Films at 59 Covid-19 Operational Update Jan 2021

Happy New Year to all! 

We know it’s been a strange start indeed.  As we continue into Lockdown 3.0, we are “business as 2020 usual” – following government guidelines for a covid-safe environment and living the “hands, face, space” mantra.

Films at 59 are proud to be able to offer our full range of services and at every level we remain dedicated to providing you with a safe environment to fulfil your projects and creative ambition.

With the changes, we have had to adapt our approach since last year.

A majority of staff are now working from home to keep the numbers in the community/building down in order to reduce virus risk.  We are following the UK Screen/Pact regulations (below) which have recommended more strict rules as a result of the new strain.  In short, attendance sessions are still being carefully managed and restricted.

They are only allowed if not technically possible to do so remotely and when attended the numbers have now been strictly reduced by the government to keep the “R” number down.

Therefore, 1 x operator and 1 x client in the session all following “hands, face, space” rules.

We appreciated that the commitment to the industry is evidenced by staff and clients all taking responsibility to ensure safe working practices and following COVID secure workplace rules.  And we appreciate everyone recognising that this policy needs to be a condition of admittance to the facility to keep everyone safe.

We want to reiterate that your health & welfare is key and in this most unusual time,

we are doing all we can to keep everyone safe whilst adapting and delivering.

Please always feel free to contact us with any queries and “stay safe and keep vigilant”!

Sincerely
Gina Fucci: glf@filmsat59.com, George Panayiotou: gp@filmsat59.com or Stuart Dyer: scd@filmsat59.com

UK Screen detailed update as of 11 Jan 2021:

The UK Screen Alliance Guidance for Safe Working in Post-Production & VFX during the Covid-19 Pandemic has been strengthened to account for new government regulations introduced in January 2021 to control a new and more infectious strain of the coronavirus.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden has confirmed that TV and Film production can continue, however, the new restrictions which now have legal force, require people to only leave their homes if they have “reasonable excuse”, under possible penalty of a fine starting at £200 and rising to £6,400 for repeat offenses. People should go to work in sectors that are open if it is “unreasonable” to work from home.

This will require cooperation between post-production companies and their production company clients, as both have responsibilities to minimise the possibility of transmission of the virus and ensure Covid-19 secure working practices are observed by all. If it is necessary for a client to view on the premises (e.g. a projected final theatrical grade or HDR/Dolby Vision review), at the sole discretion of the Company, only the minimal number of people from the production may attend the session to give sign-off, preferably just 1 person. Consider using two rooms to separate operators and clients and conduct the viewing remotely

Version 3.0. of the UK Screen Covid-19 Guidance for Post & VFX can be downloaded here:
https://www.ukscreenalliance.co.uk/campaigns/guidance-for-safe-working-in-post-production-and-vfx-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/