European Film and Television Production Protocols for Resuming Work

Film and television production in Europe is slowly easing itself back on track.  As the industry begins to resume, adjustments must be made to keep filming safe so that everyone can proceed with confidence. Though location news crews, documentaries, and a limited number of commercials have never halted production entirely, narrative “high-end” film and television has been, for the most part, on hold.  The coordination and scheduling of actors and the production team is much more complex in many aspects of production working around mandatory precautions due to Covid-19. 

The European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN) has a compilation of production safety rules and protocols for 20 different countries available on their website.  All were gleaned from the various film institutions of the different countries developing their safety measures throughout these months of the pandemic.  Though some countries may vary slightly in their protocols and procedures, all address detailed safe practices for cast, crew, and creatives which include testing on set, distancing standards, crew sizes, makeup practices, as well as others.  EUFCN states that “each filming is different, specific risk-based measures need to be established prior to the start of activities.”  Their “Ten Commandments of Safe Filming” is also available providing General recommendations and basic safety measures for film and television productions.

Iceland is Open for Business

The Location Guide interviewed Iceland’s Film Commissioner Einar Hansen Tómasson last May, who said they were currently shooting two major productions, as well as commercials, and were open to international producers and filmmakers.  The production team, crew, and actors can apply for a special exemption to the 14-day quarantine, which allows them to serve the two-week period by complying to strict safety procedures, basically allowing them to start work on set immediately. “Getting used to a new routine, is key,” he said.  


UK Production
The British Film Commission (BFC) has published a comprehensive set of guidelines that cover working safely in Film and “High-End” television production.  It was developed in consultation with government, crew representatives, industry bodies, unions as well as health and safety representatives.  Also available is a Covid-19 Guidance for Location Filming in London developed by FILM London, with partners BFI and GAMES London.    

Boomerang carnets® is open for business and we have been issuing ATA Carnets throughout these many past months.  The ATA Carnet is one of the tools that can open the door toward taking full advantage of international production.  The ATA Carnet is an internationally accepted customs document for the temporary import/export of equipment, goods, and merchandise, offering you considerable savings. We value our customers and want you to know we are here to assist you.  Call us or visit our website.