Video Production in the New Norm
[Back 2 Shoot in Phase 2 Edition]
Hey Arkies!
In Singapore, we’ve been out of Circuit Breaker (Lockdown mode) and in Phase 2 for a few weeks now. IMDA - Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority - has allowed many media companies to resume video production activities in this Phase. That means, we are back in the world of STUDIO & LOCATION SHOOTS!
At ARKCHETYPE, we’ve been busy little elves again - in the studio and on-location for both video and photography! We also found ourselves responding to the same couple of questions:
Can shoot really go on?
Are there any restrictions to how many people that can be on set?
If there are, how many people are allowed?
Are we flouting any rules? What documents do we need?
Will anyone be placed at risk?
Going on shoots is not the same as it used to be. And many questions naturally arise, especially in the current climate that is filled with uncertainty.
But we don’t have to be afraid as long as we are informed, aware and know exactly what to do.
So, in the spirit of sharing, let’s tackle the question marks one at a time so that we are all well-equipped when preparing for a video shoot!
[Disclaimer: The information listed below is most accurate for shoots in Singapore, at the time of release of this article. Regulations & Protocols for different countries and regions may differ due to local practices, guidelines and requirements.]
Number 1: The shoot can go on!
(with specific numbers of people on set)
For most production activities, IMDA rules that there can be no more than 30 people allowed on set. And within these 30 people, there can be no more than 10 on-screen talents who are unmasked.
Here is an example to make this clearer:
You are on the set of a beauty shoot that involves stakeholders, crew, and models who will be on camera.
If your video features 5 models - unmasked and on camera, you can have up to 25 masked stakeholders and crew members in the same location.
But take note - if you have talents that are going to be singing on set, only 5 onscreen singing talents are allowed out of the total of 30 people. The singers must also maintain a safe distance of 2 meters from one another.
“What if I’m making something that needs a much bigger crew?”
Fret not, if you are shooting for a type of video that requires and involves more people on set, such as:
Broadcast Programmes
TV Commercials
Documentaries
Feature Films
and
Short Narratives
IMDA allows up to a maximum of 50 people on set, with no more than 20 on-screen talents who are unmasked.
This means that if your epic drama shoot involves 15 actors - unmasked and on camera, then there can be up to 35 stakeholders and crew members who are masked.
Number 2: Have all necessary official documentation on hand.
When you are purchasing alcohol, you know that you are over the age of 21 and are able to legally purchase the bottle in your hand. But not everyone - including the cashier, may know of this fact. So just to be safe, you bring your Identification Card.
The same applies to going on a shoot. We may know that we are legally allowed to be on the shoot, but not everyone who sees from afar may be aware. So just to be safe, we bring our documents along.
Specific documents good to have on hand include:
Company’s proof of registration with IMDA for operation of production projects in Phase 2
IMDA’s Mandatory Safety Rules for the Resumption of Content Production
Having these documents prepared can not only act as proof to justify your team’s presence in the location, it could also provide reassurance to those involved in the shoot - creating a comfortable environment with minimised anxiety.
Number 3: Safe entry & temperature taking.
In Singapore, whether we go to the supermarket, the mall, or even to an office, checking in by scanning the Safe Entry QR code and having our temperatures taken is a must-do process to aid contact tracing.
The same goes for shoot locations. So be sure to apply for a Safe Entry QR code for every separate location. Have it printed and placed in clear, visible positions so that nobody will miss it. Ensure that every person who steps foot into the shoot location scans the code and checks in.
Afterwards, have their temperatures taken with a reliable touchless thermometer, and record it against their names. Remember to take everyone’s temperatures a second time halfway during the shoot for accuracy.
On one of our most recent video production in Singapore shoots here at Arkchetype, one person from the team was designated with the responsibility of reminding everyone to check in, taking and recording temperatures.
A shoot can be a rather busy event where every person has to be focused on their task at hand while following a given schedule. In the midst of the madness, having someone oversee all safety procedures provides a sense of comfort and reliability, setting the team’s hearts at ease, allowing everyone to fully focus on giving their best in their various vocations.
Number 4: Be mindful of food & beverages.
The rule of thumb: NO SHARING!
Catered buffets, no matter how awesome they can be, are not allowed on sets at this time. Have individually packed food and beverages to prevent contamination. When planning for meals, go for individual lunch boxes and bottled drinks OVER shared platters and self-poured drinks AT ANY TIME.
Ensure that no leftover food or drinks are left unattended, and that each person disposes of their own food waste. This plays an important role in ensuring everyone’s safety on set.
Prior to the scheduled meal times, remind everyone to wash their hands before tucking in as they would have been in contact with various items - be it equipment, wardrobe, make up, papers, or props. Having hand sanitizers at the ready also helps this process!
Number 5: Have spare PPE.
Everyone involved in the shoot comes wearing their own masks.
But there are chances that someone’s mask may tear or become soiled! Mask straps can become loose or even snap apart - if we are not prepared, someone would have to stop work and run a mile to find and buy new masks, possibly disrupting the shoot.
Have spare personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields, gloves ready for any unforeseen circumstances. Being prepared - goes a long long way.
That sums up the list of regulations, and what to look out for when going Back 2 Shoot in Phase 2! We hope this helped to address most of the uncertainties around being back in production, and feel free to share this information with your colleagues / friends / family who may be curious to find out too.
But one last question may still remain in your minds -
What about shoots happening abroad?
Do we have to consider the 2 weeks of quarantine if we fly to the other country?
Multi-region video productions is one of our ‘Signature Dishes’ at Arkchetype! We have already encountered instances during this pandemic where shoots had to be held abroad - in Hong Kong, and in Korea. But the team was not placed under 2 weeks of quarantine after the shoot was over.
Our secret is - to shoot remotely. Thanks to the wonders of technology, safely communicating via a system of online channels keeps everyone involved in real time, safe in the confines of their own countries (& sometimes.. homes!)
Stay tuned for more detailed content on Remote Shoots coming soon.. right here in this space!
