Despite rigorous on-set precautions, LA ‘second wave’ surge may lead to (temporary) halts on filming

There’s no secret that the rigorous safety protocols being used on sets have had a positive effect in creating safe working environments for thousands in the film industry. Sadly, in the face of an America that hasn’t performed as well generally, there still may be good reasons for a temporary pause in LA-based filming as the second wave crashes over us. BLAKE & WANG P.A Entertainment Attorney Los Angeles investigate further.

The appeal has come from the overwhelmed Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, urging productions in the Southern California area to consider focusing on low-risk productions or pausing filming for a few weeks. This comes as the area faces a catastrophic surge in ‘second wave’ COVID-19 cases, where hospitals face oxygen and bed shortages. 

This is fully supported by both SAG-AFTRA and the Producer’s Guild, who, in conjunction with key advertisers, have urged that commercial production be put on ice for a few weeks. Most major studios and streamers are, of course, still on production hiatus after the festival season.

This comes, of course, on the heels of copious praise for the way COVID-19 safety has been handed in the movie industry. These vigorous protocols have been largely successful in catching positive coronavirus cases with little-to-no spread on set. Sadly, while the movie industry is doing everything right to keep its people working, L.A and many other North American cities are facing an unprecedented health crisis right now. The DGA and sister unions are working with employers, stating that they're willing to work with any productions who which to extend their filming hiatus over this crisis period.

As always, the industry remains committed to science-based protocols and doing everything possible to keep workers safe on set. While the industry as a whole is keen to keep people working, this temporary pause could contribute significantly to helping LA weather its unprecedented health disaster.