UK broadcasters unite to develop safe-filming protocol

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 3mo

The UK's major broadcasters join forces to develop a common set of guidelines for safe production of TV shows in the months ahead.

All of the major UK broadcasters have joined forces to develop a set of guidelines to enable productions to go ahead safely in the coming months.

Most productions have been shut down since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has now killed almost 35,000 people in the UK.

A relaxation of government guidelines has paved the way for filming to resume, however, providing that it can be done in a safe manner.

The BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, ITN and others have agreed on a common set of guidelines for production, including limits on the number of people on set, an introduction of "rest areas" and providing mental health support.

"Everyone across the TV industry wants to get production back up and running," said BBC director-general Tony Hall. "Recent weeks have shown just how important shows are to the public. But we can only move forward with the right safety measures in place.

"This guidance is an attempt to get that right. Clearly we will keep it under review. We have, as an industry, already learnt a lot about how we can deliver programmes and we will all put that into practice."

ITV chief exec Carolyn McCall added: "ITV has been at the heart of informing, entertaining and connecting the UK through the COVID-19 crisis. Our production teams are now working hard to bring many more much loved shows back for viewers. This requires really innovative thinking, but above all, the safety and well-being of all those who work on the programmes is paramount."

The new guidelines have the backing of the government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport.