Coronavirus: Masks and social distancing at first film premiere since lockdown | Ents & Arts News
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The carpet has social distancing reminders pasted all over it, the photographers are wearing masks and everyone’s bumping elbows.
The world premiere of new crime drama Break is the first red (or in this case green) carpet since lockdown, and it’s noticeably different to the events that took place before the pandemic ravaged the film industry.
The independent movie has been a three-year labour of love for producer, former Hollyoaks star Terri Dwyer.
She told Sky News that taking on the role behind the camera has led to some surprising challenges.
“Producing is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever done,” Dwyer said.
“I mean, just to let you know, six days ago our hosting company went into administration, so me and the other producer, we have had to put this whole infrastructure in, in six days.”
“And then we were stuck on the motorway, we were two hours late, catering was two hours late, and about an hour ago I was in Tesco panic-buying alcohol and soft drinks just in case the caterers didn’t arrive – oh the glamour.”
The carpet seems less bustling than at a usual premiere – with the metre gaps between members of the media creating space, and a lack of fans pushed up against one another as they vie for autographs from the stars.
Dwyer said social distancing measures have made the event logistically challenging.
“We’ve got markers all over the green carpet here and the VIP bit, we’ve got security surrounding it, making sure everyone adheres to social distancing, you guys [the media] are all marked up, so you’re not going to be allowed off your mark,” she said.
“So, we are absolutely doing everything we can to keep everyone safe.”
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While many film studios have chosen to push back the release of their summer blockbusters, Dwyer admitted that wasn’t an option for the team behind Break due to budgets.
She said that while she’s hopeful screening the drama at drive-ins will pull in audience members, it’s far from an easy option.
“I know why the studios have done it, because obviously they want more people in the cinema to come and watch it,” she said.
“It’s a slog [screening the film at drive-ins]. It’s not easy.”
“So I fully understand why they’re waiting until things calm down, but next year might be like this, this may be the new normal, drive-in cinema may be the preferred option.”
Break will be released in drive-in venues across the UK, starting in Sheffield.
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