The art of writing an effective creative brief.
Guides & Inspiration • 11min read
Guides & Inspiration • Written by Ellie Cameron-Krepp, Community Manager
*The Global Production Status Map is no longer live. If you’d like to discuss production restrictions in a particular country, please get in touch.
If you’d like to provide feedback or share an update on the production status of a country, please email us at covid@genero.com.
Many countries continued to relax restrictions during September, allowing for larger gatherings and more economic activities to resume. Here are the latest changes to the Global Production Status Map:
Colombia has been upgraded from Level 2 to 4 as the nationwide lockdown was lifted and gathering restrictions eased to a maximum of 50 people. Full scale production is now possible with appropriate safety measures in place.
Gatherings in Nigeria have also been eased to a maximum of 50, and most lockdown restrictions in Lagos and Abuja have now been lifted. The country’s status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 4 and full scale production can now go ahead with specific safety measures in place.
Qatar moved to phase 4 of its COVID roadmap during September, meaning gatherings of up to 15 people can take place, whilst 30 can gather outside as long as precautionary measures are taken. The country’s status has been upgraded from Level 3 to 4.
Saudi Arabia has been upgraded from Level 3 to 4 as restrictions on businesses and gatherings eased further. Full scale production, with safety measures in place, can now resume.
Safety protocols for Serbia have confirmed that full scale productions are still possible, assuring that gathering restrictions set out by government bodies will not affect production teams. The country’s production status has been re-upgraded from Level 3 to 4.
In Singapore, crew size restrictions have been adjusted, meaning full scale production is now possible with different rules in place for different types of production. Production teams responsible for producing TV commercials, short narratives, documentaries and feature films can now have 50 people on location, with no more than 20 on screen talent/performers (unmasked), at any given time. For all other productions, the restrictions require no more than 30 people on set, with a maximum of 10 on screen talent/performers (unmasked) at any given time. The country’s production status has been upgraded from Level 3 to 4.
South Africa has also been upgraded from Level 3 to 4 as the country moved to its lightest stage in their COVID-19 exit roadmap. Whilst a light curfew remains, full-scale production can resume, and international production is also now possible.
Whilst cases continue to rise in Argentina, the nationwide lockdown has been partially relaxed allowing up to 10 people to gather. This means small scale production is now possible with safety precautions in place. The country’s production status has been upgraded from Level 1 to 2.
Oman has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3 after its nationwide lockdown and curfew was lifted. Medium scale productions are now possible in most regions.
Japan has been upgraded from Level 3 to 4 as they edge closer to normality. Up to 5000 people can gather and cases have slowly declined again, meaning full scale productions are now possible with appropriate safety measures in place.
Lastly, Macau has also been upgraded from Level 3 to 4 as they continue to record zero new COVID-19 cases since June. Full scale production is now possible.
In Ecuador, most regions have moved to ‘yellow restriction zones’ in which all businesses can operate at 50% capacity. Productions can have up to 35 people on set as per the official protocols set out by the Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Creation. The country’s production status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3.
China has slowly been returning to life without restrictions, meaning full scale productions with safety measures in place are now possible. The country’s production status has been upgraded from Level 3 to 4.
While the lockdown restrictions vary greatly by region in Brazil, at least three states (including São Paulo and Rio where the film production industry is concentrated) have released official protocols for medium scale production to go ahead. The city of São Paulo has also allowed filming to commence in public spaces. With this in mind, although production will need to be assessed on a case by case basis, we have upgraded Brazil’s production status from Level 2 to 3.
Restrictions have also begun to ease once again in Madagascar, meaning medium scale production is possible. The country’s production status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3.
Thailand has been upgraded from Level 3 to 4, meaning full scale productions are now possible with appropriate safety measures in place. The country’s de-escalation plan has proved to be effective so far as they near 80 days without any community transmissions of COVID-19.
The UAE has also been upgraded from Level 3 to 4. Creatives from the country have confirmed the return to normal production with a maximum of 40 people on set.
In Qatar restrictions continue to be relaxed and more residents are able to return to work. The country’s production status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3, meaning medium scale productions are now possible
Lastly, in the Maldives cases have unfortunately surged, meaning the curfew for the Greater Male Region and nationwide restrictions have been tightened. The country now has the highest number of daily COVID-19 cases confirmed per capita in the entire globe. Their production status has been downgraded from Level 3 to 2.
In the following countries, some areas have had restrictions re-imposed. The country status remains unchanged, but production may be affected in these areas:
With a resurgence of cases in many parts of the world, governments across multiple markets have imposed new rules in which citizens must wear masks or face coverings in public or close contact spaces. Check out our production guidelines to see how you, your team and clients can stay safe whilst on set as we continue to battle through the pandemic.
Genero creators from Russia confirm that most restrictions have been eased and full scale production is now possible whilst following appropriate safety measures. This sees the country’s production status upgraded from Level 3 to 4.
Our creative community in Albania has also confirmed that medium scale production is now possible, meaning their production status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3 for now.
Georgia has eased its restrictions around gatherings and outdoor activities, allowing for medium scale productions to go ahead. This sees their production status level upgraded from Level 2 to 3.
Lastly, whilst cases continue to spread across India, multiple regions have allowed for medium scale productions to resume, upgrading the country’s production status from Level 2 to 3.
In Germany many regions have eased their restrictions, with some areas allowing for large events to occur. Therefore Germany has been upgraded from Level 3 to 4, meaning full scale production is now possible with the appropriate safety measures in place.
Genero creators from Uruguay confirm that most restrictions have been eased and full scale production is now possible whilst following appropriate safety measures. This sees the country’s production status upgraded from Level 3 to 4 as well.
In Nepal, most of the lockdown restrictions have ended and the country’s status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3, meaning medium scale production is now possible.
In the Maldives, a curfew is in place for the Greater Male region however there are no movement restrictions outside of these hours. Their production status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3, and medium scale production is now possible.
Some regions such as Serbia are seeing a surge in cases and have reimposed restrictions. In this instance, new limitations on the number of people who can gather mean Serbia’s status has been downgraded from Level 4 to 3.
As restrictions continue to ease around the world, we’ve been able to upgrade the production status level for 4 countries this week.
Egypt no longer has a nighttime curfew and continues to ease restrictions, meaning their status is upgraded from Level 2 to 3 and medium scale production is now possible.
Mexico has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3 following Mexico City’s decision to allow media production to continue, under specific safety measures. The city expects other parts of Mexico to follow suit in the coming weeks and therefore medium-scale productions are becoming more possible across the nation.
Genero creators from Estonia confirm that life is slowly returning to normality. Most restrictions have been lifted and large events and gatherings can now take place. This sees the country’s production status upgraded from Level 3 to 4 with full scale production now possible.
Similarly Macedonia continues to ease their restrictions, meaning medium scale production can now take place. Their status is upgraded from Level 2 to 3.
As we enter July we’re unfortunately seeing a surge in cases in particular markets, meaning some new restrictions and lockdowns have been reinstated.
In Madagascar restrictions have been reimposed in the Analamanga region, which means their status has been downgraded from Level 3 to 2. Only shops selling essential services and basic commodities are allowed to remain open.
Lastly, Hong Kong is seeing another surge in cases. The government has capped gatherings at 4 people, limited the hours of many businesses and in some cases suspended their operations. Hong Kong has therefore been downgraded from Level 3 to 2.
As we enter July we’re unfortunately seeing a surge in cases in particular markets, meaning some new restrictions and lockdowns have been put in place.
In Kazakhstan a nationwide lockdown has been reimposed, meaning their status is downgraded from Level 4 to 2. All large events and family gatherings are prohibited and most non-essential businesses are expected to close.
In the following countries, some areas have had restrictions re-imposed, however the status remains the same as production can happen elsewhere:
This week we launched our own guidelines for safe production during COVID-19, alongside an extensive list of safety protocols from specific regions around the world. Whether you’re about to go back to production or already on set, please feel free to use these tools to ensure you’re creating content in the safest and most ethical manner possible during the pandemic.
As restrictions continue to ease around the world, we’ve been able to upgrade the production status level for 3 countries this week.
Ireland has finally been upgraded from Level 3 to 4 after Screen Producers Ireland finalised and released their safety guidelines for production during COVID-19. Government restrictions also eased as they entered phase 3 of their exit strategy, meaning full scale production is now possible, with the appropriate safety measures in place.
Barbados has also been upgraded from Level 3 to 4 following further easing of restrictions. The curfew has been dropped and every business is allowed to re-open, allowing for full scale productions to return.
Our last update for the week is from Kenya, where the maximum number of people on set is now 10. Movement within cities has been relaxed, however a nationwide curfew still stands. This means that their status is upgraded from Level 1 to 2, allowing for small scale productions indoors.
As restrictions continue to ease around the world, we’ve been able to upgrade the production status level for 6 countries this week.
In Europe, Audiovisual Producers Finland updated their safety guidelines for production during COVID-19, meaning full scale production is now possible and Finland is upgraded from Level 3 to 4. Guidelines for safe production have also been released in Latvia, meaning their status has been upgraded from Level 3 to 4 also.
Switzerland is upgraded from Level 3 to 4 as their gathering restrictions also continue to ease, as is Hungary as the State of Emergency has ended and several restrictions have been eased.
In South America, Peru has jumped from Level 1 to 3 as preliminary production guidelines from Peru’s production company association (APCPP) were released. Advertising activity is now permitted meaning medium scale production is possible.
Saudi Arabia is also upgraded from Level 2 to 3 as its government allowed for all economic activity to resume with no more curfews or movement restrictions in place.
In Asia, the Philippines has also been upgraded from Level 2 to 3. With restrictions such as 50 pax on set, medium scale production is now possible.
As restrictions continue to ease around the world, we’ve been able to upgrade the production status level for 11 countries this week.
Four countries have been upgraded from Level 3 to 4, meaning full-production is now possible for Lithuania, Slovakia, Mauritius and Norway with appropriate safety measures in place.
Nepal has been upgraded from Level 1 to 2 after their lockdown was finally eased following multiple previous extensions. This means that small scale indoor productions are now possible.
Barbados has continued to ease its measures, now allowing for all business establishments to re-open and for business to be conducted, however some gathering limits are still in place. Their status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3.
In the Maldives, the lockdown for the Greater Male area has been eased back to a curfew, allowing for small scale productions to take place. Movement is less restricted in parts of the Maldives where lower amounts or no cases have been recorded, meaning their status is upgraded from Level 1 to 2 for now.
Also in Asia, Hong Kong has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3 as the government eases gathering restrictions from a maximum of 8 people to 50. Indonesia has also been upgraded from Level 2 to 3 as the government has eased gathering restrictions and allowed some of its citizens to return to work.
In Africa, Morocco has been upgraded from Level 1 to 2 as its lockdown eases. The nation has been sectioned into Zones 1 and 2, with lighter movement restrictions for those in Zones 1, meaning small scale productions are now possible.
In Luxembourg, all normal businesses have been able to resume and gathering restrictions continue to ease back, confirming the country can go forward with medium scale production from now on. Their status is upgraded from Level 2 to 3.
Additionally, the European travel ban officially ended on June 15, meaning many countries across Europe have now allowed their EU citizens to travel to other countries within the continent. This differs between countries as each nation decides separately on which countries its citizens can travel to and which travelers can come into the country. Whilst this news does not affect a country’s production status on our map, its positive news for creators and brands as it will allow for some production to occur for teams who need to travel for their shoots.
As restrictions continue to ease around the world, we’ve been able to upgrade the production status level for 7 countries this week.
In Turkey, restrictions have been relaxed and weekend curfews have stopped. Whilst there are still movement limitations for those Turkish citizens aged under 18 or over 65, the release of production guidelines, from the Advertising Producers Association means Turkey’s production status level moves from Level 3 to 4. Learn more about how Turkey is returning to full production safely with a simplified version of the production protocols from one of our creators here.
In Russia, Moscow has relaxed from lockdown announcing that there are no more movement restrictions in place. This allows citizens to move freely and return to work including those in the film and TV industry. As the country’s capital city becomes far less restricted, Russia moves from Level 1 to 3.
Also in Europe, Switzerland has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3, as new relaxations over the weekend now make it possible for meetings of up to 30 people.
In Mexico, restrictions have begun to ease since 1 June, with different municipalities relaxing at different rates. This sees small scale production now possible in some areas, and Mexico upgraded from Level 1 to 2 for now.
In Asia, Malaysia has been given their Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guidelines after an initial delay, meaning production can return as of 10 June with specific safety measures in place. For now this means Malaysia is upgraded from Level 1 to 3.
Africa also got an upgrade as creators in Mauritius ease back into medium scale production, upgrading their status from Level 2 to 3.
Lastly, in the Middle-East, Jordan has implemented its new de-escalation program, which allows for more work and movement at its current ‘Moderately dangerous’ stage. This means medium scale production is now possible and their status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3.
As restrictions continue to ease around the world, we’ve been able to upgrade the production status level for 17 countries this week.
In Australia, official safety protocols were released by Screen Australia, giving the industry confidence to begin full production with relevant guidelines in place. Alongside the continual easing of government lockdown measures, this sees Australia’s status upgraded from Level 3 to 4.
The Netherlands, Croatia, Portugal, and Ukraine also return to full production with their statuses upgraded from Level 3 to 4.
Also in Europe, France, Hungary and Estonia move from Level 2 to 3 as many restrictions around travel and gatherings across the region continue to relax. Spain has also moved to Level 3, with the government granting permission for production to resume with safety measures in place.
In Bangladesh, lockdown has ended, meaning medium scale production can now move forward, upgrading the country’s status from Level 1 to 3. Also in Asia, India begins their exit strategy alongside the release of safe production guidelines, meaning their status is upgraded from Level 1 to 2. Singapore is also beginning to exit their month long circuit breaker, and production is able to resume following guidelines determined by the Ministry of Manpower. The country’s status has been upgraded from Level 1 to 3, allowing for medium scale productions.
In the Middle-East, Saudi Arabia has been upgraded back to Level 2 from 1, after being downgraded following a spike last month that led to lockdown measures being re-imposed. Whilst in Jordan and Qatar the private sector has been allowed to resume work, meaning both statuses have been upgraded from Level 1 to 2 for small scale productions.
In the Caribbean, Barbados has allowed studios to re-open and has made adjustments to the current night-time curfew, allowing small scale productions to move forward and upgrading their status from Level 1 to 2.
And finally in Africa, Mauritius has seen lockdown measures ease however residents are still advised to work from home wherever possible. Their status has been upgraded from Level 1 to 2.
As restrictions continue to ease around the world, we’ve been able to upgrade the status level for 11 countries this week.
In New Zealand further relaxations have been put in place to their current alert level system, meaning 100 people can now gather whilst following correct social distancing measures. This sees their production status upgraded from Level 3 to 4.
Poland, Iceland, Serbia, Kazakhstan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have also been upgraded to Level 4. Full production is possible in these regions with the relevant safety precautions in place.
Production has also commenced in Italy where the status has been upgraded from Level 1 to 3. This follows the release of new production guidelines created by the Italian motion picture association ANICA and other trade entities, alongside new information from our creators in Italy. Medium scale productions are now possible within the safety guidelines.
In parts of Africa, restrictions are also starting to ease with Angola upgraded from status Level 2 to 3 as most of their cities exit lockdown. However, Egypt becomes the first country to be downgraded from Level 3 to 2 as they tighten restrictions until the end of May following the holiday period for Eid al-Fitr.
In Asia, Cambodia continues to relax restrictions meaning their status is upgraded from Level 2 to 3.
Our last update of the week comes from the USA, where the status has been upgraded from Level 2 to 3. Restrictions differ quite drastically from state to state in the US, but in areas where restrictions are easing such as Florida, Kansas, Missouri & Texas medium scale productions are possible with safety guidelines in place. California is also awaiting the announcement of guidelines that will enable production to commence there, however this is likely to happen county by county with the more populous areas taking a little longer to open up. Current disruption around the country with protests and riots will also need to be considered, so briefs will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Be sure to subscribe for updates as we move into June, as many countries are due to enter the next phase of their de-escalation programmes from the first week of the month. This will see many restrictions relax and allow for more creative production options around the world.
As restrictions start to ease around the world, we’ve been able to upgrade the status level for 16 countries this week.
Sweden, Bulgaria and Vietnam are the most recent countries to be upgraded to Level 4, alongside Taiwan. Full production is possible in these regions with the relevant safety precautions in place.
Production has also commenced in the UK where the status has been upgraded from Level 1 to 3. This follows the release of new production guidelines created by a collection of UK Broadcasters and Producers, meaning medium scale productions are now possible within the stated safety guidelines.
Other European markets are also starting to slowly ease restrictions. This week has seen Albania, Luxembourg, Lithuania and Ireland all move from Level 1 to 2. Romania’s status moves from Level 1 to 3, whilst Ukraine, Slovakia, Turkey, Germany and Latvia all move from Level 2 to 3.
Also in Asia, Thailand has been upgraded to a Level 3 and in the Middle-East, Israel has been updated from Level 1 to a Level 3 status.
This week we’ve added a number of new countries to the map, and are now tracking 89 countries in total. Currently Taiwan is still the only market that’s fully open for full live production.
As restrictions start to ease around the world, we’ve been able to upgrade the status level for 12 countries this week so far.
Notably, the status in New Zealand has changed from Level 1 to 3. With restrictions on movement and the number of people who can gather being eased, medium scale productions are now possible within the stated safety guidelines.
European markets are also starting to slowly ease restrictions, which has seen France, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, Lithuania and Latvia upgraded from Level 1 to 2, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Uruguay, the Netherlands and Poland progressing to Level 3.
In Asia, the Philippines has been upgraded to a Level 2 and Sri Lanka has been upgraded from Level 1 to 3 with restrictions easing there.
Guides & Inspiration • 11min read
Guides & Inspiration • 4min read