FDCP releases guidelines for TV and film production amid ‘new normal’ situation

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has prescribed guidelines on shooting TV series and films amid “new normal” situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. FDCP chair Liza Diño said film and TV outfits have to forgo shooting of large, elaborate scenes as a way to prevent the transmission of the deadly virus.

“Pagdating sa mga location restrictions at sa scene restrictions, dahil nga bawal ang mass gathering, alam natin pagdating sa production shoot hindi naman ‘yan camera at may tao tapos sinu-shoot na natin ‘yung eksena. Talagang nagse-set up tayo at nagsi-simulate tayo ng real life, so hindi muna natin pwedeng gawin ngayon,” Dino said during the Laging Handa briefing.

“Ang mga malalaking eksena, ‘yung mga eksena that constitute mass gatherings, katulad ng mga night club scene, political rallies, mga concerts, parada, festivals, mga malalaking parties, siyempre, it involves people and mahihirapan tayong ma-control ‘yun dahil number one, pinagbabawal sa atin ngayon ‘yun,” she continued.

Strict social distancing among workers should also be observed.

“Kasama rito ang strict social distancing measures na naaangkop at naka-contextualize film industry, ang ating mga health at sanitation protocols, na dapat nating isapuso at isabuhay, at ‘yung medical precautions na dapat nating tinatandaan,” Dino said.

The protocol limits the maximum number of people on set to 50 and mandates the wearing of face masks and personal protective equipment of workers.

“Nakakatuwa dahil magsisimula ang produksyon pero nakakakaba rin dahil nakasalalay din dito ang safety ng ating production workers,” she said.