On location

Travel for film and TV productions has been particularly challenging for the last two years, but the shows must go on

- HANNAH BRANDLER

Film and television kept us occupied during the lockdown months, transporting us from our sofas to Covid-free worlds and allowing us to live vicariously through fictional characters as they sauntered from one location to the next. This manner of escapism was aided by streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus, which provide continuous content.

While we were glued to small screens, the pandemic was thankfully not a showstopper. Film and TV professionals continued to create content, exempt from the UK government's travel restrictions for most of the pandemic. Strict Covid protocols were in place on site, with masked cast and crew in 'bubbles' experiencing daily testing, while Perspex screens and manipulated camera angles allowed for social distancing. Here we explore how the industry navigated restrictions for the last two years, the growing appeal of the UK as a base for productions, and the challenge of sustainability in a travel-packed itinerary.

Flexibility first

Organising travel for production companies is challenging at the best of times, with tight deadlines, last-minute changes to schedules and a need for confidentiality. The pandemic and ever-changing global travel restrictions amplified this task. While production companies deal with on-the-ground issues, travel management companies (TMCs) arrange the whole end-to-end travel experience - from pre-departure testing to travel locator forms, airline bookings and car hire, and accommodation and VIP meet and greets - while providing a bespoke service which caters to individual demands.