30 Nov CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS (GERMANY) – MOVIE MATRIX 4 STANDS ACCUSED OF DISGUISING WRAP PARTY AS FILM SHOOT TO BYPASS GERMAN CORONAVIRUS RULES

Authorities in Germany are reportedly investigating whether a party held at the studio where the latest Matrix film was shot breached Coronavirus rules.  About 200 people were at the party, including star Keanu Reeves, with the guests invited to come as ‘extras’.

A spokesperson for the studio said that producers for the film told the them that they were shooting extra footage for a ‘celebration scene’. “The hygiene regulations were complied with,” she added. “The production team consciously put this shoot with its many participants, right at the end of the filming.”

However, an attendee at the party told German tabloid Bild that the event seemed more like a party, with nobody actually filming the events. “No directorial instructions were given, there was no clapperboard, and no one was filming,” the attendee said. “The mood was exuberant. Everyone was given a corona PCR test in advance. Everyone needed to come wearing a mask, but many people didn’t wear them as the party wore on.”

In the UK, most Coronavirus laws and restrictions will not apply if an activity is work related. Whether the party in this case was or was not a film shoot and therefore for work purposes, or purely social purposes, the headlines it has generated around the world serves as a reminder to production companies that they do need to think carefully about all activities organised in connection with their productions.  If the activity in question is not reasonably necessary for work related purposes, it may well be illegal.  Abbas Media Law has helped get some of the biggest shows in television back on our screens this year. For advice and guidance on Coronavirus laws and regulations affecting production please contact Abbas Media Law at info@abbasmedialaw.com