In April 2020, Australia’s longest-running television drama, Neighbours became one of the first English-language screen productions in the world to resume filming following a hiatus due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Several other productions including prison drama Wentworth are now taking the first steps to returning to set in Victoria following the release of the Australian Screen Production Industry’s COVID-Safe Guidelines.

In Australia film sets are workplaces and can continue to operate under the current restrictions as long as they follow the latest guidelines regarding physical distancing and hygiene measures, however most productions in Victoria suspended filming at the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic while protocols were created to ensure the safety of their cast and crew.

The resumption of filming on Neighbours after a four-week break garnered worldwide attention, and Film Victoria has since collaborated with the production company behind the popular series, Fremantle, as well as Ausfilm and Australian screen industry bodies on the COVID-Safe Guidelines.

With the release of these guidelines, the easing of restrictions, and the success of Neighbours paving the way for safe production environments, Film Victoria look forward to welcoming international projects to film or post-produce in Victoria.

To discuss bringing your next project to Victoria, contact Joe Brinkmann, Manager, Production Attraction & Support, Film Victoria, at [email protected]