Breaking News
As Los Angeles Restarts TV and Film Production; Safety Protocols For Scenes, Studios, and Audiences Revealed
Today, Los Angeles County can begin film and television production under the guidelines and regulations set forth during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
The news of the restart comes with some harsh news that on Thursday, L.A. County’s Department of Public Health reported 1,857 new confirmed coronavirus cases. However, while it was the largest single-day number of new cases announced by the county during the pandemic, health officials said about 600 of those cases were the result of a backlog in the reporting of test results. As well, the city of Long Beach and Pasadena, have their own health departments, combined to confirm an additional 84 cases. That gave the county 1,941 new confirmed cases.
In a statement from Universal Filmed Entertainment Group Chairman Donna Langley who was part of the Entertainment Industry Task Force on the protocols, she expressed on Thursday:“Today’s release of safety protocols for film and television production marks a significant step in getting our industry back to work in Los Angeles County. On behalf of all us at NBCUniversal, we thank the County Board of Supervisors and Mayor Garcetti for their continued commitment to the economic recovery of our region, and the County Public Health Department for their tireless efforts to help protect the health of our community. Teams across the Studios, production companies, guilds, and unions in every facet of our business have shown, and will continue to show, innovation and creativity in bringing film, television and digital production safely back to Los Angeles.”
In terms of your favorite soaps returning and what they may look like when production does begin again, here is what we know thus far via Deadline.
As to what rules and regulations performers, crew, producers and show would have to follow; some of these are noted below:
– All shared clothing, wigs, prosthetics and equipment must be disinfected before reuse.
– In offices and editing areas, workstations much be at least 6 feet apart.
– Breaks must be staggered to allow for social distancing, and they must be frequent to allow for hand washing.
– Eating is prohibited anywhere beyond designated areas to ensure cast and crew wear masks as much as possible.
– Each worker should have their own tools (and not share them) whenever possible.
– Date, time and participants in all production sessions must be recorded to allow for contact tracing.
– Productions requiring audiences must sit those in attendance at least 6 feet apart.
– Where possible, all workspaces shall have one-directional traffic to limit close contact.
– Production units or meetings should be broken down into the smallest feasible groups.
– All scripts, contracts or music sheets should be shared digitally or individually assigned to each worker.
– Sets, production spaces and the entire facility must be cleaned daily, with restrooms and other high traffic areas cleaned more frequently.
– All trucks and other vehicles must de disinfected after each use.
Photo: JPI
In terms of the shooting of scenes”
– Health checks for all vendors and employees when they arrive on set
– All cast must wash and sanitize their hands before each scene and not touch their face.
– Large crowd scenes should be avoided.
– All location filming must occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., whenever possible.
– All cast and crew should stay on location during filming, even during breaks.
– Locations should be completely secure to prevent public access.
– In permitting, productions that consist of entirely virtual/remote filming and recording should be prioritized when possible.
– Small closed indoor spaces without proper ventilation should not be used.
– Hands-on assistance with wardrobe, hair and makeup should only be provided when cast cannot do it themselves.
– Cast and crew involved must sanitize their hands before each hands-on styling or wardrobe session.
– Actors should stay as silent as possible during the application of makeup.
As for food and drinks on set:
– No buffets.
– No communal beverage service, such as coffee pots
– All cast and crew must sanitize their hands before eating.
– Any foot brought in by individuals must be labeled and not shared.
– If water is served from communal dispensers, the levers and buttons by which they operate must be cleaned after each use.
As for size of studio audiences:
– Studio audience members can include paid staff, and must be seated at least 6 feet from each other and wear face coverings whenever feasible. Audiences should be limited to 100 people or 25 percent of the maximum occupancy of the space (whichever is smaller).
So what do you think The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, General Hospital and Days of our Lives might look like in scenes under these COVID-19 guidelines? Comment below.
25
How are they going to act out Love scenes.? .
My grandmother thinks the producers will go back to some of the rules put in place by the Hays Commission. For example: no two people sharing the same bed, no two people kissing at all and so forth.
hi Elsie –
that is a good thing..
Soap love/sex scenes are really bad, I mean really bad..
those scenes are more-so comic than gooey.
not sexy, nope, just so not right..
best not having sex scenes iiissshhh bad..
Will be like Hogan’s Heroes!
They are not!
It can be done, but will require more work and protocols. I think scripts may have to be reworked and camera angles to make us think actors are closer than they are.
This is going to make soaps look extremely different. Think about how many love scenes there are, and then double that for how many scenes include characters just hugging, sitting at the same table, shaking hands, making arrests, etc. I wonder if these new guidelines will force soaps to write-in a pandemic storyline in order to explain the change in behaviour.
Hopefully, the make-up dept will be out.
And we can finally see the [real] and not the phoney person.
they/actors have become quite phoney especially age-wise.
I noticed; Michael from Y&R during an online broadcast
he looked his age- with thinning grey hair
it was the 1st time he looked real without that dead racoon on his head..
and the same goes for others / be your age!!!
they All looked great being themselves online during the lockdown.
And- Maurice/Sonny- he also looked stud with his thinning grey hair..
I prefer the real deal, not the phoney looking.
looking forward to the return !
SuOOO
I tend to agree with you but a lot of people dont want to see the real thing. They want the actors made up, looking young and more romantic, so to speak.
I did see Michael, so I know what you mean there. Except for the younger actors, I bet Victor is the only one we see who looks the same in real life as he does in feel life.
These soaps are D.O.A. Just let them RIP. They had a good run.
I agree. How are scenes going to be played out with social distanting and mask wearing still a very necessary part of everyday life. It has been so long since I have watched, that I don’t even know what is going on anymore. They served their purpose. Now I think it is time to move on. And the way I was addicted to both Y&R and B&B, I never thought I would here those words come out of my mouth.
well–
the cameras can do ummmm I’ m call it tricks.
cameras can make things/people seem closer even if further apart.
the actors can be standing 6ft. apart but will appear to be close..
Sounds like the Gestapo will be in charge of getting Soaps started again…..
Sounds like people who care about the health and safety of actors and entertainment technicians are in charge, to me. What good does it do to restart soaps (or any TV or movies) if everyone immediately gets sick? In my state, 1400+ people were newly diagnosed positive yesterday. Better safe than sorry! Stay safe, everyone, and best wishes to the folks in L.A. going back to work so we have entertainment.
Agreed! It is all about money! LA has nothing without the entertainment industry and these fans have NO LIFE.
Grow up and start thinking like a responsible adult! The health of each of the actors and others working on the sets of Soaps is more important than your childish need to see your favorites in romantic scenes all the time.
Would you like it better if everyone employed becomes quite ill? MORON.
Does anyone have any idea about when Y&R is resuming production? I keep reading about B&B but nothing about Y&R.
There will be more communications and dialog s from a distance, which probably good for social distance, not so much for camera view. However, 20 yrs ago filming wasn’t as good as today’s digital process, so it should be a creative way. Interesting to see this play out from fans view. I am glad to take story’s anyway it safe and on network.
Is GH the only show that regularly shoots scenes outdoors? That “park” area on the Prospect lot will probably be used a lot. To save money, shows have heavily relied on restaurant and bar scenes the past few years. That’s likely to change temporarily as the use of extras in background tables is likely discouraged. Sets have gotten smaller in the past decade, but look to the larger ones with multiple segments to get used more. On GH, for example, The hospital hub, Sonny’s living room/patio and the Q foyer/living room allow for distance and more cast to be present… Read more »
They just need to start safe and do the best they can do and if they wanna be like real life then wear masksit wouldn’t bother me
If it comes to that, just cancel them all. It will come down to the decision of the network, ultimitely.
The soaps have been on life support for years. Soaps can not be the same with actors 6 ft apart! Are victor and nikki, Brooke and ridge going to shake hands? May work for GH, they can all just shoot each other.
The best will be the actors doing their own hair and makeup,funny. Now with the BLM movement sponsors will dictate the fate of the shows. Pull the plug already and put us out of or misery, life will go on!
No kissing I hope
And not to mention no more cat fights or good old fashioned slaps in face. What is a soap opera without a catfight or a face slap. I think the soaps should finally go the way of the dinosaur. RIP. It was fun while it lasted. The only thing I want to know is the outcome of Sharon’s cancer surgery
Breaking News
Guiding Light’s Lee Lawson Dead At 81
More loss for the Guiding Light family. Now comes word on Monday that Lee Lawson, who played Bea Reardon on the CBS daytime drama series from 1981-1990, has passed away at 81-years-old.
What makes this all the more heartbreaking is that Guiding Light and soap fans just recently mourned the loss of one of Lee’s on-screen daughter’s Lisa Brown (Ex-Nola Reardon) who died back in November of last year.
According to Lee’s dear friend, Marian-Hailey Moss via Facebook, she shared: “My down-to-earth, sassy smart and beautiful friend LEE LAWSON is telling it like it is in a better place. A fine actress and a super generous friend. I’ll meetcha there LEE!! 1941-2022
“
In addition to her time in Springfield, Lawson also appeared in for a time in 1979 on One Life to Live in the role of Wanda Wolek and started her soap acting career on Love of Life in 1965 in the part of Barbara Sterling.
Lawson also appeared on numerous primetime television shows from Kojak to Maude and many others.
We will share more information as it comes to light on Lee’s passing.
Below check out some scenes between Bea and Nola from Guiding Light.
Share your remembrances of Lee Lawson as Bea Reardon and your condolences in the comment section below.
Breaking News
Tanner Novlan Talks Surprise Return to The Bold and the Beautiful
Breaking News
NATAS Reveals Categories to be Presented at 49th Annual Daytime Emmys and Creative Arts & Lifestyle Ceremonies
On Monday, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced which categories will be presented at the 49th Annual Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle and the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Award ceremonies. Both award shows will be held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.
The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy ceremony will stream live at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on Saturday, June 18 at watch.TheEmmys.tv and via The Emmys apps for iOS, tvOS, Android, FireTV, and Roku. while The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast will be presented live at 9 PM EDT (replay at 9 PM PDT) on Friday, June 24, on the CBS Television Network and streamed on Paramount+.
Check out the alignment of categories for each show and ceremony below.
The 49th Annual Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Categories to be awarded:
Outstanding Culinary Series
Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program
Outstanding Lifestyle Program
Outstanding Travel, Adventure and Nature Program
Outstanding Instructional and How-To Program
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Outstanding Daytime Special
Outstanding Short Form Daytime Program
Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program
Outstanding Daytime Promotional Announcement
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Outstanding Culinary Host
Outstanding Daytime Program Host
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Non-Fiction Program
Outstanding Directing Team for a Single Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program
Outstanding Directing Team for a Multiple Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition
Outstanding Original Song
Outstanding Lighting Direction
Outstanding Technical Team, Camera Work, Video
Outstanding Cinematography
Outstanding Single Camera Editing
Outstanding Multiple Camera Editing
Outstanding Live Sound Mixing and Sound Editing
Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing
Outstanding Main Title and Graphic Design
Outstanding Casting
Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design
Outstanding Costume Design/Styling
Outstanding Hairstyling
Outstanding Makeup
Outstanding Special Effects Costumes, Makeup and Hairstyling
Lifetime Achievement Award: This Old House
Photos: ABC, CBS, NBC, JPI
The 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Friday, June 24, 2022
Categories to be awarded:
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Outstanding Game Show
Outstanding Informative Talk Show
Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Outstanding Younger Performer in a Daytime Drama Series
Outstanding Game Show Host
Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host
Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Aniston
So, what do you think about how NATAS has chosen to give out this year’s gold statuettes? Looking forward to the ceremonies? Comment below.
Guiding Light’s Lee Lawson Dead At 81
Tanner Novlan Talks Surprise Return to The Bold and the Beautiful
NATAS Reveals Categories to be Presented at 49th Annual Daytime Emmys and Creative Arts & Lifestyle Ceremonies
General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to Guest Star on UK Soap EastEnders
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What’s Up With Elizabeth?
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson and Beth Maitland Honored with 40-Year Milestone Celebration (PHOTOS)
GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
As the World Turns Alum Marnie Schulenburg Passes Away at 37
THIS IS US: Goodbyes and Connections; Rebecca Passes Away in Penultimate Episode
GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
DAYS OF OUR LIVES PREVIEW: Peter Reckell Returns as Bo Helps Ciara and Steve in Their Time of Need
GH’s Michael E. Knight Chats On: Taking on the Role of Martin Grey, Friendship with James Patrick Stuart, and All My Children’s Tad
General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
As the World Turns Alum Marnie Schulenburg Passes Away at 37
The Bold and the Beautiful Scores Biggest Audience in Over Two Years
The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy Nominees Talk Reactions, Reels, and Their Co-Stars
Fox Announces Primetime Soap ‘Monarch’ On Fall Schedule
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What’s Up With Elizabeth?
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson and Beth Maitland Honored with 40-Year Milestone Celebration (PHOTOS)
Guiding Light’s Lee Lawson Dead At 81
Tanner Novlan Talks Surprise Return to The Bold and the Beautiful
The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy Nominees Talk Reactions, Reels, and Their Co-Stars
GH’s Michael E. Knight Chats On: Taking on the Role of Martin Grey, Friendship with James Patrick Stuart, and All My Children’s Tad
DAYS OF OUR LIVES PREVIEW: Peter Reckell Returns as Bo Helps Ciara and Steve in Their Time of Need
FRIDAY: Y&R Alum Michael Graziadei Featured in Netflix’s New Series ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’
General Hospital Tapes 15,000th Episode; Featuring Genie Francis with Almost Every Single Cast Member Appearing in It
TONIGHT: General Hospital’s Michael E. Knight Live! – 8 PM ET/5 PM PST
DAYS Daytime Emmy Nominees: Arianne Zucker, James Reynolds, Stacy Haiduk & Lindsay Arnold Chat On Their Reels, Reactions, and Co-Stars
THURSDAY: General Hospital and All My Children Favorite, Michael E. Knight Livestream Interview
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General HospitalMay 19, 2022GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
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Days Of Our LivesMay 14, 2022DAYS OF OUR LIVES PREVIEW: Peter Reckell Returns as Bo Helps Ciara and Steve in Their Time of Need
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General HospitalMay 15, 2022GH’s Michael E. Knight Chats On: Taking on the Role of Martin Grey, Friendship with James Patrick Stuart, and All My Children’s Tad
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General HospitalMay 22, 2022General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
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As The World TurnsMay 18, 2022As the World Turns Alum Marnie Schulenburg Passes Away at 37
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NewsMay 17, 2022The Bold and the Beautiful Scores Biggest Audience in Over Two Years
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InterviewsMay 15, 2022The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy Nominees Talk Reactions, Reels, and Their Co-Stars
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Breaking NewsMay 16, 2022Fox Announces Primetime Soap ‘Monarch’ On Fall Schedule