Commercials Producers Ireland, the organisation that represents 21 firms in the advertising commercials production sector, has launched a new set of guidelines and protocols for members which will be rolled out once the current work restrictions are lifted and the sector returns to normal working practices.
“As part of our daily business CPI assesses and mitigates risk to our clients, suppliers and staff so when the Covid-19 crisis hit the Irish commercials production sector we came together albeit virtually to discuss what we could do to ensure that we are ready to get back on set safely when permitted to do so. CPI is made up of over 90% of the TV commercial and branded content production and post production companies in Ireland and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously in regard to Covid-19,” says Emma O’Beirn, chairperson of CPI and owner of Sweet Media.
“Working together we prepared CPI Covid-19 Filming Protocol Guidelines outlining how we can work safely on set and in pre- and post-production. These guidelines have been informed by protocols in use by international colleagues with reference to all relevant local and WHO standards and we also took advice from professional Health & Safety personnel,” she says.
The protocols cover a number of areas of production including Remote working, General Common Sense Practices, Equipment/Props, Sanitation, Crew, On Set, Radios, Risk Assessments, Catering, Locations/Studios/Transport, Travel and Post Production.
“CPI is the first of the industry representative groups involved in production to issue such protocols. We’ve been engaging with our counterparts in IAPI and AAI throughout the process and they, with their members, are on board. The protocols have been sent to Minister Humphreys in the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation with a request to be included in any updated list of businesses allowed to return to work during the early phases in the easing of restrictions,” she adds.
“Commercial production is an integral part of the business community in Ireland and we are really proud of what we contribute creatively and to the economy. A resumption in filming will mean employment for many permanent and freelance workers. We are confident that the implementation of these guidelines will allow us to return to work on set safely within government regulations as soon as those regulations allow,” says O’Beirne.
Last month, CPI launched a film that aims to inspire hope while at the same time celebrates the dogged Irish spirit that is on display in these challenging times. The film was a collaboration between members of CPI and was made entirely by remote working and featured original music from Irish composer Denis Kilty.
To download a copy of the CPI’s protocols go HERE
