Hollywood has pretty much been at a standstill since the global health crisis hit and caused projects across the industry to effectively shut down indefinitely. Television has been struck particularly hard, as many networks are currently shuffling to prepare for the upcoming TV season. While many entities are still trying to figure things out, it would appear that CBS is ready to put its plan in motion by placing one of its signature shows back in production.
CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful is slated to resume shooting on Wednesday, June 17, making it the first U.S. Broadcast (and possibly the first scripted) series to restart production. According to Deadline, filming will resume at Television City in Los Angeles, and pre-production has already commenced this week. While the show doesn’t currently have a return air date, network executives are hoping the show rejoins originals by early to mid-July.
A safety plan has reportedly been in development since The Bold and the Beautiful initially suspended production in March. As such, the show will abide by protocols established by LA County, the city of Los Angeles and Television City owner Hackman Capital Partners.
As part of the show’s plans, the cast and crew have already been tested for COVID-19 and will continue to receive regular tests as filming continues. Members of the production will also be working shorter days, which includes altered call times. In addition, the number of cast members allowed on set during a given shoot will be limited, and scripts are being rewritten to accommodate this practice. Cast and crew members, except for performing actors, will also be required to wear masks.
Finally, The Bold and the Beautiful will also have a coronavirus coordinator on set, who will help to ensure that all of these practices are being upheld.
This week has marked a major step for both TV and film productions in getting back to work. Earlier this week, it was reported that Universal’s Jurassic World: Dominion is currently prepping to resume filming in the UK and will be the first major studio film to do so across the pond. Like The Bold and the Beautiful, a comprehensive plan has also been put together to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.
With plans like the one’s initiated by The Bold and the Beautiful and Jurassic World: Dominion, one has to wonder how much longer it’ll be before other high-profile productions start up again. Some productions are currently allowed to ramp things up, but we’ve yet to get concrete details on return dates.
What may be able to assume is that CBS’ decision to put The Bold and the Beautiful back into production is a sign that the company slowly begin starting work on other shows in the coming months.
We’ll be sure to provide you with updates as they arrive, and be sure to keep it here at CinemaBlend for all the latest news from the world of TV and movies.
