As many TV shows such as SABC 1’s Skeem Saam and SABC 2’s 7 De Laan resumed production on Monday, 4 May, a lot of changes will be taking place on set such as kissing scenes as well as the use of extras.
Read More: SA's film and TV industry back to work amid Covid-19 – without extras or studio audiences
Speaking to DRUM, acting spokesperson of the SABC, Mmoni Seapolelo said that these changes have occurred to suit the regulations of level 4 of the lockdown.
“The SABC would like to confirm that based on the President’s announcement to move to alert level four (4) of the lockdown from 01 May 2020, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), released clear sector protocols, which productions associated with the SABC will adhere to. In this regard, production houses will resume work based on a schedule drafted between the corporation and the respective production house. At this stage the SABC is not in a position to publicly divulge its production schedule,” she said.
And as far as intimate scenes such as kissing are concerned, she said that production houses would have to adhere to social distancing regulations.
“In relation to intimate scenes, the government’s position on social distancing is clear and must continue to be adhered to. Production houses wishing to shoot intimate scenes, will use creative ways to do so. The SABC will continue to ensure full compliance with all regulations set by the government during this period, as well as strictly prioritising adherence to health and safety measures, for the benefit of our employees and production houses alike,” she said.
Speaking to Sowetan live, Skeem Saam spokesperson Sumaya Mogola said that couples on shows will no longer be filmed in bed together.
“The scenes that are shot during this time are carefully chosen - no scenes where the cast are required to hug, touch or be in proximity that is too close with one another,” she told the publication.
