April 30, 2020- Film Florida, the state’s only trade association that represents all sectors of the film, television, production and digital media/tech industry, released recommendations for maintaining clean and healthy production sets. The film and television production industry has largely been shut down since mid-March due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The industry hopes to resume production in the near future, but only when it is safe for cast and crew members. (CLICK HERE for English Version & CLICK HERE for Spanish Version)
“The health and safety of Floridians on production sets is a top priority of Film Florida. Executive Board member Sandy Lighterman made the suggestion that Film Florida gather information from various sources, bring it together, and make some recommendations to help ensure that cast and crew members stay healthy,” Bonnie King, President of Film Florida said. “While these recommendations are not mandates, and clean and healthy precautions are certainly not limited to the suggestions we have put out, we wanted to give people a solid starting point when production resumes in Florida. This document will continue to evolve as additional input is received and further guidance comes in from local, state and federal officials”
The “Recommendations for Clean & Healthy Production Sets” includes both general and specific suggestions for production offices, casting, equipment handling, staffing, location scouting, art department, hair & make up, camera department, sound department, catering & craft services, and more. The list was compiled by collecting data from various health and medical sources, industry resources and consulting with a group of Film Florida members with extensive set experience. Industry professionals are encouraged to submit feedback and additional suggestions to info@FilmFlorida.org. Film Florida plans to host a virtual “town hall” in the near future to address the feedback for as the recommendations document continues to evolve.
“The film and television industry has been part of the fabric of Florida for over a century. During the stay at home orders, it has become apparent how important creative content is to people, which is why we initially created the ‘Sunshine State Social Distance Watch Party’,” commented John Lux, Film Florida Executive Director. “Coming out of the Coronavirus Pandemic, we believe the film and television industry can be a very effective source for economic recovery with high wage jobs, immediate cash infusion for small businesses, and exposure of the state to potential tourists. However, for the industry to get back to work and create more content for consumers, cast and crew members need to feel safe and healthy and we hope we can play a small part in that. I’m proud that Film Florida had the opportunity to work with industry professionals on this initiative.”
CLICK HERE for English Version
CLICK HERE for Spanish Version
About Film Florida: Film Florida is a state-wide not-for-profit entertainment production trade association that serves a leadership role in Florida’s film, TV, production and digital media/tech industry by representing all aspects of the business including film commissions, industry, labor, associations and education. The growing membership driven organization provides a network, a platform, and the benefits of playing an active part in solidifying Florida’s position as a major entertainment production destination, positive economic development driver and tourism generator. Film Florida also produces the Film Florida Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, the Google PlayStore, Stitcher and the iHeartRadio App. For more information about Film Florida visit FilmFlorida.org.
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Contact:
Bonnie King, President, ezzellking@gmail.com, 321-863-4226
John Lux, Executive Director, jlux@filmflorida.org, 407-494-6195