COVID-19 RESOURCE CENTER FilmLAAugust 9, 2021Production Alerts Last update: November 19 @ 10:30 a.m. LA County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has stated in their most recent update to the Health Officer Order that masks must be worn at all times when indoors in public settings, regardless of an individual’s vaccination status. For productions, this means that when filming interior scenes, all cast and crew must wear a mask except when absolutely necessary to perform a task that cannot feasibly be done while wearing one. For more information, please see the LACDPH Public Health Order on page 5, section 4.h. Previously, and in connection with the State of California’s decision to move into a new reopening phase and retire the former Blueprint for a Safer Economy, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a new health order on June 15, entitled “A Safer Return Together at Work and in the Community” and new Best Practices Guidance for Businesses to Prevent COVID-19. The new health order removes capacity limits, physical distancing requirements and many other previously required safety modifications applicable to local businesses, while encouraging vaccination to protect the community. Protocols specific to film, television, and commercial production, codified as Appendix J, were retired at that time. Much of the filming taking place in Los Angeles continues to be subject to specific, industry-developed workplace safety rules. Those rules remain in effect until renewed and/or replaced. The latest updates from FilmLA on the industry’s return to work are available below. We also invite you to view our list of Frequently Asked Questions, latest update on restart progress, and current list of areas open to filming. TABLE OF CONTENTS Filming Status, by Area of Service Frequently Asked Questions External Resources By order of state and local authorities, on-location filming was completely shut down in the City and County of Los Angeles from March 20 through June 11, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting March 12, filming permissions were dialed back by several jurisdictions in Greater Los Angeles, as described in this timeline of events. On June 5, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that counties throughout the state could begin reopening to film, television and commercial production starting on June 12. Governor Newsom’s decision followed the June 1 release of new Health and Safety Guidelines, prepared by the Industry Wide Labor Management Safety Committee (IWLMSC) Task Force. These guidelines serve as a resource to the industry. You may access those Safety Guidelines here, as well as a supplemental guide prepared by unions and guilds, “The Safe Way Forward”. A modified health order from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health followed on June 12, 2020 authorizing filming to resume. This order, known as Appendix J, was updated on January 22, 2021, and again on April 5, 2021, April 26, 2021, May 6, 2021 and May 27, 2021 with new guidance for filmmakers. County health orders specific to film and television production were removed on June 15, 2021, replaced by new best practices guidance for businesses. FILMING STATUS, BY AREA OF SERVICE County of Los Angeles (unincorporated) – Accepting Applications County-owned buildings – Call Solution Services County beaches – Open to Filming County parks – Open to Filming, check park of interest for availability City of Los Angeles – Accepting Applications City of Diamond Bar – Accepting Applications City of South Gate – Accepting Applications City of Industry – Accepting Applications City of Lancaster – Accepting Applications City of Palmdale – Accepting Applications City of La Habra Heights – Accepting Applications City of Vernon – Accepting Applications City of Monterey Park – Accepting Applications City of Santa Monica – Accepting Applications City of Newport Beach – Accepting Applications City of San Dimas – Accepting Applications City of Fullerton – Accepting Applications Culver City – Accepting Applications City of Gardena – Accepting Applications SCHOOL DISTRICTS Los Angeles Unified School District – Accepting Applications Burbank Unified School District – Accepting Applications – NEW! Glendale Unified School District – No applications accepted Lawndale Unified School District – No applications accepted La Cañada Unified School District – No application accepted Norwalk – La Mirada Unified School District – No applications accepted FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PRODUCTION LOGISTICS What type of health protocols apply when filming on-location? How is the film industry keeping cast and crew members safe? Does the Proof of Vaccine Ordinance apply for film crews filming at covered locations? Who enforces health protocols on set? Do any limitations apply when filming on public property? What rules apply for municipal and FilmLA employees? What are my payment options while the FilmLA office is closed? COMMUNITY QUESTIONS What protections exist for communities that host filming? Are Community Filming Surveys allowed at this time? Are FilmLA Monitors available for work at this time? Does FilmLA collect or publish results of COVID-19 testing for local cast and crew? GOVERNMENT RESOURCES Who can I contact for further questions in the County? In the wake of COVID-19, a number of organizations have stepped forward to offer information and/or economic relief for entertainment workers and industry-affiliated businesses. This list is for informational purposes only; FilmLA is unable to confirm the current availability of these programs and resources. Organization Description The Actors Fund Providing emergency financial assistance and counseling to all entertainment workers. AICP – Association of Independent Commercial Producers Offers webinars and guidance to help members lead the industry through a myriad of issues affecting the business as a result fall out due to the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19. The AICP also regularly maintains an updated set of COVID-19 guidelines for commercial production here. American Federation of Musicians Local 47 Offers a list of resources for members of AFM Local 47. It is updated regularly with news and resources for musicians about Coronavirus/COVID-19. American Guild of Musical Artists AGMA Relief Fund: Any AGMA member in good standing is encouraged to apply for financial assistance through the AGMA Relief Fund. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Offered major donation to support film industry workers. The donation will be split between the The Actors Fund, the MPTF and the Academy Foundation. Some $4 million of the donation will be split equally between The Actors Fund, which supports behind-the-scenes workers as well as performers, and the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), which has offered essential relief to those in need since 1921. Both organizations provide immediate assistance to individuals working in the film industry during times of crisis. Animation Guild – IATSE Local 839 Provides resources for Animation Guild Members Artist Relief Sundance Institute, plus various arts organizations and leading national grantmakers, have launched an emergency COVID-19 relief fund that is issuing grants to select qualified recipients. ASCAP Resources and Facts for ASCAP members. Directors Guild of America (DGA) Resources for DGA members. Contains information about the DGA COVID-19 Relief Fund: Will cover medical costs associated with COVID-19. Members can apply for short-term, interest-free loans Entertainment Industry Foundation EIF has partnered with Music for Relief to provide funds Field of Vision Documentary Freelancer Relief Fund: Field of Vision and Topic Studios have created a $250,000 fund to provide grants for freelancers working in the Documentary field. The fund will distribute unrestricted grants of up to $2000 to support personal financial needs during the COVID19 pandemic to freelancers who have experienced hardship from loss of income or opportunity as a result of the pandemicWe will be disbursing funding in two different blocks. One in April, and one in May. We know that people’s situations are changing, and so wanted to ensure there were two different timings to accommodate evolving need. Freelance Co-op Emergency Fund Part of our mission of making creativity sustainable is supporting freelancers in uncertain and unprecedented times. From the Heart Productions – Documentarian Emergency Fund From the Heart Productions, which supports filmmakers with unique projects that contribute to society, created the Documentarian Emergency Relief Fund to provide monetary assistance to documentary filmmakers, such as for meeting essential life expenses, so they can continue working on their projects. If you have any questions, please email documentarian.relief@gmail.com Help Feed the Frontlines Organization co-founded by some local moms & a dad, many of whom work in the entertainment industry I.A.T.S.E. Cares A joint effort by the union’s Young Workers Committee and its Disaster Response Committee, the new IATSE Coronavirus Active Response and Engagement Service is a buddy system where members in need may sign up to have a volunteer check in with them as often as they choose. Extending its annuity hardship withdrawals for those who need financial aid stemming from job losses. Committed $2.5 million to entertainment charities. Los Angeles – Mayor’s Economic Relief Package Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced an $11 million economic relief package for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses in the city of Los Angeles can apply for no-fee loans of $5,000–$20,000. Leveler A tool for people with job security to help people whose work status has been impacted by COVID-19. The list includes freelancers, service industry, and gig economy workers Local 600 – International Cinematographers Guild Information and resources for Local 600 members. Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles The COVID-19 Crisis Fund will support critical needs identified by the City as it responds to the pandemic. The Mayor’s Fund, a 501c3, can quickly take in and disburse funds and is uniquely aligned with the City. Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) – Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund Assistance with issues including health insurance, mental health assistance, rent, food, and other essentials Netflix – Relief Fund Established a $150 M relief fund. Most of the funds will go toward hardest-hit workers on Netflix’s own productions around the world. The company had already committed to paying workers two weeks pay following the production suspensions last week. To date, Netflix has also announced $1M additional relief funding for film & TV production in the UK, India and France. SAG-AFTRA The guild’s two major divisions – the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the SAG-AFTRA Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund (MPPWF) have created a COVID-19 fund Senior’s Guide to Mental Health During COVID-19 Relevant information for both caregivers and seniors to maintain mental health during this crisis Sony – Global Relief Fund for COVID-19 This pledge will provide assistance in three areas: individuals engaged in frontline medical and first responder efforts to fight the virus; support for children and educators who must now work remotely; and support for members of the creative community in the entertainment industry. Teamsters 399 Allowing out-of-work members to apply for jobs at local grocery stores through the union. WarnerMedia $100 million in relief funds for crews impacted by COVID-19 Warner Bros. is also supporting Actors In-Training through a casting initiative intended for actors in their final year of schooling (18 years of age and older). For details, see the article on Deadline.com Will Rogers Motion Pictures Pioneers Foundation Fund To request assistance for financial aid, please call (888) 994-3863, ext. 6003, or https://wrpioneers.org/contact/. A social worker will contact you to set up a phone interview to discuss eligibility and the application process. In most cases, grants can be processed between 3-5 business days after we receive the completed application. MORE NEWS FROM FILMLA: LOS ANGELES CITY HARBOR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THANKSGIVING PERMIT APPLICATION DEADLINES NOVEMBER 9, 2021 VETERANS DAY PERMIT APPLICATION DEADLINES NOVEMBER 5, 2021 L.A. FILM PRODUCTION SURGE CONTINUES IN THIRD QUARTER OCTOBER 20, 2021 SHARE THIS: FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint Tags:Coronavirus, COVID-19, health, Production Alerts, Public Safety CATEGORIES For Communities For Filmmakers LA Loves Film Local Business Profiles News Releases Production Alerts Research MEDIA INQUIRIES Please contact media@filmla.com NEWS DIGEST Email Address FOLLOW @FILMLA My Tweets LIKE US ON FACEBOOK MYFILMLA LOCOSCOUT Privacy Policy | Terms of Use © Copyright 2021 FilmLA, All rights reserved.