Lights, cameras, COVID?

Hollywood studios are now casting for COVID-19 consultants, such as epidemiologists and other public health specialists, to help keep staff on set safe from the virus, according to Reuters.

The new staff will support actors and the crews of hairstylists, camera operators and the hundreds of others who work on set, as studios aim to continue production on film and television shows, the wire service reported Wednesday.

Such specialists will be tasked with providing detailed strategies for dealing with large crews who work in cramped spaces, makeup artists who get face-to-face with stars, and actors who kiss, hug and fight on set, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, the industry expects to see smaller crews on set, more hand sanitizer, and the use of computer-generated imagery to create big crowds on screen when work resumes, the wire service reported.

More insurance and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.