ABC defends filming of Barons drama

ABC has defended filming of upcoming surf drama Barons in Sydney, after some locals complained the shoot was not essential work.

The 8 part drama has filmed at Palm Beach, Warriewood and Collaroy and will continue until mid-September, observing strict workplace COVID health rules.

The series produced by 2Jons, Micanical Media and Fremantle, centres around the hedonistic world of surfing and the cutthroat culture of big business with a group of 20-somethings who share a love of the ocean and surfing.

Yet some local residents have complained to Federal Mackellar MP Jason Falinski that production is not essential work.

“This production is allowing a lot of people from out of area into our local government area. I saw road crew working without their masks up at Turimetta and frankly, was disgusted,” one unnamed resident claimed.

ABC said production, with the support of the NSW Government,  was complying with Public Health Orders and strict COVID-safe measures.

It said cast and crew undergo regular COVID-19 tests and all staff were trained on minimising the spread of the virus.

There are also limits on the numbers of people on-set or on-site and personal protective equipment is given to all crew.

“Filming … is in accordance with advice from NSW Health that screen production may continue in NSW as long as screen production companies are working within the Public Health Orders and implementing Covid-safe plans.

“We also note Public Health (COVID-19 Temporary Movement and Gathering Restrictions) Order 2021 permits screen production cast and crew to leave home to undertake any activities associated with their projects, including filming.”

It will air in 2022.

Source: Daily Telegraph