Film and TV have been getting most of us through the pandemic. While we may not spend all our time at home, a hard day can be cheered up with entertainment. But for that to continue, much of Hollywood’s productions have had to a specific set of rules. These we know as return-to-work protocols.
Film and TV to Extend Return-to-Work Protocols Indefinitely
According to labor and management, return-to-work protocols for the television and movie industries will be extended indefinitely. These measures were first implemented back in September of 2020. The rules don’t normally last this long. But they extended until June 30 at midnight PST. This was all an agreement between the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers and groups involved in film and tv.
Provisions of the agreement involved consistent testing for COVID-19. And it should come as no surprise that social distancing is also a rule. Because it can get so busy during production, the film and tv industries are also requiring COVID-19 compliance officers. Recent behind-the-scenes footage for film and tv has also shown the use of zones.
Vaccination is not a condition of employment. But the board of directors for SAG-AFTRA had motioned to “approve mandatory vaccination under special circumstances.” The conditions for employers in film and tv include stipulations such as:
- Production must announce such policies as soon as possible, preferably in initial breakdowns or earliest casting discussions.
- Such policies must apply equally to all cast and crew working in the relevant zone(s) or work location(s).
- Production must have procedures in place to engage in interactive process with those requesting ADA (Americans with Disability Act) or religious accommodations, and must include the procedure for initiating a request in notices of the vaccination policy.
So, unless a production team can fathom a good reason, mandatory vaccination will not be a thing. Do you think having these return-to-work rules will help or hurt the film and TV industry? What favorite show of yours has been affected by this previously? Let me know in the comments!