This week: Productions are slowly returning as the number of coronavirus cases increases. A short update again this week as the KitSplit team takes off for the Independence Day holiday.
[Header Photo by Stephane YAICH on Unsplash]
Shoots Are Up As Cities And States Step Back Their Reopening
Like many of you, we’ve been tracking news at the intersection of Covid-19 and film production and have been highlighting the best known ways to safely return to work.
We’ve also been keeping a close eye on our data, and it’s clear that shoots are slowly returning. This makes sense as all of the states in the US have entered various phases of opening up. The bad news is that new cases of Covid-19 are going way up in some of these states.
The surge in new cases has made it clear that we are far from done with the pandemic. Los Angeles has rolled back their reopening, closing bars and disallowing indoor dining at restaurants. Many California cities have closed popular beaches over the 4th of July weekend.
New York City meanwhile is set to start phase 3 of their reopening plan on Monday but now with a likely tweak to the indoor dining rules.
Elsewhere in the US, Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas tweeted a message to Texans to wear a mask and was immediately ratioed. There is clearly divide around wearing masks, and this is just one example of it. KitSplit’s position is reflected in our policy on rentals: you must wear a mask when picking up and dropping off gear.
We are highlighting the latest news only to urge you to remain safe, and to remind everyone (and ourselves) that we are operating in the middle of a pandemic. As we talk to filmmakers and see activity on KitSplit, we know that many of you are scared but are also figuring out how to work.
If you are renting gear, check out our guide on safely renting.
Shine a Light
KitSplit gear was used to help make this video from NPR: Frederick Douglass’ Descendants Deliver His ‘Fourth Of July’ Speech. Awesome video and amazing to see Douglass’ descendants in the flesh and blood. Their aura makes the speech really come alive.
ICYMI
Late Night with Conan is returning to full production, sans audience.
Broadway will remain shut down through the end of 2020.
First Cow, one of my favorite movies that I saw last year (which is actually 7 years ago in corona years), is coming to VOD.
The 10 Best Texas Movies. There’s an official panelist-chosen list and an “unofficial” list, which I prefer. If you grew up in Texas you probably watched The Alamo multiple times in school, Selena was constantly playing on TV, and Lone Star is a canonical Texas film and should be on the official list.
See you next week.
