SAG COVID-19
If producing an indie film wasn’t hard enough we got a rude awakening with Covid-19 these last few months. Each city and state is taking a different approach on getting film crews and cast back into production. Check with your local or state film commission for more info.
You can’t film a project without actors. So SAG has taken extra precautions to insure the safety of actors on set. This is mandatory for all SAG signatory agreements, even the low budget agreements which has three tiers. If a crew member gets sick you can replace them quickly but not an actor. If one of your leads gets sick it can halt production for weeks which would be a major blow for production. You now have to adjust line items on your budget to cover those complainant expenses. Here are a few take a ways from my initial conversation with SAG.
SAG Regulations
Zone A (crew and cast who are in close proximity) need to be test three times a week.
Zone B (crew who doesn’t interact with the majority of cast/crew) once a week
At the time of the call they are only allowing PTR testing which is expensive
Proper ventilation on set
A Covid Compliance Officer (could be a certified onset medic or certified producer)
A SAG field rep may visit your set to insure compliance
In March we wrapped on our horror pilot a few days before our city/state lockdown. I’m in South Texas. It wasn’t until July when the Texas Film Commission and the Governor allowed us to get back on set. Since then I’ve worked on episode two for a horror series, a music video, and an untitled show. All nonunion productions. But we played it safe by following protocol. Making our own sanitation station, checking temperatures, and practicing social distance. Just be smart and conscience.
I’ve worked with SAG on Ultra Low Budgets numerous times but I have not worked with SAG since the pandemic. I’ve been staying informed and I contacted the SAG office for more info. It is the responsibility of every producer to insure the safety of the cast & crew.
There is a huge demand for film content and business needs to move forward. So find the opportunity to lockdown funding for your film projects. If I can be of any service by offering my film business plan package or consultation don’t hesitate to contact me!
THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
SAG Resource Page
https://www.sagaftra.org/news-events/news/covid-19
Film Unions Return to Work Agreement (60 pages)
