We've Been Ready
The Coronavirus Pandemic has presented extraordinary challenges, both personal and professional. How do we stay safe: keep ourselves, our families, our industry intact, and still find ways to create? Well, we are makers at heart. We are hard wired to innovate and overcome disruptions to our industry.
We Are Safe
Our first priority is the health and safety of our clients, crew and talent. From the start of the lock downs to today, we have been thinking and planning. What are the next steps, and what might a safe film set look like moving forward? Even now we continue to modify our workplace protocols to adjust to evolving changes in our industry.
This Is What We Do
What follows is a list of the latest COVID-safe film production options we offer. Please take a look and let us know if we can lend a hand.
We Do Web Events
On May 30, 2020 our team produced a live streaming event to celebrate the 90th Birthday of civil rights icon Dolores Huerta. The original live gala was brought online and included appearances by scores of A-List celebrities and political figures from around the country.
Attendees included: Carlos Santana, Jane Fonda, Gloria Steinem, George Lopez, Eva Longoria, Shelia E., Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, Joe and Jill Biden, Kamala Harris, Alicia Keys, Benjamin Bratt, Cristela Alonzo, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Justine Bateman, America Ferrera, Common, Flor de Toloache, Barbara Lee, John Leguizamo, Danny Glover, Mark Hamill, Edward James Olmos, Jack Black, Jimmy Smits, Kerry Kennedy, Cheech Marin, Norman Lear, Matt McGorry, Regina Ramero, Rosario Dawson, Alec Baldwin, George Lopez, Alfre Woodward, Richard Montoya/Culture Clash Gina Belafonte and Black Lives Matter creator Patrisse Cullors.
The production was a combination of streaming online conversations and pre-produced packages (short films and graphics) making up the two hour thirty minute long event held. Please continue the celebration by donating to the Dolores Huerta Foundation.
We Film Remotely
Since early 2020 Caruso Co. has produced scores of COVID-safe productions throughout the U.S. and Europe. Many have included the use of remote camera systems. Employing a range of capture devices from iPhones to Arri Mini cameras. One of those shows filmed over 50 doctors for UCSF Hospital, directing them remotely over a five day shooting schedule. Even as COVID regulations are updated, these innovative production solutions can still be a viable option.
We Can Be 1
We work with several talented Director / DP's who are available to work alone as single shooters. These are exceptionally talented pros who will bring your story to life with nuance and emotion. With cameras in tow they will capture stories, interviews and b-roll while working to stay safe.
We Can Be Small
We work with several small production teams that require a bit more horsepower than the 1 man band. These micro crews can add a DP or Sound Person to the mix, freeing a director to focus on interviews or the shot list. These nimble crews work with clients to solve any logistical problem while continuing to maintain social distancing guidelines and wear appropriate PPE as needed.
We Are Families
Caruso Company has produced multiple productions with Director/DP's who have school age children capturing content in their homes and working with their own family as talent. Casting for these projects is handled by presenting photos of the families and homes for client review. Through planning, script and location calls, we discuss creative and efficient methods to capture your authentic lifestyle content.
We Still Social Distance
Our DP's can capture low impact, on location interviews while practicing social distancing guidelines. Remote rigs and drop-kits allow for directors and clients to participate from home. This capability can also include the use of Interrotron where the talent's eye line is direct to camera as they see a video image of the off-site director asking questions.
We Are Multi-Cam
We have studio resources to capture two or three camera interview set ups with either green screen, white or black backgrounds. This is an automated, "turn-key" studio solution where the client and director can choose to participate remotely. This approach requires a skinny crew of two to perform multiple interviews in a single, controlled studio.
What Do Larger Productions Look Like Today?
- Until pandemic conditions improve we are requiring all crew, client and talent to get a PCR test before arriving to set.
- Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is encouraged by all attendees.
- Employees will be required to complete a health assessment survey (COVID-19 screening questionnaire) prior to the start of work each day.
- All cast, crew, clients and agency are encouraged to wear a face mask (KN95s) and be social distant at all times.
- Crew sizes are no longer limited by COVID-19 protocols. We are currently producing shows from crews as small as two up to seventy five or more.
- We will have a COVID Compliance Officer on set who will enforce the regulations and protocols as well as provide PPE.
- We continue to offer remote monitoring allowing agencies, clients or even directors and line producers to work off-site. Ask us about our examples of our recent remote productions throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and South America and South Africa.
- Robust CDC cleaning protocol for all equipment, props and locations.
For a deeper dive into industry protocols and recommendations, Please read the following COVID19 Production Guidelines
Caruso Company will continually update this document as film industry and science-based public health recommendations are implemented.
Thank You and Stay Safe!
hello@carusocompany.tv | 415.300.7470 | www.carusocompany.tv
Credits:
Created with an image by Christian Mackie - "A layflat collection of retro and antique cameras on a blue background like Pentax 6x7, Mamiya RZ67, Holga, Contax, Rolleiflex and Nikon. "