Producing television content during the coronavirus pandemic increases workloads, but the cameras must keep rolling, according to a production coordinator at the Leeds-based Daisybeck Studios.
During a talk at Leeds Trinity University’s Journalism and Media Week, Charlotte Bruce, 24, told students that while coronavirus has made television production more difficult, it is important that content continues to be made and distributed to audiences across the UK.
Charlotte currently works from home on the popular television series The Yorkshire Vet, which has been filming episodes throughout the coronavirus crisis.
Charlotte said: “I’ve been very lucky to work throughout the entire pandemic because The Yorkshire Vet is a recurring series.
“We had specials and 30-minute shows that we were producing just to put stuff on TV because otherwise there’d be nothing on.”
During the pandemic Charlotte’s workload expanded to involve more planning and logistics than usual.
“Before we could just let crews go with the vets and film whatever they needed to do.
“Now we need to fill out filming protocols, create self-declaration forms for the contributors and the crew, and they need to have PPE kits.”
Alongside discussing television production in the time of coronavirus, Charlotte spoke about the acquisition of Daisybeck Studios by Entertainment One, which took place in July last year.
The Canada-based multinational production giant has produced well known series including Designated Survivor, You Me Her and Siesta Key.
Charlotte believes that although Daisybeck is no longer independent, it has retained its people-focused ethos.
She said: “The acquisition has not necessarily changed the kind of programmes we are doing.
“Entertainment One was very specific with us that they didn’t want to change what we’re doing because they like it so much.
“It’s all about the people and they didn’t want to change that as much.”
Charlotte believes Daisybeck now has more opportunities as a company than it did as an independent prior to the acquisition.
Her job as a production coordinator has not been affected, however managerial roles at Daisybeck have changed to comply with Entertainment One policies.
Charlotte ended her Journalism and Media Week talk by revealing the highlights of her job.
The award-winning series she works on has seen her cuddle an array of farmyard animals, and even take a 90-year-old pet owner to London for the first time.
However, a major highlight for Charlotte has been attending award ceremonies where she is surrounded by esteemed industry figures and is able to see her day to day work formally recognised.