Wentworth cast advised to ‘stay below the radar’ about filming in Victoria during stage-four lockdowns
The high-profile cast of Foxtel’s Wentworth have been advised to play down the fact they’re still filming the show in Victoria as the rest of the state grapples with severe COVID-19 restrictions.
“We’re not trying to hide the fact we are working through, media are aware that production in general is continuing, however in this current climate, it’s such an emotive issue, wiser to stay below the radar,” an email from Fremantle to stars, and seen by Mumbrella, said.
Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services notes screen production and television broadcasting can operate on-site throughout stage four, so long as they have a COVID Safe plan.
Fremantle, however, advised cast not to draw attention to it on their social media accounts or in interviews with Foxtel of Channel 5 in the UK.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nj8jvYQZMQ&feature=emb_title
“For the moment on your socials, please focus on promoting what is playing out on air rather than filming,” Fremantle’s communications department told the cast.
“For those doing interviews for Foxtel and Channel 5 in the UK, continue with the usual response if asked about filming – very fortunate to be working through with our very strict COVID safety measures which have been in place for some time now, everyone is invested in making it work and it’s all going well,” the email added.
Season eight of Wentworth started airing on Foxtel’s Showcase in late July. The show had paused production in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Fremantle spokesperson told Mumbrella: “Fremantle is complying will all government directions in respect of our business operations in Victoria.”
Was this really necessary to make public? Australian media is in short supply at the moment and I for one certainly don’t want Wentworth, a fantastic Australian show, to be at the brunt of any hate.
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“try and stay under the radar”
Mumbrella – publishes article that draws attention to the situation
Hilarious…
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So the cast are isolating away from families and loved ones during filming are they?
Sounds reckless if not.
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And may have spoiled season 8/9 by listing actors who are currently on location 😉
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This seems unfair to publish, if they aren’t breaking any rules and are taking precautions. Nothing wrong with having a communications strategy and providing helpful advice to your team, especially a plan that seems as reasonable and sensitive like this one.
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I do worry as a prison is a difficult place to socially isolate. The prisoners in the pound are the lucky ones.
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I totally agree. It’s this sort of ‘news that could put a damper on future recordings. Such a shame the publisher has to make this public which could possibly hold back future recordings. So much for trying to keep it under the radar. What did you want to achieve with this article?
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I totally agree. It’s this sort of ‘news that could put a damper on future recordings. Such a shame the publisher has to make this public which could possibly hold back future recordings. So much for trying to keep it under the radar. What did you want to achieve with this article?
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The fact they’re telling cast members to ‘stay under the radar’ tells me that they know what they’re doing is wrong.
Imagine being in an industry that is shutting down because of this, to then hear that Wentworth is still filming. Regardless of a covid safe plan it is not an essential business. Simple fact. We know it. They know it … but sshhhhhhhhh.
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Taking out your emotion, production can continue under govt COVID rules. So it isn’t wrong, it’s employment.
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Lets keep it under the radar.
Ok. Hers an idea: lets print an article about it that’s reached the US!
?
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Wentworth can’t help it if the rest of the industry is too stupid to find ways to film.
I’m grateful they’re not running around like a Chicken Little. The sky is NOT falling. Everybody needs to get a grip.
Thanks, Wentworth, for behaving like informed professionals
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The industry isn’t shutting down – it’s downsizing due to a reduced ad market, but most of the industry is still running with people either WFH or with Covid-safe guidelines.
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