Hollywood’s Covid-19 Protocols Extended Until New Deal Is Reached

Hollywood syndicates have agreed to extend existing Covid-19 safety protocols in the film and television industry until a new agreement is reached with the Film and Television Producers Alliance. Protocols ended on Saturday. The expansion has been accepted by DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, Teamsters and Basic Crafts.

In a joint statement, the unions said: “Negotiations will continue next week to replace the new Covid-19 security agreement, as we have not yet reached an agreement with AMPTP. The protocols of the current agreement, whose deadline is April 30, will continue until a new agreement is reached.

Protocols created in September 2020 made it possible to restore jobs and products during a pandemic. It originally expired on April 30, 2021, but was extended without major changes and included all the provisions of the original agreement, including strict testing regimens, physical distancing, Covid compliance officers, careful use of personal protective equipment, and a “system of zones”. ”. A film that provides close control of different parts of the production based on intimacy with actors who often don’t wear masks or maintain social distancing while working.

As vaccines became widely available, protocols were modified last July to allow manufacturers to “implement a mandatory vaccination policy for regions and teams in Region A, depending on production.” Zone A, where masked players work, is the most restrictive for shooting from safe working areas.

The deadline remained October 31, and the protocols were extended until January 15, with the same authorization for testing, mask, quarantine and vaccine “in accordance with current CDC guidelines”. They continued again until February 13 last month, and then again until April 30.