Movie producers kinuwestiyon ang FDCP shooting guidelines para sa ‘new normal’ 

MARAMING nakabasa sa komento ng Regal Films producer na si Roselle Monteverde sa post ni Atty. Joji Alonso tungkol sa ipinatutupad na health protocol ng Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases o IATF.

Kamakailan kasi ay nagpalabas si Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson Liza Dino ng guidelines para sa “New Normal Film and Audiovisual Shoots in the Philippines.”

Comment ni Ms. Roselle hinggil dito, “What is the role of FDCP and why is she (Liza) saying that she is the agency for the Audio Visual Industry and her guidelines should be followed? And yet misled us into thinking that it was approved by DOLE and haphazardly released her own draft guidelines without consultation with the film producers.”

Ito naman ang ipinost ni Quantum Films producer na si Atty. Joji: “For the past weeks, the workers in the film industry had a number of questions, foremost of which were: When work could resume

Whether or not the Inter Guild Alliance protocols needed to be approved by the IATF.

“Earlier, we were given the impression that we needed the green light of the DTI before any production could begin shoot. And further, that any work protocols would need the approval of the IATF through the DOH.

“Thank you Secretary Mon Lopez and DOLE Assistant Secretary and Bureau of Working Conditions Director Tess Cucueco for clarifying – that film production may already resume under the MECQ as the film industry is among those included in the latest resolution of the IATF – provided there is compliance of all health protocols as contained in the DTI and DOLE Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of Covid 19.

“Further, there is no need to have the Inter Guild Alliance protocols approved by the IATF, but that our submission would be most welcome as it may be useful for other workers similarly situated. We have already complied with the submission.

“I am most grateful to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque for further clarifying earlier tonight – in the presence of IATF members DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary Carlito Galvez, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, and DOH Secretary Francisco Duque at the Malago in Malacanang while awaiting the arrival of PPRD – that the protocols for the film industry DO NOT NEED THE APPROVAL OF THE IATF, before the same may be used/implemented.

“Stay safe everyone!”

Hiningan namin ng reaksyon si FDCP chair Liza tungkol sa komento ni Ms. Roselle at pinadalhan kami ng link ng kolum niya sa isang broadsheet.

“It has been months now since I last saw a movie in the cinemas. Even before the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was declared by the President last March 15, there was already a considerable decline in cinema attendance.

“It started with the Taal Volcano eruption, when the ashfall made people stay put for safety. Then came the rising number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases. The fear of contracting the virus through large gatherings made people avoid going to public spaces, including theaters. 

“From there, even live events started getting postponed. The reality slowly crept up when we saw these events and festivals getting cancelled left and right. It was a big blow in the industry that we never saw coming.

“And then this: Imagine finally watching a film in the theater after several months, only to be required to be two seats apart from the friends or family you came with. Or for workers, imagine audio-visual (AV) shoots being required to practice physical distancing with a gap of one meter, and this would apply to everyone—from the directors, producers, production staff and actors.

“Your favorite local love team would have to be one meter apart on and off cam with masks on. These scenarios would have been outrageous three months ago. Now, they will be considered to be possibly the new norm as the AV industry prepares for the resumption of work amid the Covid-19 crisis.

“The big question, however, is when will things go back to normal? Or yet, is this already the new normal? Other concerns also come to mind: When will people flock to the cinemas again? How can the public feel safe about attending parties and events? When will people feel comfortable to be in a large concert crowd? Will audiences be content with watching films online?

“In these uncertain times, it is inevitable to feel daunted and defeated. Each day that passes is a lost opportunity for the industry and its workers to earn a living. And each time spent worrying about your next meal is a missed chance to create art. 

“As a creative industry, we are all artists in our own right. We need to do something. But while we are all feeling confined, art lives. We may still be powerless against the virus as there is no cure yet, but it should not hinder us from coming up with solutions to ease the impact of the pandemic.

“Last Monday, April 20, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) hosted the AV Industry Stakeholders Town Hall via Zoom with the theme ‘Economic Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic to the Film and Audio-Visual Industry: Survival, Recovery, and Shifting to the ‘New Normal.’

“It was supposed to last for two hours, but with so much to be tackled, we didn’t notice that five hours went by. Having virtual meetings is starting to be a part of this new norm. Because of the quarantine, this is the only safe way to connect with people, and a Zoom meeting has become synonymous to the usual rendezvous. AV companies should adopt online conferences as well because it looks like we’re going to do this for a while.

“The town hall kicked off with industry representatives airing their concerns. Star Cinema’s Olivia Lamasan shared on the cancellations and delays in film productions, Audie Gemora of Philippine Legitimate Stage Artists Group for theater productions, Paolo Villaluna and Carlitos Siguion-Reyna of Directors’ Guild of the Philippines and production designer Benjamin Padero on the plight and income loss of workers, and Butch Ibañez of Solar Pictures for film distribution in cinemas. Paolo Mercado of the Creative Economy Council of the Philippines also gave context to the economic impact of Covid-19.

“Alemberg Ang of VY/AC Productions, Patti Lapus of Epicmedia Productions, Mackie Galvez of Lupon ng Pilipinong Sinematograpo, Jay Block of Outbound Asia, and Shakira Villa Symes of the Independent Production Workers Group shared their experiences regarding independent film productions, cinematographers,and live performances.

“I noted to my government colleagues that behind the glitz and glamour of the AV industry is the hard work of low-income earners such as utility, propsmen and cinema checkers. Ben Padero pointed out that affected AV industry stakeholders also include displaced suppliers like tailors, carpenters and drivers. The same can be said about those in advertising, and Quark Henares of Globe Studios commented that the Covid-19 pandemic is an all-encompassing obstacle in the industry.

“Fundraising initiatives by industry members such as Open House, Lockdown Cinema Club, Volunteer Corps PH, All Access Initiatives and Artists Welfare Project, Inc., have been launched to give financial support to displaced workers. But town hall attendees brought up the reality of donor fatigue and the need for sustainable assistance programs and business continuity.

“The proliferation of piracy during the ECQ was also raised as the public resorted to online entertainment. Various filmmakers even made their works available online for free or for a fee that would count as a donation, but such works have been redistributed illegally. Another pressing issue is the slow internet speed that has been hampering productivity.

“After hearing the side of the AV industry, it was the government’s turn to speak. Congressman Toff de Venecia spoke twice as part of the AV industry (he’s a stage director and producer) and as a lawmaker. Cong. Toff, a champion of the performing arts sector, has been working with FDCP on initiatives for our industry. It was through the House Committee Hearing he has been conducting that FDCP got more exposed to the growing AV industry, which is no longer limited to content creation as it has reached out to the performing arts and live performance sectors.

“Citing the Philippine website ‘I Lost My Gig,’ Cong. Toff reported an income loss of at least P99 million in the industries of arts, design, entertainment, media, retail, and health and wellness. He then highlighted the proposed fiscal stimulus plan and mentioned the need for labor retention and business continuity to boost the country’s economic resilience.”

Pagpapatuloy pa ni Chair Liza, “Among the urgent concerns of the AV industry that need to be addressed are the policies for production shoots and barrier measures during live events, if and when the ECQ is over. Fortunately, DOH’s Doc Meng was ready to share some proposed protocols for movie viewing, production shoots and events. These include providing health reminders to moviegoers and workers, frequent handwashing, wearing of masks, maintaining a one-meter distance and daily sanitation of cinemas and equipment. This is a good baseline for the industry that can be streamlined through more consultations and discussions.

“As for FDCP, which is under the Office of the President, our Disaster/Emergency Assistance and Relief (DEAR) Program has supported more than 1,200 displaced AV workers who received P8,000 financial assistances.

“One of the biggest projects of FDCP to align with the shift to the new norm is to amp up its Cine Lokal program by migrating it to an online platform. Also, we will soon launch social campaigns to engage the industry to support our film industry despite the shift to digital platforms.”