08.02.2021
Practice Areas: Intellectual Property and Information Technology
Industries: Art & Entertainment
Type: Covid 19 Helpdesk
COVID-19 | Continuation of filming during the state of emergency
During these atypical times in which we’re living, the audovisual production sector, just like the great majority of other professions, has had to adapt to the measures of protection against the spread of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. In this regard, we have prepared this information as a way of clarifying some of the terms under which the making of films can currently take place.
The current civic duty to stay at home must be complied with rigorously, including by audiovisual producers and their respective teams.
However, given the impossibility of suspending or postponing certain professional filming, the Portugal Film Commission (henceforth “PFC”) has spoken about its admissibility. In the words of the PFC, the interpretation of the norms that impose measures to contain the current pandemic was the result of “confirmation and agreement of the President of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Portugal”.
Thus, with filming not being among the activities prohibited or closed by government order and there not being envisaged any legal limitation to the carrying out of this activity, it should be concluded that there is no restriction to the professional exercise of filming, without prejudice to the guidelines and procedures defined by the DGS.
In addition to the general rules and recommendations imposed by law and by the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) in November 2020, the PFC published a set of directives and procedures specific to the sector, in which are included certain measures to be implemented as a way of reducing the risk of contagion by the SARS-Cov-2 virus during filming, among which are included logistical measures that guarantee safety in catering, in the work of hairdressers and make-up artists, as well as in the treatment of the actors’ wardrobe.
Finally, we note that ABREU Advogados is available to provide any additional clarification needed on this subject.
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