Hollywood’s New “Spacious” Movies

Since the beginning of the pandemic in early March, California has been under quarantine. As with the rest of the country, California has acquiesced to the social distancing, hand washing, wearing face masks, and staying away from crowds now familiar to all Americans.  During this season, movie making and the television industry came to a virtual standstill. No new films were made as everyone, including movie stars, remained home. The quarantine won’t last. Last week Governor Gavin Newsom announced the lessening of the coronavirus restrictions. This should prove to be interesting.

What Governor Newsom Did

The governor gave his blessing for film and TV production to resume on Friday, subject to approval from county public health authorities. ^[1] The state Department of Public Health issued extensive guidelines for schools, daycares, and casinos. However, it put out a single paragraph on music, film, and TV production. This puts the rulemaking onto local health officials and labor-management negotiations. This means that the restart of the movie industry remains uncertain.

How Does This Effect The Movies?

Can you even imagine movies or television shows where a 6-foot social distance is maintained? Well, that eliminates all bedroom scenes. All physical violence of hand to hand is also done away. Explosions and car chases are permissible, as long as the actors/actresses are all wearing face masks. Are we going back to cowboy days with bad guys wearing masks? What about the protagonists? If you are looking at ratings, language can still pop up, along with nudity.

What Are The Ones In Charge Doing?

The Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers drafted a 22-page paper on the topic. It was submitted to New York, California, and Los Angeles County. The details of job-by-job still need to be worked out. Industry projects that new protocols could increase production costs by 20%. Film authorities are waiting for guidelines from various county representatives. Currently, its the local health officials who will issue the guidelines for opening various areas.

Although the pandemic brought much confusion, changing film making towards more family-friendly ones is a turn in the right direction.