(updated 29 Mar 2022)

For media industry – 29 March 2022

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce updated on 24 March 2022 that there will be an easing of community Safe Management Measures from 29 March 2022, based on the “SMM 1-5 framework” (refer to MOH’s latest press release, https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/easing-of-community-smms-and-border-measures).

There will also be a cessation of Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) Regime. Workplace Vaccination Measures still apply to all business entities. Please refer to MOM’s latest workforce guidelines and Workforce Vaccination Measures here: https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/requirements-for-safe-management-measures, https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/advisory-on-covid-19-vaccination-in-employment-settings).

For business entities that are involved in content production, please take note of the following Content Production SMMs which would affect filming:

  1. All activities are subject to the SMM 1-5 framework including:
    • Group size: 10 persons for masked-off settings; 10 unique visitors per household at any one time
    • Mask-wearing: mask-wearing required for indoor settings outside of the home
    • Workplace requirements: up to 75% of employees who are able to work from home can return to the workplace
    • Safe distancing: 1m required for mask-off settings, between individuals or between groups of 10; encouraged for mask-on settings
    • Capacity limits: 75% for large events and settings of more than 1,000 pax
  1. No on-site audiences should be present on location; all personnel should comprise only talent/performers (i.e. cast), crew, and staff. Production areas should be cordoned off with clear signage where members of the public may be passing by.
  1. There is no cap on number of personnel onsite, subject to the venue or location owners’ permission and guidelines.
  1. While there are exemptions from the Workforce Vaccination Measures such as for child actors 12 years old and below, content productions should take note to minimise the involvement of the vulnerable and their interaction with the rest of the personnel.
  1. Talent/performers may unmask in the course of carrying out their work (no cap on number); there should be 1m safe distancing between each group of 10 unmasked talent/performers. Transient physical contact between talents or a temporary shorter distance between talents where the artistic merits require is allowed.
  1. Unmasking dispensations are to be kept strictly to the fixed cast of onscreen talent/performers (not interchangeable with other non-onscreen roles) for the entire production; talent/performers should resume wearing a mask as soon as practicable. Crew/staff are encouraged to continue wearing their masks outdoors during the production.

Photography professionals/entities with SSIC starting with 742, or media companies with SSIC starting with 58-63 may conduct photography sessions, with persons being photographed unmasked if necessary for indoor settings.

In addition to the guidelines for content productions that also apply to professional photography, persons whose photos are being taken are:

  • Not required to be vaccinated (e.g. for family portraits)
  • Allowed to unmask temporarily without the 1 metre safe distancing only when the shot is being taken
  • To put masks on immediately after the shot in an indoor setting 

For photography in specific settings (e.g. workplace, weddings and events), please refer to the sector-specific guidelines here.

Freelance professionals have to be registered with ACRA, unless the business is carried out in their full name as reflected in their NRIC.

IMDA will be updating the Content Production SMMs soonest on the Filming in Singapore page. All content productions held from 29 March 2022 onwards must adhere to the above guidelines.

  • All companies carrying out media content production activities must comply with the Mandatory Safety Rules published by IMDA. (to be updated soon)
  • The Comprehensive Safety Measures contains a list of practical recommendations media companies and professionals can adopt during this period. (to be updated soon)

ANTIGEN RAPID TEST (ART) KITS FOR SCREEN TALENTS

Initiative for free Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits for screen talents is supported by IMDA, SAMPP & The Actors’ Society. Check out the advisory & initiative info here : http://tiny.cc/self_test_kits

VIEW SAFE FILMING PRACTICES FOR SCREEN TALENT

download PDF

Covid-19 Safety Advisory developed by Janice Koh & Tan Kheng Hua in consultation with the Screen Talent community and endorsed by the Singapore Association of Motion Picture Professionals

General International Safety Guidelines

Here are some other safety recommendations for media productions from various countries for reference.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM / DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS

ARTICLES

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