Covid-19

Sound Department Precautions being taken during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
(This page will be updated regularly - Last Update May 9th 2020)

Being responsible and prepared is vital to keep everyone on set healthy, so I have put together some guidelines I will be following for the foreseeable future. (Every set is different, and exceptions may arise, final decisions as to what is required will be down to any government guidelines, my judgment, and with the participation of production.)

• Production and AD’s should be aware that additional time may be necessary setup equipment, install and remove transmitters and lavalier microphones on talent, while following health and safety protocols.

• Additional equipment and expenses may be required depending on the shoot.

• Making sure that talent is comfortable with our efforts to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
  
  Cleaning and sanitising:

• All kit, including transmitters and microphones, has been cleaned and sanitised and this will be re-done after every shoot:

  • As a general rule, 70% Isopropyl alcohol solution is used for the disinfection and cleaning of sound equipment.

  • Using the alcohol solution in a spray bottle creates a fine mist helping to disperse the liquid without over soaking the components to be cleaned.

  • Prepackaged, individual disposable wipes, containing 70% alcohol are also used.

• Radio microphone transmitters and microphones will be cleaned and sanitised before and after each use. Where possible the same transmitter and microphone will be used for only one person.

• Any devices attached to another department's equipment will also be cleaned and sanitised before and after each use.

 On set recording:

• Boom is preferable in all situations and it is suggested that boom only is used.

• If radio microphones are necessary then the following precautions will be taken:

  • Face masks will be worn at all times.

  • Gloves and safety glasses will be used if necessary.

• As mentioned above, the transmitter and mic will be sanitised before use.

• No sound equipment should be handled by any person from another department. Talent should be brought to the sound department for wiring. Sound Department will not go to another department.

 Headphones:

• Anyone needing to listen on set using provided IEM receivers or via headphone distribution should provide their own headphones.

• HEADPHONES SHOULD NOT BE SHARED.

Supplied safety and cleaning items:

• Isopropyl Alcohol 70% (in spray canister)

• Alcohol prep pads

• Cleaning wipes

• Masks

• Gloves

• Safety glasses