Despite several industries having been drastically impacted and shut down by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including production on numerous blockbusters and TV shows, Netflix doesn't appear to be one of them. According to the streaming platform's content chief, Ted Sarandos, Netflix shows are still in production in South Korea and Iceland.
Sarandos explained how the streaming platform intends to take what it's learned from these productions and translate them to further shoots around the world, despite the lockdown many countries are currently operating under. The approach is a fluid one, as he acknowledged how "those two countries are very aggressive about testing and tracking early," and that the groundwork set working within South Korea and Iceland will help with their "future rollouts." The shows themselves weren't specified.
Sarandos noted that Netflix productions wouldn't resume without stringent testing being undertaken to ensure the safety of those involved, admitting "We have to be able to look our employees and cast and crew in the eyes and say, 'This is a safe place to work.'" Unsurprisingly, Netflix is reportedly working closely with production partners and local governments as shooting continues in efforts to live up to its word.
At the time of this writing, Iceland has tested 10% of its population for coronavirus, which is more than any other country in the world. South Korea, meanwhile, has managed to stymy the virus spreading through rigorous testing and contact-tracing.
(via Deadline)