Poland Opens up for Shooting in a New Normal World

Whilst Europe slowly starts to adjust to a world after lockdown, some countries are already opening their doors to shooting on location, but what restrictions are put in place? What can we expect when we shoot abroad? Tango Production in Poland talks about safety guidelines and how Covid-19 has changed the way we create and shoot on location. 

“Safety is our main priority and whilst Poland and Tango Production were on lockdown, we all had to start thinking about how we could prepare for the new ways of working. Not only did we have to think about the practicalities of shooting by being creative, we’ve also had to trust and support each other” says Tango’s executive producer Julia Bidakowska-Andren. 

So how are Tango taking further steps to ensure these new measures are enforced? 

“Tango Production treats safety very seriously. We have been preparing to work under the new circumstances in a safe and comfortable way. All of our staff has gone through safety training and we have had legal consultations so we are very well prepared. We are strictly abiding by the KPR (APA) guidelines ensuring our crew is minimised, masks and overalls are worn where required. 

It will mean shoots will be planned differently than before by minimising the crew, providing live streaming for key crew members wherever possible, having set managers controlling the set and reducing movement of people crossing paths, having everyone entering the set examined by a doctor and providing catering that will include food in boxes instead of an open buffet. 

We have created a general safety protocol that we will gladly share upon request.” 

This will all come into force as soon as lockdown measures are eased so shooting can begin again in Poland on May 18th. It will be legal to shoot, obtain location permits and stores, hotels, hair salons will gradually be reopened. As with many production facilities, staff are kept to a minimum in the office and a live streaming workflow has been introduced so camera footage can be shared with agency/client teams via Zoom, Office Teams and Google Hangouts. 

Julia explains: “Our production teams have gone through multiple workshops with different live streaming providers and it really works well. We have tested Q-take, but also local innovations, Kuklavision that also is supported by satellite to enhance the quality of streaming as well as Cinetake HD (very similar to the Q-take system). If necessary there is always the TV broadcast system for larger events. Online casting using self taped talents and live casting sessions are also in practice. 

Our office is open and meets the safety standards. The hotels in Poland are now open and we have been in contact with the ones we cooperate with to make sure they also follow the safety procedures. We are ready to start working again. ” 

Fortunately, May to September is considered the best time to shoot in Poland and the currency exchange rate is currently very favourable for foreign clients. Tango Production is looking forward to welcoming clients back into the fold and helping everyone find their feet again.