Unions Release ‘The Safe Way Forward’, a report on COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
In a joint effort to reopen the film and television industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the Basic Crafts unions, and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) released “The Safe Way Forward,” a detailed report on COVID-19 work safety guidelines developed by leading epidemiologists and experts in the film industry.
Thomas Schlamme, President of the Directors Guild of America, said in a statement:
“Safely getting back to our work of storytelling, and reuniting with our creative community is at the top of all our minds. But in these fast-changing times amid such a complicated virus, figuring out how to get that done right was no easy task. We knew the only way forward was to consult with leading medical experts and let science guide us to the right approach for our unique work environments. It was only through that Herculean process, and our close coordination with our sister guilds and unions, that we were able to develop the most effective solutions to keep all of our members safe. At the DGA, this was many weeks of hard work and we are eternally indebted to our Covid-19 Safety Committee led by Steven Soderbergh who so intimately understands the complex issues at hand. Through the dedication of everyone involved, we are all that much closer to being able to get back to telling stories together.”
The guidelines serve as a follow-up to the Industry White Paper that was recently delivered to U.S. Governors, adapted to protect both cast and crew, as not everyone can comply with social distancing or wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times during shooting. The protocols heavily emphasize the importance of implementing a frequent, strategic testing regimen; having a dedicated health and safety team; and ensuring physical distancing to protect vulnerable workers in this pre-vaccine landscape.
Read the full ‘The Safe Way Forward’ report here.