Gatehouse Commercials Offer Clients Point of Care Antigen Covid-19 Test

Gatehouse Commercials, the renowned production facilitation company in Cape Town, have become the first ever Service Production Company to offer their clients Point of Care Antigen Covid-19 tests, which give results in 15 minutes, as opposed to the standard PCR test that needs to be processed in a laboratory and takes 24 hours. These tests are manufactured by Abbott Pharmaceuticals in the United States and are a class leader in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

Both Caviar Content and Reset Content partnered with Gatehouse on large-scale shoots this winter. Benefitting from Gatehouse’s unique offering, testing commenced from the moment crew were confirmed on the job, with mass-testing performed on set. The speed and efficiency of this process, implemented and carried out by Gatehouse, meant for minimal disruption and maximum reassurance for all involved.

Not only does this ground-breaking service significantly reduce risk of Covid transmission on set with the rapid identification of asymptomatic Covid-positive cases and help to ensure an uninterrupted shoot, the Antigen test is a fraction of the cost of a PCR laboratory test.  So while Gatehouse promise to increase the safety of their shoots and crew, they can also bring the associated costs down quite considerably. 

“While one can never totally eliminate the risk of transmission and we must remain vigilant,” Bev Wynne, Executive Producer of Gatehouse Commercials, explains; “this brand-new technology is a giant leap forward for the success and adaptability of our industry in these unfortunate circumstances.”

“Our testing protocols mean that everyone is tested before getting in a recce van, all cast are tested at wardrobe and all crew on set.” Bev continued, “We have even developed a track-and-trace mobile application that means that even if there is a positive case on set, we do not have to send potential exposures into quarantine.”

With the new year upon us and more challenges ahead, the options for filming are limited.  However Gatehouse Commercials is leading the way with game-changing rapid test devices for safer film sets  and a reliable and forward thinking destination for filmmaking.  

Bev Wynne concludes “We are ecstatic that these tests can help us deliver stunning films even during these most difficult of times, so to ensure that we keep each other safe and that our beloved film industry is sustained through this pandemic.”

For more information on the testing protocols or any other services provided by Gatehouse Commercials, please contact General Manager Joel Wynne or visit the website.