The film and audiovisual (AV) industry was the first to be badly hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Screenings and events were cancelled and productions were postponed as early as January when the first few COVID-19 cases in the country were reported. The film and AV industry is projected to be the last to recover from the blows of the public health crisis because mass gatherings remain to be prohibited. 

Manila, May 25, 2020 - Netflix today announced a new slate of beloved and critically-acclaimed Pinoy films across a variety of genres - from horror, comedy, to critically-acclaimed drama. Partnering with leading production studios, including Viva, ERJ Found Films, Black Cap Pictures and Changhe Films, the latest lineup opens Netflix members to a world of diverse storytelling from the Philippines.

On April 27, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) issued Administrative Order 2020-015, which directed National Government Agencies (NGAS) to develop and submit sector-specific plans and guidelines on COVID-19 public health standards to the DOH. This will be consolidated and endorsed by the Secretary of Health to the Inter-Agency Task Force On Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and complied with by the private sectors involved. 

While most countries await for final safety protocols for audiovisual production work and anticipate their government’s go signal to reopen for business, the Philippines is among the first few nations where cameras can finally start rolling again. Film, television, and other audiovisual shoots are permitted to take place in most parts of the country, following the changes in the community quarantine classifications that took effect on May 16 and will last until May 31, 2020. 

INTERIM GUIDELINES ON SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR THE CONDUCT OF FILM AND AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION SHOOTS TO MITIGATE COVID-19

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) sorrowfully mourns the passing of master filmmaker Peque Gallaga, an acclaimed and celebrated director, producer, screenwriter, actor, production designer, lecturer, and a staunch advocate of Philippine Cinema.

Relative to updates from the national government regarding community quarantine in the country, FDCP hereby adopts updated guidelines for the audio-visual industry and community.

Relative to the activation of the FDCP DISASTER/EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND RELIEF (DEAR) PROGRAM, a disaster-triggered funding mechanism of the Film Development Council of the Philippines that provides financial assistance to its stakeholders who are directly affected by a major natural disaster and the release of  Executive Order No. 112 which, among others, imposed an Enhanced Community Quarantine in high-risk geographic areas of the Philippines from May 1-15, 2020, the following guidelines are hereby ordered:

The Disaster/Emergency Assistance and Relief (DEAR) Program of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) now has three programs to assist displaced freelance audio-visual (AV) content workers during a state of calamity due to a major natural disaster or public health emergency like the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. After launching DEAR ACTION! for freelance AV content workers and DEAR PRESS! for freelance entertainment press members, FDCP has introduced DEAR LIVE! for freelancers in the AV live performance sector.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) highlighted the Filipino cinema industry by continuing collaborations and forging partnerships in the 70th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in Germany. The FDCP, which continues to fulfill its mission of prospering Philippine Cinema and promoting it locally and globally, kick-started 2020 at no less than the first A-List international film festival of the year with the biggest film market in the world (European Film Market), the Berlinale.