Covid-19 Production Manual
The Yellow Book
Our new production manual - 'The Yellow Book' sets out the detailed measures we advise should be taken by all productions to both operate safely and ensure compliance with the current COVID-19 control restrictions.
Our new production manual - 'The Yellow Book' sets out the detailed measures we advise should be taken by all productions to both operate safely and ensure compliance with the current COVID-19 control restrictions.
The latest edition reflects the easing of restrictions to date and changes to the UK Broadcasters and other guidance. It also includes much of the detail about the practical measures and precautions that we have learnt working with productions as they restart.
These include:
Use of mitigation action where 2m separation is not viable (i.e. 1m plus principle)
Reference to updated Broadcasters guidance
Added information around infection rates and onset of symptoms
Added list of producer's responsibilities to align with broadcasters guidance
Added advice on RIDDOR reporting requirements
Expanded categories of groups, including those with disabilities requiring a specific risk assessment
Additional editorial and mental health considerations
The need for keeping records of who has visited the location/set
Shielding requirements for high risk group removed
Additional advice on action to take if someone displays symptoms
Additional guidance around use of fogging machines
Removal of 'Diagnostic screening section' and replaced with 'Close Contact Work- Isolation and Testing' section
Added law on mass gatherings
Added new section on 'Data Collection' for advice on record keeping, data protection and GDPR
Added link to government advice on Close Contact Services
Added link to NHS Test and Trace service
Additional information on the effectiveness of face masks and use of face coverings
Updated training diagram following release of ScreenSkills basic training package
Removed Work Equipment section due to repetition
Updated UK Government advice on travel into and from UK
Added link to IFTA production guidelines
The Manual has been produced with reference to production groups, including the PSB Broadcasters, PACT, the British Film Council Production Sub-Group, BECTU and to the main guidance from the US, New Zealand and elsewhere overseas.
It has been compiled by our team of experienced production safety consultants and in collaboration with medical, microbiological and occupational health experts.
In particular, the manual mirrors the UK broadcaster’s industry wide guidance and aligns with the BFC film and high-end TV guidance as well as providing the First Option view.
It provides detailed information on how COVID-19 risks should be controlled within specific activities and departments in production.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation and the manual will be updated on a regular basis to as knowledge and best practice develops.
Detailed Protocols
Action to be taken in cases of suspected or actual infection
Art Department, Set Decoration and Graphics
Camera department
Catering and eating arrangements
Children on productions
Cleaning and Disinfection
Construction
Costume/Wardrobe
Creatives and Production
Crowd scenes
Diagnostic Screening
Directors and ADs
Distancing
DIT
Domestic Dwellings
Galleries/OB Vehicles
Grips
Hair & Make Up
Health Declarations
Health Monitoring/Testing during Production
Health Screening and Temperature Testing
Hygiene
Insurance/Liability Considerations
Lighting Technicians
Locations
Meetings/Auditions/Castings/Show & Tells
Offices and Workshops
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Post-Production Houses/Edit Suites/ADR Facilities
Props department
Recces/Technical Scouting
Rest Areas
Scripted Action
Special Effects
Sound department
Studios and Sets
Stunts
Temporary Accommodation
Training and Awareness
Transport and Unit Vehicles
Visual Effects
Work Equipment
