How to safely produce video during a pandemic?

Creating video content during a pandemic is a challenge we never though we would have to figure out. With video being the pre-eminent way of delivering a clear and concise message, the importance of video content right now is high. But how do you produce video content safely, how to create video while socially-distanced and how do we go about minimising the risk to our employees and to others?

Here at VideoWorks, we’ve implemented a rigorous safety policy for filming all videos.

PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT SPREAD OF COVID-19 DURING FILMING

Hand Washing

  • •      Hand washing facilities with soap and water in place wherever possible.
  • •      Stringent hand washing taking place and encouraged.
  • •      See hand washing guidance. https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/publichealth/publichealthdepts/resources/handwashing.pdf
  • •      Gel sanitisers in any area where washing facilities not readily available

 

Cleaning

Frequently cleaning and disinfecting camera equipment, lighting equipment and audio equipment before, after and during shoots.

Social Distancing

Social Distancing -Reducing the number of persons in any work area to comply with the 2-metre gap recommended by the HSE

Taking steps to review work schedules including start & finish times/shift patterns, working from home etc. to reduce number of workers on site at any one time. Also relocating workers to other tasks.

Redesigning processes to ensure social distancing in place.

Conference call filming to be used where possible instead of face to face interviews

Boom microphone to be used instead of tie mics to remove any need for close contact between crew and participants.

Wearing of Gloves

Gloves will be worn by all crew when filming in interior locations or coming in contact with any communal doorways, gates or other objects that require contact.

Wearing of masks

Gloves will be worn by all crew when filming in interior locations or any situation where social distancing rules are compromised or cannot be adhered to.

During the pandemic, we were delighted to be asked by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to assist them in communicating their own Covid strategy and the plans they are putting in place to minimise risk in their area. Their messages have included pedestrian traffic management to encourage social distancing, sharing the arts with people during the Covid-19 restrictions and  encouraging fitness and exercise during a time of social isolation. We’ve been delighted to help share these important messages during this extraordinary time.