COVID Safety Tips for Video Production: Omicron Variant Edition

This blog about video production safety tips as the Omicron variant brings new challenges for content makers is part of our series covering the impact the pandemic has had on marketers across all industries. For more tips on how you can remain agile in this “new normal”


When the coronavirus outbreak was first declared a pandemic in March 2020 by The World Health Organization, the world experienced widespread shutdowns. Lockdowns and stay-at-home orders were issued globally as COVID-19 cases raged and people stayed home, doing their part to limit spread. In 2021, as COVID-19 vaccines began to be distributed, there was hope as infections seemed to slow down and many parts of the world re-opened. 

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With the quick, unpredictable spread of the Delta variant — with 130 countries reporting cases by August 2021 — as well as the Omicron variant, the world seems to have entered another partial shutdown. The ebb and flow of restrictions have caused many marketers and content makers to remain vigilant with video safety measures — especially since international and local reactions to the new variant are not globally uniform. While people stay home and limit contact, makers offer content to keep people engaged and entertained — but how do they go about doing that safely?

Fortunately, by following some top tips, you can ensure that your video production remains smooth, secure, and responsive to what consumers crave during these uncertain times. 

Branch Out Your Video Production Strategies

The pandemic has affected many aspects of the process, including video production cost, filming, and the development of the creative content that marketers produce, and the Omicron variant will only continue these affects. What has been consistent is the consumer’s need for entertainment, specifically in the form of video content. As such, it’s an opportunity to experiment with the subject and style of your video-making process.

Lean on Different Video Types

A QuickFrame COVID-19 Video Intelligence Analysis found that videos without in-person talent have seen some of the best conversion rates. These videos could include animation and the re-editing or repurposing of previously created assets — all of which offer different benefits.

You can utilize either full or partial animated video to produce content that expands on creativity without having to gather people for a shoot. Conversely, budget-conscious marketers are leaning on post-production techniques to re-purpose assets cost-effectively and efficiently. For example, you can re-purpose previously shot footage or photos by imposing text, graphics, or using motion design on them. 

Try Out New Video Styles

Naturally, a large part of the content creation process since the start of the pandemic has been adapting to the ever-transformative expectations of consumers. 

Consumers are craving organic content that speaks to them on a more personal level and embraces connectivity, which can help brands build their awareness. To adapt to creating content that is sensitive to the pandemic while following distancing guidelines, you can use UGC (user-generated content) through various platforms, such as social media. The content can then be edited together in a way that feels real and relatable to the present day. 

This UGC-style ad from MoneyLion, created with QuickFrame, kept production costs low by utilizing one simple outdoor location and taking a UGC-style approach.

Utilize Available Resources in Creative Ways 

If you’re filming live-action or UGC-type content, you can get innovative with the available resources you have to stay safe. For instance, many content makers choose to act as their own talent or ask family, friends, or roommates to star in their production to comply with quarantine restrictions.

If some crew is needed, opt to use the smallest number of people possible in a local location rather than one that requires transport. This can allow you to re-examine the area around you in a creative way. 

Create Content in Safe Areas

An alternative to producing content in a local area is to use a tool like QuickFrame’s global video hub. Here, marketers can connect with content makers to produce region-specific videos in areas of the country or even the world with low transmission and high vaccination rates. As COVID-19 recovery efforts around the globe continue to change every day, having access to a tool like this can ensure that you continue to work in safe spaces. 

Allow for Remote Collaboration

Fortunately, remote technology has thrived in the pandemic, allowing businesses of all types to handle work from varying locations. Thanks to video program software like Zoom, Teams, and Skype, marketers can remotely call in during production shoot days to help with creative decisions related to set design, talent, and content production. This greatly reduces the number of individuals needed on a film set, helping keep everyone safe.

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Adhere to Current Safety Measures 

It’s still fundamental for marketers and content makers to keep up with the latest safety guidelines imposed by their local government and make certain they are being practiced on set. While actual practices differ from area to area, there are some essential procedures that every set should put into place. 

Ensure Compliance with Local Guidelines

Before any shoot, you and your team should read the latest available local health protocols to see what specific measures should be established. Some sets consult COVID-19 safety officers who monitor compliance with these guidelines. If hiring someone specifically for this position is not possible, you can designate an authoritative individual on set to oversee adherence to these measures.

Create a Communicative Atmosphere

A communicative film set is a successful one, and that remains truer than ever when it comes to COVID-19 protocols. Inform all team members before shooting what the set expectations are so that there are no surprises, and keep the communication of these procedures continuous throughout the shoot. 

Implement General Health and Safety Practices 

While different areas may have varying rules when it comes to health and safety practices, the following act as general guidelines your set should follow:

  • Conduct routine health checks (e.g., filling out a symptom questionnaire or performing temperature screenings).
  • Verify and enforce that unvaccinated people wear masks at all times (both indoors and outdoors).
  • Maintain social distancing at the recommended six feet when and where possible (using tape to dictate length).
  • Improve indoor ventilation and airflow.
  • Require set members to wash hands or use hand sanitizer regularly.
  • Wash and disinfect equipment where required,

Omicron Variant Safety Tips for Video Production: The Takeaway 

With the arrival and rapid spread of the Delta and Omicron variants, it’s impossible to guarantee that any film set can be 100% safe from COVID-19 infection. However, by following the most up-to-date health and Omicron safety measures and opening the door to video subject and style experimentation, creating a high-performing ad or entertaining content is still very much possible. QuickFrame can assist you on your journey of creating high-quality productions without the enormous price tag in such uncertain times. 

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