COVID-19 SAFETY AND RE-OPENING IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
***Please note that ongoing updates will be provided here as more information is received. The Pittsburgh Film Office believes the […]
POSTED ON: August 31, 2020COVID-19 SAFETY AND RE-OPENING IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
***Please note that ongoing updates will be provided here as more information is received.
The Pittsburgh Film Office believes the highest priority to maintain our state’s film industry amid the COVID-19 Pandemic is the safety of the Pittsburgh region’s filmmakers, crew members, talent, vendors, location owners, and communities. In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s three-phased approach to safely reopen the economy, we will be following the PA Health Department, the CDC, and the film industry union guidelines. In addition, the Pittsburgh Film Office is releasing additional related resources for filmmakers, to allow for a safe return to work with our local crew.
As of Friday, June 5, 2020, Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Greene County, Somerset County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County will open in the Green/Phase Three of a three-phased approach to re-open the Pennsylvania economy.
The Pennsylvania Plan for Reopening:
This statewide plan is:
- Based on scientific modeling from public health experts and Carnegie Mellon University.
- Intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- Intended to protect Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens from the threat of COVID-19.
- Intended for businesses and individuals to utilize in conjunction with guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR FILM PRODUCTION
Guilds, Unions, Companies, and Studios will have safety procedures created with the working environment and scope of a film, television, or commercial production in mind, and may be more restrictive than the state-wide plan. As film productions make decisions about operations while the pandemic persists, they may consider incorporating suggestions from multiple sources. The following documents included below are examples of what the Pittsburgh Film Office believes to be strong direction in maintaining a safe working environment in the film industry. We aim to share the most comprehensive guidelines available to bring back a thriving and healthy film industry in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Guidelines by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers: Industry-Wide Labor Management Safety Committee Task Force
Guidelines by Camelot Communications: suggested for commercial filming
Guidelines by SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and TEAMSTERS
The following information has been provided to the Pittsburgh Film Office:
Filming would fall under NAICS 512110 – motion picture and video production which is defined as: industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in producing, or producing and distributing motion pictures, videos, television programs, or television commercials.
On the Governor’s Life Sustaining Business list, they would fall under NAICS 512110: DCED List of Life-Sustaining Businesses
- RED/Phase One: No filming
- YELLOW/Phase Two: Some filming allowed if attached guidelines are followed
- GREEN/Phase Three: filming allowed while following the PA Health Department, CDC, and film industry guidelines
FILMS & EVENTS PERMITTING
For the latest information on film permitting in the Southwestern PA region, and guidance on permitting, please contact the PITTSBURGH FILM OFFICE by email at [email protected] or telephone, 412-261-2744. You many also visit our permits page on the Pittsburgh Film Office website.
The following counties are in the GREEN/Phase Three:
Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Somerset County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19 IN PENNSYLVANIA AND THE PITTSBURGH REGION
Updates on COVID-19 from the Mayor of Pittsburgh
Further information on Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 cases can be found on:
Pennsylvania Health Department
Allegheny County Health Department
LOCAL RESOURCES FOR COVID-19 TESTING
UPMC Testing
COVID-19 Test Site Finder
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS + SELF-QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS
For the latest information on travel guidelines from the CDC
SOCIAL DISTANCING + PERSONAL PRACTICES
Pittsburgh Film Office strongly encourages each production to continually check the CDC’s recommendations for personal practices and social distancing.
As a note, groups of people who share a space within a building in the ordinary course of operations, such as in an office building, classroom, production floor or similar regularly occurring operation of a business or organization, are not “events or gatherings.”
We understand how difficult these uncertain times have been for you are your families and how eager you are to return to work. We are here to support you and are looking forward to film production resuming in our region!
We hope all filmmakers will follow the health guidelines we have shared to keep our local film industry healthy and working. Our office will continue sharing health information and filming guidelines as they become available on our website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Pittsburgh Film Office by email, [email protected] or by telephone, 412-261-2744.
Additional Links:
Pitch-Burgh: The Screening!
The Pittsburgh Film Office and Pittsburgh Film and Media Educators Alliance are excited to present the virtual event, PITCH-BURGH – […]
POSTED ON: August 18, 2020 Pitch-Burgh: The Screening!
The Pittsburgh Film Office and Pittsburgh Film and Media Educators Alliance are excited to present the virtual event, PITCH-BURGH – THE SCREENING, Friday September 18th at 5pm via Zoom Meeting!
Please join us to view a selection of student works created this year! As a follow-up to the successful Pitch-Burgh event at the beginning of the year, Pitch-Burgh The Screening gives students from different universities in the Pittsburgh area the opportunity to come together and showcase their completed projects. Come join in and hear their experiences and stories from creating their films! Kevin Smith of the University of Pittsburgh will be hosting the event and leading the discussion. The Zoom call will begin at 5:00pm on Friday, September 18th.
Pitch-Burgh – The Screening
Friday, September 18th, 2020
5:00pm
Hosted by Kevin Smith, Screenwriter and Director of Undergraduate Studies – Broadcasting and Senior Lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh
Join the Screening on Zoom
https://pitt.zoom.us/j/96617911621
Meeting ID: 966 1791 1621
Please RSVP to [email protected] for the passcode to join in! The meeting is passcode protected and you will need it to join the call.
Films:
“Perception” – Kayla Lukitsch
“A Role to Play” – Matthew Knight
“Cheers COVID-19: Boxing Rage” – Derrick Ostolaza
“House Fly” – Sarah Gabany
“Stand Above the Hate” – Timante’ Morris
“Shortest of Stories” – Jennifer Springel
“Fear the Outside” – CCAC Students
“The Social Distance Film” – CCAC Students
“A Gentleman” – Amina Hawes
Filmed in Pittsburgh: ‘An American Pickle’ is on HBO Max Today!
An immigrant worker at a pickle factory is accidentally preserved for 100 years and wakes up in modern day Brooklyn. […]
POSTED ON: August 6, 2020 Filmed in Pittsburgh: ‘An American Pickle’ is on HBO Max Today!
An immigrant worker at a pickle factory is accidentally preserved for 100 years and wakes up in modern day Brooklyn.
COVID-19 Mobile Testing | Concierge testing services
R J Lee Group: Carl W Pro, PMP RMP Director, Strategic Business Development and Project Management 724.325.1776 Office 724.387.1965 Direct […]
POSTED ON: July 15, 2020COVID-19 Mobile Testing | Concierge testing services
R J Lee Group:
Carl W Pro, PMP RMP
Director, Strategic Business Development and Project Management
724.325.1776 Office
724.387.1965 Direct
412.452.1429 Mobile
RJ Lee Group is a Pittsburgh based company offering mobile/onsite testing
Total Wellness:
Megan Potter
National Account Executive
402.548.4282 Direct
888.434.4358 x138 Office
Total Wellness is a national company that uses local resources for on-site testing
Pittsburgh Fashion Week Film Festival
Are you a filmmaker that loves fashion? From Pittsburgh Fashion week: “We are planning to bring together fashion and film […]
POSTED ON: July 8, 2020 Pittsburgh Fashion Week Film Festival
Are you a filmmaker that loves fashion?
From Pittsburgh Fashion week: “We are planning to bring together fashion and film for the first annual Pittsburgh Fashion Week film festival. We know there are countless independent filmmakers in Pittsburgh and across the country capable of producing quality productions that are always looking for opportunities to showcase their ability.
According to John Valentine, Downtown CDC Executive Director, “We believe this project fits into one of our goals, which is, making Pittsburgh a national and then hopefully an international fashion city.” In line with that goal, this festival will also have a special award that will honor a film entered in the festival.
This all-inclusive event will be an entrance to a place that can offer perspectives communicated through a fashion film festival.”
More Info: https://www.pghfw.com/2020-lineup
SAG-AFTRA COVID-19 Safety Protocols | June 2020
*View our full page on COVID-19 and filming here: https://www.pghfilm.org/june-8-2020-pittsburgh-film-office-re-opening-in-southwestern-pennsylvania/ ‘The Safe Way Forward’ Joint Report from the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, […]
POSTED ON: July 7, 2020SAG-AFTRA COVID-19 Safety Protocols | June 2020
*View our full page on COVID-19 and filming here: https://www.pghfilm.org/june-8-2020-pittsburgh-film-office-re-opening-in-southwestern-pennsylvania/
‘The Safe Way Forward’ Joint Report from the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and Teamsters on COVID-19 Safety Guidelines to Provide Safe Workplaces in a Pre-Vaccine World
Detailed Protocols Grounded in Latest Science From Foremost Epidemiologists and Experts
Los Angeles — In the next major step toward the resumption of film and television production, the Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and the Basic Crafts, and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) today released “The Safe Way Forward,” a Multi-Union Report on Covid-19 Safety Guidelines. The Guidelines set forth a detailed set of science-based protocols serving as a path for Employers to uphold their responsibility of providing safe workplaces in a pre-vaccine, Covid-19 world. The Guidelines serve as an essential and necessary element of a return to work for the Unions and Guilds representing film and television casts and crews.
Developed jointly by the Unions and Guilds in consultation with leading epidemiologists and experts, the Guidelines are a follow-up to the Industry White Paper recently delivered to the Governors of New York and California, and other state governments. While the White Paper offered a foundation for the appropriate state agencies to examine the resumption of production, and provides guidance Employers must follow to provide a safe working environment, it expressly contemplated that specific protocols regarding mandatory testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and department-specific procedures would be the subject of further discussions and agreement between the producers and the unions. Today’s Guidelines announced by the Unions and Guilds set forth key components of those detailed protocols.
The Unions and Guilds worked in close coordination with one another as they consulted with an array of experts ranging from preeminent epidemiologists and scientists to risk analysts and specialists in public health and occupational health and safety. By delving into up-to-the minute medical expertise, the science of Covid-19 transmission, and the unique risk factors their members would be confronted with in the production environment, the group developed tailored protocols to protect cast and crew. A central focus is the protection of performers, who are among the most vulnerable on set given they are not always able to observe physical distancing or wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when cameras are rolling.
Testing is the Key to the Resumption of Production
The Unions and Guilds quickly determined that a comprehensive, mandatory testing regimen would need to be the cornerstone of a safe return to production in a pre-vaccine landscape. Without testing, the entire cast and crew would be working in an environment of unknown risk. Confirmed cases would be determined days after people have been shedding the virus – potentially endangering the health of cast and crew members. Moreover, they could lead to the quarantining of others on set, and should those individuals include a key actor or director, to production delays or even a production shutdown. Not to mention the public health implications associated with cast and crew members interacting with the public and going home to their families.
Testing Frequency and the Zone System
The Guidelines lay out that:
- Every member of the cast and crew be tested for active Covid-19 infection before their first day of work to ensure they are not shedding the virus. Cast and crew members will then be subject to regular testing protocols during the course of their work on the production.
- Given that performers are uniquely vulnerable for the reasons described above, the Guidelines require a higher testing frequency of at least three times a week at minimum for them as well as those with whom they come into close contact.
- Individuals who work in areas like the production office – where physical distancing and PPE can be utilized – can be tested less frequently, at a minimum of once a week. Other variables impacting testing frequency include the prevalence of the virus in a given community, and the rate that the infection is being spread.
In order to ensure these different sections of the production environment are tightly controlled, the Guidelines require the implementation of a specialized “Zone” system laying out barriers within which those on set can flow based on proximity to cast, level of testing, PPE and the extent to which physical distancing can be observed in the performance of their work. Cast and those with whom they come into frequent contact would be grouped in Zone A, while other individuals on set would be grouped in Zone B. The Zone system is the structure and foundation around which all on-set Covid-19 safety decisions should be engineered. A detailed tour of the inner-workings of the Zone system is included in the Guidelines.
New Health and Safety On-Set Positions
To execute testing and the Zone System, the Guidelines require the creation and staffing of two new positions/departments with authority to oversee the production to ensure the Guidelines are being followed, and to take immediate action to correct any unsafe practices or conditions:
- A Health Safety Supervisor (HSS) (referred to in the Industry White Paper as the “Covid-19 Compliance Officer”) would be in charge of the testing process, hire and coordinate the necessary Covid-19 medical staff, and be responsible for related health safety for the production. The HSS has the authority to pause the production in event that a breach threatens the health of the cast or the crew.
- There would also be a Health Safety Department, with a Manager and staff. The Health Safety Unit Manager (HSM) would oversee the execution of HSS directives in conjunction with the directors’ team, and other relevant department heads.
The full set of Guidelines, and a listing of the experts consulted by the Unions and Guilds, can be found here. The document will be updated with further specific safety protocols from IATSE locals, SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters and the Basic Craft Unions as they are developed.
Thomas Schlamme, President, Directors Guild of America
“Safely getting back to our work of storytelling, and reuniting with our creative community is at the top of all our minds. But in these fast-changing times amid such a complicated virus, figuring out how to get that done right was no easy task. We knew the only way forward was to consult with leading medical experts and let science guide us to the right approach for our unique work environments. It was only through that Herculean process, and our close coordination with our sister guilds and unions, that we were able to develop the most effective solutions to keep all of our members safe. At the DGA, this was many weeks of hard work and we are eternally indebted to our Covid-19 Safety Committee led by Steven Soderbergh who so intimately understands the complex issues at hand. Through the dedication of everyone involved, we are all that much closer to being able to get back to telling stories together.”
Gabrielle Carteris, President, Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
“We’re pleased to share this crucial report which includes meaningful protocols and requirements for a safer return to work. We commend each of our union and guild partners for their diligence, determination and hard work throughout this collaborative and productive process. The report reflects our shared goal of ensuring the safest possible return to production for all of our members throughout the entertainment and media industry.”
Matthew D. Loeb, International President, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
“These steps are key in our efforts to safely reopen the Motion Picture and Television Production Industry, and they would not have been possible without the collaboration between the other guilds and unions. We look forward to continuing to work with the industry and our local unions on getting our members back to work the right way.”
Thomas J. O’Donnell
Director, Teamsters Motion Picture & Theatrical Trade Division
Steve Dayan
Chairman of the Hollywood Basic Crafts Unions
“On behalf of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Hollywood Basic Crafts Unions, we are grateful for the collective and collaborative process that took place between all of our Sister Guilds and Unions, in developing these guidelines. We will be continuing discussions with our Members and committees to finalize our own internal protocols and procedures that will best support our Members within all of the classifications we represent, in order to bring our Members safely back to work.”
Free Screenwriting Class: “Gags” & Aha! Moments
ANATOMY OF A MOVIE What was the screenwriter thinking? ~ a unique way to learn a unique craft “Gags” & […]
POSTED ON: May 28, 2020Free Screenwriting Class: “Gags” & Aha! Moments
ANATOMY OF A MOVIE
What was the screenwriter thinking? ~ a unique way to learn a unique craft
“Gags” & Aha! Moments
Most of the screenwriting process takes place away from a keyboard and desk. The story, the situations, character introductions, subplots, story points, setups & payoffs, “gags,” transitions, edits, “slug lines”, etc. are all thought about long before the writer downloads screenwriting software onto their computer. Many times—if not most—the ending is known before the beginning is.
There are numerous things a writer of a screenplay must think about when building their story. “Gags” and Aha! Moments are just two of them.
We will be using technology to show you a video with clips from well known—and some not-so-well known—movies to give examples of Gags and Aha! Moments. (A gag doesn’t need to be humorous—but adds greatly to our “friendship” with a character.)
This is the second Anatomy of a Movie presentation using Zoom. It’s not the future—it’s the “now.”
There is nothing harder to write than a motion picture screenplay. The writer can’t use the First Person or the Third Person to explain what is going on. There is a limited range for the length. It is a format unique to itself.
But if you can “train your brain” to think the way a screenwriter (actually any writer) must, there will be ancillary benefits to your professional and personal lives, and you may be able to write books, articles, business plans, love letters, etc.
No charge. Discounts given to “Fade In” screenwriting software and the “Write Your Script” class.
DATE: SUNDAY JUNE 7TH
TIME: 12 NOON UNTIL 1PM SHARP
VENUE: YOUR LIVING ROOM, DEN, BASEMENT, KITCHEN, PATIO…
(“Ctrl & Click the link below to register. Registration is required.)
REGISTER HERE!!
Submitted by: Ken Kaszak
FREE “ANATOMY OF A MOVIE” CLASS
ANATOMY OF A MOVIE “What was the screenwriter thinking?” a unique way to learn a unique craft SPECIAL EDITION!! SETUPS […]
POSTED ON: April 28, 2020FREE “ANATOMY OF A MOVIE” CLASS
ANATOMY OF A MOVIE
“What was the screenwriter thinking?” a unique way to learn a unique craft
SPECIAL EDITION!!
SETUPS & PAYOFFS
Most of the screenwriting process takes place away from a keyboard and desk. The story, the situations, character introductions, subplots, story points, setups & payoffs, “gags,” transitions, edits, “slug lines”, etc. are all thought about long before the writer downloads screenwriting software onto their computer. Many times—if not most—the ending is known before the beginning is.
There are numerous things a writer of a screenplay must think about when building their story. Setups and Payoffs are one of the most important (think of an out-of-shape Rocky struggling up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (the Setup) and then flying up those steps later in fighting shape (the Payoff) .
We will be using technology to show you a video with clips from well known—and some not-so-well known—movies to give examples of Setups and Payoffs.
This is the first Anatomy of a Movie presentation using Zoom. It’s not the future—it’s the “now.”
There is nothing harder to write than a motion picture screenplay. The writer can’t use the First Person or the Third Person to explain what is going on. There is a limited range for the length. It is a format unique to itself.
But if you can “train your brain” to think the way a screenwriter (actually any writer) must, there will be ancillary benefits to your professional and personal lives, and you may be able to write books, articles, business plans, love letters, etc.
No charge. Discounts given to “Fade In” screenwriting software and the “Write Your Script” class.
DATE: SUNDAY MAY 3RD
TIME: HIGH NOON (also the title of a great movie)
VENUE: YOUR LIVING ROOM, DEN, BASEMENT, KITCHEN, PORCH…
(“Ctrl & Click the link below to register. Registration is limited)
https://us04web.zoom.us/meeting/register/upAvcu6uqTIvHNQYARLjV3MQ5T44U0T7sfMM
(shared by Ken Kaszak)
Entertainment Partners: Free Production Accountant Courses
eLearning Academy Production Accountant 101 Certification Courses Get in-depth courses focusing on industry tools and techniques related to film and television […]
POSTED ON: April 27, 2020Entertainment Partners: Free Production Accountant Courses
eLearning Academy
Production Accountant 101 Certification Courses
Get in-depth courses focusing on industry tools and techniques related to film and television production back office functions, beginning with the Production Accountant series.
The first 2-series course began Thursday, April 2, but it’s not too late to join and catch-up online! Currently available courses include:
- Production Accounting 101 (a $649 value)
- SmartAccounting 101 (a $199 value)
Courses are FREE for freelancers and available through Friday, May 15, 2020. Register at my.ep.com.
4/24 @ 2:00 PM | MPA FILM SCHOOL FRIDAY
School is back in session! The Motion Picture Association invites you to join the first virtual Film School Friday Heroes, […]
POSTED ON: April 24, 20204/24 @ 2:00 PM | MPA FILM SCHOOL FRIDAY
School is back in session! The Motion Picture Association invites you to join the first virtual Film School Friday
Heroes, Villains, and Everything In-Between: Behind the Scenes of Hit Film and TV Shows, will feature creative industry leaders who have worked on shows including Star Trek, Game of Thrones, Watchmen etc.
Please see the below details for more information. We hope you’ll be able to tune in!
Friday, April 24, 2020
2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)
To RSVP: Visit the Motion Picture Association’s Facebook Event Page
Join the Conversation: #FilmSchoolFriday | @MotionPictures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram