Film Victoria update re. Step 3 - Commercial Producers Council

Here is the latest information from Film Victoria’s Dan Beck, which was emailed this afternoon.

I’m writing to share that from 11:59pm on 27 October, some restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria have eased.

Please find the relevant industry updates below which are now available on our website. Further screen industry FAQs will be published in the weeks ahead as we await more information.

Metropolitan Melbourne

From 11:59pm on 27 October, Third Step restrictions apply to metropolitan Melbourne. Screen production is permitted under the Third Step. Strict filming and COVIDSafe guidelines must be adhered to. A COVIDSafe Plan must be in place.

This includes pre and post-production activities. Set construction must operate in accordance with the construction sector guidelines. Productions can include student productions, corporate productions and television commercials.

If you can’t work from home, you can go to work, and you do not need to carry a permit. However, you still need a permit to travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria for work or study. If you can work from home, you must continue to work from home.

For the full list of permitted screen activity in metropolitan Melbourne visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/industry-restrictions-roadmap-metro-melbourne.

Regional Victoria

From 11:59pm on 16 September, Third Step 3 restrictions apply to regional Victoria. As part of the Third Step, screen production is permitted under the Third Step. Strict filming and COVIDSafe guidelines must be adhered to. A COVIDSafe Plan must be in place.

Studio access is permitted within a density quotient of one person per four square metres. All workplaces that are open must have a COVIDSafe plan in place and employees must work from home or a single site where reasonably practicable. For the full list of permitted screen activity in regional Victoria, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/industry-restriction-levels-regional-victoria.

FAQs

Is set-building for film, television or theatre permitted in in the Third Step?

Yes, set building can proceed if it adheres to the restrictions and requirements outlined in the construction sector guidelines.

This includes:

Having a COVIDSafe Plan in place
Having no more than one worker per four square metres of enclosed workspace.

Can cast and crew members from metropolitan Melbourne travel to regional Victoria to work on a screen production?

Cast and crew from metropolitan Melbourne may travel to regional Victoria to work on the production if they cannot work from home. They must have a Permitted Worker Permit and travel with the permit at all times in regional Victoria.

While a worker from metropolitan Melbourne is in regional Victoria, they must abide by the level of restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne at that point in time. The worker cannot undertake any non-work-related activities while in regional Victoria. Workers should not carpool when travelling to regional Victoria.

When actors/talent have been through hair and make-up and are waiting to go in front of the camera, are they required to wear a face mask? Can they wear a face shield instead?

Face shields on their own do not meet the face mask requirements. Unless an exemption applies, a face mask must be worn.

Can I work from my creative studio or workshop during the Third Step?

If you can work from home, you must continue to work from home. If you cannot work from home because you require access to specialist equipment or facilities to conduct your work, you can work from your creative studio or workshop.

You must have a COVIDSafe Plan in place and a limit of one person per four square metres. All people on-site must wear a face mask and should maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres at all times. Where possible, limit the number of worksites you visit.

Kind regards,

Dan Beck

Locations & Production Services Coordinator