TV & Film production - 2020

[Sparky]

Just received a charming email from our Union advising us about the Corona Virus and the effects on the TV & Film industry.

And what support they are trying to get from the government (best of luck) for those with a lot of work on hold.

In short it doesn't look hopeful.

All location TV production (Drama / TV films is now on hold).

The BBC has reported it is slowing down production of Eastenders and Casualty.

With Eastenders, that is to be reduced to 2 episodes a week (don't really care, don't watch it!).

Film wise -there already is a small backlog of films whose release has been put on hold (The Bond movie being one).

Once the pre-recorded stockpiled programmes run out, we're going to end up with a ton of repeats and films (better be good ones!)

Considering some of the shite they do repeat - it'd be a fate worse than the virus itself.

It'll be interesting when things pick back up again - whenever that will be.

I think, the DVD collection will be well used!!

[Sam Tyler]

With all due respect Sparky I would think that the Government  would have the entertainment industry way down the pecking order of their priorities right now. I know it doesn't help you in your role, particularly if like me you're in a contract position. The only saving grace I've seen that may benefit you is that they've delayed the IR35 Off Payroll changes for the private sector which is a positive thing as I think you said you were contracting? It doesn't help me as I'm in the public sector so IR35 Off Payroll rules have been in place for three years now and my income has halved accordingly.

I think we're all facing a period of uncertainty with the virus going around but it does seem that the Government are chucking money into where it is essential and as they are far better advised than the rest of us we have, in this case, to trust them and their strategies. Whatever people's political standpoint is and irrespective of whichever party were in no.10, now is not the time to try to gain political points as we saw with a journalist at yesterday's press conference, we have to deal with the health concerns first and foremost and pick up the pieces thereafter.

Sam.

[Sparky]

Mar 18, 2020 14:42:52 GMT Sam Tyler said:

With all due respect Sparky I would think that the Government  would have the entertainment industry way down the pecking order of their priorities right now. I know it doesn't help you in your role, particularly if like me you're in a contract position. The only saving grace I've seen that may benefit you is that they've delayed the IR35 Off Payroll changes for the private sector which is a positive thing as I think you said you were contracting? It doesn't help me as I'm in the public sector so IR35 Off Payroll rules have been in place for three years now and my income has halved accordingly.

I think we're all facing a period of uncertainty with the virus going around but it does seem that the Government are chucking money into where it is essential and as they are far better advised than the rest of us we have, in this case, to trust them and their strategies. Whatever people's political standpoint is and irrespective of whichever party were in no.10, now is not the time to try to gain political points as we saw with a journalist at yesterday's press conference, we have to deal with the health concerns first and foremost and pick up the pieces thereafter.

Sam.

Without a doubt, it will be down the pecking order.

That is understandable.

I think they also have bigger fish to fry - in that we've been dragged into the China Vs USA and "who's to blame" argument - according to China - it was us who created the virus in a lab, gave it to the US Military who spread it in November. FFS. Really.

Sure it's a pitch that Hollywood once turned down.

Luckily for me, I have other irons in the fire - in the way of my workshop where I have custom building jobs that I (luckily) ordered in before all this broke - to cover me when I had my knee op.

Besides - there's other jobs to bide me over - hopefully.

On top of that, some equipment hire companie are offering it's vehicles, and freelance staff for food deliveries to supermarkets.

I've volunteered to help with that.