California Says Film And TV Production Can Resume June 12, ‘General Hospital’ Star Cautions Fans
It’s been a long three months for film and television production in California. Television sets were shut down in March amid fears of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, many primetime shows were unable to film their season finales.
Three of the four remaining soap operas have now officially run out of new episodes. General Hospital is airing classic episodes of the Nurse’s Ball. CBS soaps Y&R and B&B have also dug into their archives for content.
NBC’s Days of Our Lives films six months in advance, making DOOL the only soap airing new episodes until at least October.
But never fear, the great state of California is finally coming out on the other side of quarantine.
California Resumes Filming Next Week
Last week the Governor of California announced that entertainment production will resume in June. He set June 12 as the date production can resume. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the actors will be back on set that day.
Part of resuming filming is adhering to the local Department of Health’s recommendations. The DOH set several new guidelines for filming in the post-coronavirus age.
Some of the guidelines happen behind-the-scenes, but some will change what happens on our television screens.
New Guidelines for Production Sets
In order to resume filming, the DOH and actor’s union comprised a list of new guidelines for sets. Riverdale star Cole Sprouse recently opened up about how romantic scenes on television may be different going forward.
- Elimination of buffet-style craft (food) tables, individually wrapped meals only
- Handheld props wiped down after each use (Why weren’t they before?)
- Live audiences must wear masks and social distance
- COVID compliance officer on-set
- Mandatory coronavirus testing for cast and crew
- Cast and crew must submit to daily temperature checks
- Production must supply PPE (masks, etc.)
- Staggering set times to reduce amount of people on-set
- Minimal hair and makeup
- Virtual auditions
The L.A. Times notes that television shows with large casts will resume filming later than shows with smaller casts.
General Hospital Star Tells Fans Soaps May Not Resume Filming Yet Due to New Coronavirus Cases
Obviously, television fans found the news that their favorite shows will be back soon exciting. However, General Hospital star William deVry took to social media to caution fans.
The veteran soap actor advised fans that GH production won’t resume immediately. L.A. Times reports that Los Angeles County, where many production companies film, is still in the midst of a coronavirus outbreak.
Film production may resume on June 12, but only in counties that pass the health department’s criteria. The GH star advises fans to wait for an official announcement from the soap.
Just a reminder. GH is EVENTUALLY going back to filming. Just some well intentioned , but false info out there. We don't know when. But until it's announced by actual GH production it's all false info. Actors r not "production". LOL. Pass THAT on. Xo to all. That includes u.
— William deVry (@WilliamdeVry1) June 8, 2020
Just because production may be delayed in L.A. doesn’t mean no new shows or movies. Producer Tyler Perry films in Atlanta, Georgia, and vows to resume filming on July 8.
Classic episodes of General Hospital air weekdays on NBC.
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