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Latest updates to the status of creative production around the world.

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.

Our Global Production Status Map provides an up-to-date view of the level of production possible in over 80 markets, enabling marketers to make decisions about where, when and what to shoot and how to move forward with your marketing plans.  See below for weekly updates as the situation evolves.

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.

Key for status levels

Updates: September 11 – October 14

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.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 14 October

Updates: 1 – 11 September

This months status changes so far:

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. 

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Most provinces in Canada are now open for full scale production with appropriate safety measures in place. If daily cases continue to decrease the nation could soon see an upgrade from Level 3 to 4.
  • Hong Kong is now allowing up to 4 people to gather whilst venues such as gyms and cinemas have reopened. The country could soon be re-upgraded from Level 2 to 3.
  • South Africa may soon be upgraded from Level 3 to 4 as rumours circulate about the nation possibly easing to ‘Level 1’ restrictions, the lightest set of restrictions in the country’s de-escalation roadmap.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 11 September

Updates: 24-28 August

This week’s status changes:

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.

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Kazakhstan continues to partially relax restrictions as they emerge from a recent lockdown. Their production status may possibly be upgraded again soon.
  • Hong Kong may also be upgraded in the near future with reports suggesting social distancing measures will be relaxed soon. Gathering restrictions have just been extended by one further week as the country combats a rise in cases. 
  • Colombia is set to relax lockdowns in Bogota and Medellin as we enter September, meaning the country’s production status also looks likely to be upgraded.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 28 August

Updates: 17-21 August

This week’s status changes:

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. 

Changes likely to come soon:

  • In New Zealand recently introduced restrictions have been reviewed and an official announcement about possible changes will be announced on Monday the 24th August.
  • The production status for many countries including Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Qatar could be upgraded further, as they plan to ease restrictions heading into September.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 21 August

Updates: 10-14 August

This week’s status changes:

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.

Changes likely to come soon:

  • New Zealand is currently reacting to a new outbreak in cases and has reimposed tighter restrictions for the city of Auckland. A change to production status could be made if the situation worsens.
  • Second wave fears in Europe continue to grow, meaning new restrictions could be imposed in countries such as Germany and Spain where cases are surging
  • The production status for many countries including Malaysia and Qatar could be upgraded further, as they plan to ease restrictions heading into September.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 14 August

Updates: 3-7 August

This week’s status changes:

In the following countries, some areas have had restrictions re-imposed. The country status remains unchanged, but production may be affected in these areas: 

  • Greater Manchester, east Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire in the United Kingdom have limited social gatherings and tightened some movement restrictions.
  • Melbourne, in Australia, has been moved into Stage 4 restrictions meaning residents must abide by a curfew and can’t travel further than 5km from their home. 
  • Costa Rica has planned to impose stricter rules for areas in Orange zones, forcing many businesses to close.
  • The Philippines have placed Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan under “Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine” (MECQ) until August 18.

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Poland, Croatia, Bulgaria, Spain, Romania, Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Germany and France are on high alert after they recorded their highest case counts in months. Whilst uncertain, some restrictions could possibly be re-imposed in these areas.
  • Although an upgrade to Level 4 will not happen for some time, Canada is managing to keep their curve flat and continue to push through their de-escalation strategy. 
  • Ecuador continues to work through a traffic light system, with only a few areas marked as red zones left. As more areas move towards yellow and green zones, the country’s production status could be upgraded soon.
  • The Japan Film Commission has released safety guidelines confirming that productions can take place with cast and crew numbers in line with prefecture gathering rules

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 7 August

Updates: 27-31 July

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.

This week’s status changes:

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. 

Changes likely to come soon:

  • A resurgence of cases in parts of Europe means new restrictions, whilst uncertain, could possibly be reimposed in countries with rising cases such as Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Luxembourg, Germany, France and also Belgium, who have just recently imposed new restrictions around social bubble rules.
  • Peru and Qatar plan to relax more restrictions as we enter August as the countries move through the de-escalation strategies. This could see their status’ upgraded from Level 2 to 3.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 31 July

Updates: 20-24 July

This week’s status changes:

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. 

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Romania and Croatia have seen a recent increase in cases and are reportedly considering imposing new restrictions, meaning their production status may be downgraded.
  • Peru and Qatar plan to relax more restrictions at the start of August as the countries emerge from lockdown. This could see their status’ upgraded from Level 2 to 3.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 24 July

Updates: 13-17 July

This week’s status changes:

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.

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Argentina is expected to finish their extended lockdown today (17 July), meaning larger productions could be possible in the coming days.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 17 July

Updates: 6-10 July

This week’s status changes:

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:

  • Leicester in the United Kingdom has been placed under lockdown until July 18
  • Melbourne in Australia has been put under stage 3 ‘stay at home’ restrictions for 6 weeks.
  • Spain‘s northwestern Galicia region and Catalonia have also been placed under lockdown due to a recent spike in cases. 
  • Israel has tightened specific restrictions as they also battle a new resurgence in cases.
  • In the United States, daily records of new cases continue to be broken, causing multiple states around the nation to pause or reverse their exit strategies. 

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Argentina is expected to finish their extended lockdown on July 17, meaning larger productions could be possible soon. 
  • Colombia is also expected to end their extended lockdown on July 15, so local restrictions could also be eased soon.
  • Chile is reportedly going to ease some restrictions next week, meaning their status could see an upgrade in the near future.
  • Mexico may see an upgrade to Level 3 soon as regions of the country near entering the ‘yellow’ phase. This would see the return of all work activity and therefore possibly medium to full scale productions.
  • The Maldives will greatly relax travel restrictions and most likely drop the curfew currently affecting the Greater Male Area on July 15, meaning medium to full scale productions could soon be possible.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 10 July

Updates: 29 June – 3 July

This week’s status changes: 

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. 

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Mexico may see an upgrade to Level 3 soon as regions of the country near entering the ‘yellow’ phase. This would see the return of all work activity and therefore possibly medium to full scale productions.
  • The Maldives will greatly relax travel restrictions and most likely drop the curfew currently affecting the Greater Male Area on July 15, meaning medium to full scale productions could soon be possible
  • Georgia will allow the resumption of creative activities July 5, so an upgrade from Level 2 to at least Level 3 is expected.

Updates: 22-26 June

This week’s status changes: 

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.

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Argentina is currently still restricted to post production and studio product shoots, but could see an upgrade following June 28 when their extended lockdown is planned to end.
  • Ireland may also have an upgrade soon as Screen Producers Ireland continue to draft safe production guidelines which are set to be released by 29 June.
  • Mexico may also see an upgrade to Level 3 soon as regions of the country near entering the ‘yellow’ phase. This would see the return of all work activity and therefore possibly medium to full scale productions.
  • Georgia will allow the resumption of creative activities July 5, so an upgrade from at least Level 2 to 3 is expected.
Video production possible during covid

Global Production Status Map progression, 6 May - June 26

Updates: 15-19 June

This week’s status changes: 

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.

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Argentina is currently still restricted to post production and studio product shoots, but could see an upgrade following June 28 when their extended lockdown is planned to end.
  • Mexico may also see an upgrade to Level 3 soon as regions of the country near entering the ‘yellow’ phase. This would see the return of all work activity and therefore possibly medium to full scale productions.
  • China may be the second country to be downgraded as Beijing tightens some of its restrictions to deal with a current outbreak of cases.
  • Spain continues to push through its de-escalation plan with most of the nation in phase 3 of its four stage exit plan. The ‘new normality’ in Spain is set to begin after the expiration of the ‘state of alarm’, which is set to end on 21 June. This means wider production options should be available in the coming weeks.
  • Ireland may have an upgrade soon as Screen Producers Ireland continues to draft safe production guidelines which are set to be released by 29 June.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 19 June

Updates: 8-12 June

This week’s status changes:

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.

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Canada continues to ease its restrictions in various provinces, with Manitoba and Quebec now open for production. British Columbia has also released their protocols for safe production. These are good indications that the country is getting closer to full-production as a whole.
  • Ireland may have an upgrade soon as Screen Producers Ireland continue to draft safe production guidelines which are set to be released by 29 June.
  • Morocco has extended their state of emergency until 10 July, but lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease with some economic activity returning. We may see small scale productions become possible soon.
  • Spain continues to push through their de-escalation plan with the whole nation in either phase 2 or 3 of their four stage exit plan. The ‘new normality’ in Spain is set to begin after the expiration of the ‘state of alarm’, which is set to end on 21 June. This means wider production options should be available in the coming weeks.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 12 June

Updates: 1-5 June

This week’s status changes:

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. 

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Malaysian production activity was due to commence following Eid al-Fitr on the 24th of May, however Malaysian filmmakers have received information from Finas (Malaysia’s central government agency for the audiovisual industry) that the new standard operating procedures (SOP’s) will be released on June 5, with production allowed following June 10. The new set of guidelines will allow for the production of documentaries, dramas and advertisements.
  • Canada continues to ease its restrictions in various provinces, with Manitoba now open for production and Quebec looking to resume on June 8. Whilst a change in status may not happen for a while for Canada, the opening of some provinces is a good indication that the country is getting closer to full-production as a whole.
  • Ireland is expected to be upgraded from 29 June, when the country is due to enter the third phase of their coronavirus exit strategy. Screen Producers Ireland continue to draft production guidelines to be released ahead of this date.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 5 June

Updates: 25-29 May

This week’s status changes:

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. 

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Australia continues to ease its restrictions across all states, however we are still waiting on draft protocols before upgrading Australia to Level 4. 
  • Malaysian production activity was due to commence following Eid al-Fitr on the 24th of May, however Malaysian filmmakers are still awaiting an official announcement of the new strict standard operating procedures (SOP’s). The new set of guidelines will allow for the production of documentaries, dramas and advertisements.
  • India has released its safety guidelines as they plan to return to production following the end of their lockdown, which is currently expected to end after May 31st.

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.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 29 May

Updates: 18-22 May

This week’s status changes:

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.

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Australia is slowly easing restrictions, however we are still waiting on draft protocols before upgrading Australia to Level 4.
  • Malaysian production activity is due to commence following Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) on the 24th of May. Malaysian filmmakers will be able to shoot documentaries, dramas and advertisements, whilst abiding by the new strict standard operating procedures (SOP’s) which are currently being finalised. 
  • United States (California) – Californian government has announced that film and tv protocols are set to be released on Monday, allowing most counties in the state to possibly restart production as early as next week. Read more here.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 22 May

Updates: 11-15 May

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.

This week’s status changes:

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.

New countries added:

  • Level 1: Algeria, Qatar
  • Level 2: Angola, Bolivia, Macedonia
  • Level 3: Belarus, Costa Rica, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Norway 

Changes likely to come soon:

  • Australia is slowly easing restrictions and it looks likely that full production will be possible soon with safety measures in place. The Australian Film Television and Radio School, Screen Australia, the state agencies and SPA are working to polish some protocols which are due to be released within the next two weeks. At that stage we may be able to upgrade Australia to Level 4.
  • The United Kingdom is also slowly starting to ease restrictions and the Government has confirmed that production can restart with social distancing in place, however they are yet to approve the full health and safety guidelines at this stage.
  • Greece has earmarked May 18 as the date for restarting productions, local producers are still waiting for new shooting protocols on physical distancing and hygiene to be issued by the government, as well as international travel to resume.

Breakdown of the type of production possible, 15 May


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