The key part testing has played in the recovery of Georgia’s film industry

 

With Tyler Perry Studios, a cornerstone of the Atlanta studio industry, being among the first production companies in the country to reopen, what’s the secret to their continued ability to work? To date, strict quarantine and rigorous testing. BLAKE & WANG P.A take a closer look. 

The Tyler Perry model has seen mandatory masking and social distancing on set and off, and the creation of a ‘bubble’ that has managed to retain a safe working environment despite several positive screening tests. Other studios have climbed on board with similar plans, no doubt benefited by the boost to testing capacity and speed we’ve seen as medical teams get to grips with the virus. While COVID-19 testing and it’s somewhat invasive nasal swabbing becoming part of our daily lives probably is no one’s idea of a great time, it’s allowed casts and crews to return to work.

Not that it’s made the transition to the ‘new normal’ a smooth ride. Juggling tests- and testing requirements differ between productions and sets- adds extra worry to the day, especially for actors working on multiple sets that could create time conflicts. Actors can, however, claim time spent testing as part of their workday. Background actors are being tested pre-admittance via rapid tests, too, in order to avoid work suspension on set. 

Sets are different under the new normal, too, with masks and shields mandatory and regular hand sanitization intruding on the atmosphere. Yet, much as it’s created admin hassles, it’s also established an atmosphere where actors and crew can feel safe. Many maintain high spirits and keep a sense of humor about it, simply glad to be back at work. With key unions having arrived at a framework of new protocols with major studios to ensure cast and crew stay healthy and shoots keep to schedule, this ‘new normal’ will no doubt come to feel familiar over time, and Georgia should be proud of their part in establishing it.