1:02 pm PST 1/12/2021
in
Etan Vlessing
Cameras running locally on Netflix’s ‘Locke & Key’ and Apple TV + ‘See’ are still allowed, as the province declares a state of emergency.
Ontario has decided to leave Hollywood films and TV sessions in local studios untouched, while the province declares a state of emergency amid a resurgent coronavirus outbreak.
“As additional blocking measures were announced by Premier (Doug) Ford today on January 12, film and television productions and post-production projects will continue to operate without changes to the previously reported guidelines presented in the ongoing province-wide shutdown , “said the Toronto Film Office in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
On Tuesday, Ontario’s premier Ford outlined more stringent measures to reduce the rise in the COVID-19 infection rate across the province, Canada’s largest media market. Film studios in Ontario were allowed to remain open, with restrictions such as a limit of 10 artists and no studio audience remaining on site.
This limit does not apply to the number of team members, stunt doubles, stunt coordinators and substitutes currently allowed on an Ontario film set, as long as they wear masks and can safely distance themselves physically.
In addition, singers and musicians who play wind instruments must be separated by acrylic barriers. The most recent measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on film sets occur when Ontario imposes an order to stay at home on the general community for 28 days, with exceptions only for those who do essential jobs or shop for groceries.
“Guys, there will soon be some really dark days ahead, some turbulent waters, but let’s get over it,” Prime Minister Ford told a news conference when he warned of the rise in cases of COVID-19 and hospitals threatened with being overwhelmed in February .
Despite the rise in cases of COVID-19 infection, Hollywood production in Ontario has returned to pre-pandemic activity levels, as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and new US streaming services launch new originals to compete with traditional players like Disney, HBO, NBC and CBS also support new streaming platforms.
The latest announcement on security measures for film sets in the province follows Ontario health advisers, recommending a tightening of restrictions to the critical points of COVID-19, which includes Toronto and southern Ontario, where the number of cases of virus is increasing.
The reopening of Hollywood production in and around Toronto after the holiday hiatus is expected to take longer and not accelerate until mid-January, as major studios and streamers influence the current case and travel return quarantine requirements.
“In general, production return dates were pre-planned in December. Long breaks after the holiday were considered prudently before the holidays in an effort to keep the sets safe, “said Ontario Film Commissioner Justin Cutler THR.
“Many productions also counted the break, as the Ontario teams have worked around the clock since late summer and fall. Some productions have decided to pause and recalibrate to the new limitation of 10 people on set as part of their health protocols and security, “added Cutler.