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A Recommendation from ISLAND STUDIOS

SPS has kept Black and Dukes Island Studios secure for 18+ years

Specialist Protection Services Onsite Security

Assistance provided in or at any location or site security.
Provide a team which prides itself on delivering first class service.
Large events include Glastonbury (as main contractor).
Teams are handpicked for each job.

Contact Lisa Courts
SPS Operations Manager

l.courts@specialistprotection.com

07912 583070

Specialist Protection Services

Production is GO!

Coronavirus Production Guidelines – Update

Collected information on the threat posed by Coronavirus (COVID19 | SARS–CoV–2)

1 Feb 2021 update
The national lockdown continues.
Work and production (b2b) is able to continue as before, subject to appropriate safety protocols.
We have updated our Shoot | Production guidance to include reference to testing.

NEW – advertising production has been removed from the list of travel exemptions.
Anyone coming into the UK from overseas will have to self–isolate for 10 days unless you are able to pay to opt–in to the Test to Release scheme, after 5 days.

via AOP...

the-aop.org/coronavirus-guidance


04.01.21 Tier 5 Lockdown 3

Johnson Confirms Production Can Continue | Coronavirus Update

via APA

The Prime Minister announced further national COVID restrictions.

The whole country will move into Tier 5.

The principle change from current restrictions is that all schools will close for at least six weeks, except for children of key workers and vulnerable children.
Also the extremely vulnerable are advised to shield – and avoid working if they cannot work from home.

There is a 'work from home where you can' message, but once again it was made clear and continues to be the case that you may continue to work outside the home where your work cannot be done at home – so attending recces and productions, in studios or on locations, and such other aspects of the production process that cannot be performed at home continue to be permitted.

For APA members, agencies and advertisers; nothing changes in terms of restrictions and we share a confidence, based on the extraordinary efforts of everyone involved in production managing shoots safely and avoiding cancellations, that we have built a foundation for safe production going forward.

There will be an opportunity to discuss this further in our APA members' Zoom meeting.

Steve Davies

Advertising Producers Association

a-p-a.net/2020/04/news/updated-regularly


Head to APA + AOP sites for reg updates...

Useful Information + Guidance from AOP

It is without doubt that we are in unprecedented times at the moment and we know a lot of people will be finding it a challenge to rationalise the circumstances and work out where the reality sits.
We want to say that we are keeping a close eye on the situation, as you might expect, and are doing a number of things ourselves to minimise the impact on our operations and maintain our support for you.

Looking after yourself
It is very easy in times like these to over-compensate for the feelings of anxiety and alarm that people might feel, so we want to reassure those of you that are perhaps feeling overwhelmed and suggest a few steps you might take to create some much needed space for yourself.
Take a decent break from the news, particularly the health related stuff and limit yourself to checking it less often.
If you find your anxiety levels are ramped up, you may also be worried about missing something, so perhaps ask a friend, colleague or family member to let you know if there’s something important you should be aware of.
Stay away from Google and general social media advice, and do not rely on message boards and forums for advice as often, those places will give you a polarised or skewed view of things.
Do some regular exercise, even for just twenty minutes, and focus your mind on something else, even if it is something simple at home in your living room or concentrating on your breathing, you will find there are benefits to be had.
Try not to seek reassurance all the time about the situation.
Yes, it is quite a shift from our usual pattern of life, but it will come to an end and business as usual will return.
Believe the science and rely on facts� you will not go far wrong with that approach.
If you do feel anxious, remember that the feeling is a normal response to extraordinary circumstance and is not permanent.
It will stop and you will regain your calm and your sense of perspective.
Use any extra spare time you might have to do things that will give you a sense of achievement, regardless of what it might be, whether it is something as simple as re-ordering your image catalogues, weeding out your old emails or learning some new skills online.
Keep in touch regularly with your friends, family and/or loved ones, no matter how briefly – it helps us all feel that bit more connected.
If you do think you have picked up the virus and are suffering from any of the following symptoms
• fever or a high temperature (i.e. above 37.8° C)
• new, persistent cough
then you should stay at home, rest, and follow the advice of Public Health England and the NHS.
Remember that for most people, coronavirus (COVID19) will manifest as a mild infection.
There are groups of people for whom things may well be more serious, and if you are in one of those groups, you may need to take more action, such as going online to https://111.nhs.uk or calling 111, which is your first step if you do need more guidance or clinical advice and are more unwell.
Obviously, in an emergency, call 999.

Remote working
Lots of photographers are reporting having shoots cancelled or postponed.
We know how difficult it can be managing ones self-employment, even without these extraordinary circumstances, and it may be tempting to try to carry on regardless.
It is important to remember that although for many, being ill will not be that serious, for lots of people, it may be and we all have a responsibility to protect those who may be more vulnerable and to slow down the rate of infection, so our public health services are not overwhelmed.
If clients want to postpone or cancel shoots, there may be ways of carrying on production through remote working, such as using Zoom or Skype to facilitate meetings, or by using FaceTime or WhatsApp video to allow clients or art directors to see the photography taking place and Capture Pilot (for Capture One users) or web galleries to allow clients to make selects and/or approve shots before final output.

Cancellations
This is a tough one – you and your clients are likely to be in the same boat for a start, so enforcing cancellation clauses should be approached with some discretion and on a case-by-case basis, dependent on how what was in your contract and terms of business, how much notice you have been given and what alternative arrangements have been suggested.
For those of you that have access to business & legal support, please do make sure you use the services we provide as and when you need to.

Managing existing and current work
We suggest that now more than ever, you do all that you can to keep hold of your own cash if clients want something paid for, up front, for a commission, you really need to make every effort to get your client to advance you that amount, or for them to pay for it directly.
Cashflow is more important than anything in running a business, and when there is greater uncertainty, keep your purse or wallet closed for as long as possible.
If you are discussing new work, make sure that the terms of engagement include a clause about advance payments for any expenses you may incur before you can invoice.

Background Support Systems
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Supports a 4ft 6in or 9ft background paper using just one stand.
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STANDby for the heads up!
– See what we did there?!
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Shooting on your own?
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Essential part of any photographers location kit... so portable!
Also damn useful in the studio too, here's why...
Support your background paper | canvas roll.
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Your average stand easily accommodates a 4ft 6in roll.
Requires a sturdy stand for 9 footer.
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Available from PAPERPAL.live link below.
Vid shows The PAPERPAL in action.
Also avail at selected photographic suppliers.

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