Update: Stage 4 filming restrictions in Victoria

COVID-19 UPDATES

LATEST UPDATE: SUNDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS.vic) Victoria has updated its permitted work premises for the Information Media and Telecommunications Sector. Effective 11.59pm Sunday 27 September 2020, ‘Pre production of Film Victoria funded screen projects’ is now permitted.

All other Stage 4 restrictions for our sector remain in place until further notice.

Update: FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST

On Wednesday 5 August, the Victorian State Government announced Stage 4 restrictions for permitted work premises, effective for a period of six weeks.

In the case of our sector, specifically articulated as:

Feature film, television and documentary (excluding television commercials, student and corporate productions) that is already in physical production and operating as a closed set and post-production relating to it.

In conjunction with The Communications Council, The Commercial Producers Council is providing this update based on the CPC’s most recent consultation with Film Victoria.

Firstly, there are a number of grey areas so we’re seeking clarification as to:

  • Why commercial television productions have been excluded by the government from broader filming categories.
  • Whether these restrictions/closures also apply to stills photography, including shoots conducted in home studios.
  • Whether post-production is allowed to continue for commercial television productions or just, films, tv and documentaries.
     

Exemption procedures

Film VIC has advised that a formal exemption process will be distributed by the DHHS in the near future. In the meantime, Film VIC suggests the following course of action:

  • Awarded/planned shoots for Vic Govt projects
    Contact the relevant government department issuing the project work regarding a possible exemption.
     
  • Awarded/planned shoots for essential services
    Contact the DHHS hotline regarding a possible exemption. 

    NB: While there is no single definition for essential/critical services, the CPC understands they would include supermarkets, pharmacies, transport, health care/wellbeing (physical and mental), schools and universities. We are seeking confirmation of this.
     

Film VIC consultation

Since Stage 4 restrictions were announced on Wednesday, Film VIC has been swamped with enquiries and are doing their best to respond promptly. The CPC has appreciated their efforts to keep us informed of developments during the past week in particular.

Should you need to consult regarding specific issues, please contact:

Joe Brinkmann
Manager – Production Attraction and Support
Phone: 03 9660 3255 (ext 255)
Email: joe.brinkmann@film.vic.gov.au

Dan Beck
Locations and Production Services Co-ordinator
Phone: 03 9660 3262 (ext 262)
Email: dan.beck@film.vic.gov.au

Emily Dutton
Locations and Production Services Co-ordinator (Mon-Wed)
Phone: 03 9660 3216 (ext 216)
Email: emily.dutton@film.vic.gov.au

Sophie Ghanem
Locations and Production Services Co-ordinator
Phone: 03 9660 3236 (236)
Email: sophie.ghanem@film.vic.gov.au
 

NSW Border Crossing

The following advice has been provided by Screen NSW this afternoon (7 August).

At this point – noting that advice changes as the situation changes – anyone seeking to come into NSW from Victoria for work in the screen sector needs to apply for an exemption to the border restrictions, as there is not a category readily applicable to this sector.

To request an exemption, NSW Health requires a proposal that covers the following:

Health component of exemption review process: 

  • A proposal will need to include: 
    • Rationale for entering NSW
    • Predeparture swabs and health check
    • Details of transport into NSW
    • Health check on arrival in NSW
  • 14 days isolation in NSW – from Friday 7 August this is hotel quarantine, supervised by NSW Police hotel quarantine in government operated facilities – paid for by the traveller or production at $3,000.
    • Monitoring by NSW Health
    • Day 10 swabs

Proposals will be considered by NSW Health and may then be considered by the Health Minister.

In the first instance, proposals should come to grainne.brunsdon@create.nsw.gov.au at Screen NSW and we will manage the process from here.