The Miami-Dade County Office of Film & Entertainment has begun issuing film permits on a limited, case-by-case basis. The county listed guidelines and regulations to start transitioning to “normalcy” during the early phase of reopening. The approval process to obtain a permit for location filming is expected to take longer than usual, with possible shooting dates for mid-June. “The film industry touches so many aspects of businesses, like hair and makeup artists, talent, directors, and production crews. That is why we want to do it the right way and take care of our film industry, making sure everyone goes home safely,” Miami-Dade’s Film & Entertainment Commissioner, Sandy Lighterman said.
The county’s film & entertainment office issues permits for 13 municipalities throughout Miami-Dade that are adhering to all “New Normal” guidelines, with some having even stricter regulations going beyond the county’s safety rules. According to Lighterman, production crews will be allowed to shoot at government buildings like the libraries, outside of culture centers, parking garages, roads, and bridges, depending on how much space is needed and if staff can be provided for sanitation and supervision. Beaches, parks, Florida courts, and correctional facility filming or photo permits are not yet allowed.“There have been a lot of healthy discussions involving local, national, and international level organizations in regards to coming back. Unions, production companies, and studios are coming up with even stricter guidelines for everyone’s safety with the help from CDC medical officials,” Ms. Lighterman said.
Filming in Miami-Dade contributes a large slice to the economy, along with productions all over the state. Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity found that over seven years ending 30th June 2017, nearly 300 film productions that got state tax credits spent USD 1.26 billion in the state, paid USD 751 million wages and created 117,417 Florida jobs. Many people have reached out during the pandemic via email, inquiring about when Miami-Dade will open for production completely. For example, a production that wants to shoot at the beach will be quite different in how social distancing is going to be implemented rather than inside a restaurant having up to 50% of capacity restrictions. “Multiple directors and producers are willing to change creative to follow the needs of how shooting will be like now, whether the new formula is temporary or permanently,” Lighterman said. “You’ll have completely different or multiple guidelines in every scenario.”
Some new ways content is going to be made include having shorter days and fewer crew members on set, she said, “There is going to be a lot of pre-production planning ahead of time, which is key,” Lighterman said. “Once on set there will not be much to worry about. The film & entertainment industry is economic development and we want to put crews back to work, but in a safe manner. It’s definitely a puzzle, but I’m sure we will figure it out.”
There is going to be a lot of pre-production planning ahead of time, which is key. Once on set there will not be much to worry about. The film & entertainment industry is economic development and we want to put crews back to work, but in a safe manner. It’s definitely a puzzle, but I’m sure we will figure it out.” Sandy Lighterman Miami-Dade’s Film & Entertainment Commissioner
