Concerned locals contacted the Gazette this week after seeing a film crew working at Cahills Lookout in Katoomba during lockdown.
But after a few questions, it could be said to have been one of the most regulated film shoots to ever take place in the Mountains.
Royal Atchison Pty Ltd, a Sydney-based company, teamed up with members of the Blue Mountains Climbing School for a three-day shoot which is part of an international TV series.
And all concerned have jumped through many hoops to ensure everyone is protected from any COVID issues.
Will Hamilton, head of production and operations with Eureka Productions (which owns Royal Atchison) said the production started before the introduction of the current public health orders, had already been postponed once and couldn't be postponed again.
Because of that it was "permitted to continue subject to compliance with all NSW health orders and Screen NSW guidelines", he said.
Mr Hamilton outlined the extensive safety procedures in place:
- The main production unit has been working in a ''bubble'' in Queensland for five weeks and the Katoomba location is their first shoot in NSW;
- There are no crew from the hot spot local government areas of Canterbury Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown and Cumberland;
- All crew were tested before heading to the Mountains and any casual crew were also tested prior to joining the production;
- There was a trained and dedicated COVID safety officer on site at all times to manage and ensure compliance; and
- There was to be no interaction with the general public intended or scheduled.
Council issued a short-term licence for the three days and were given a copy of the company's COVID safe plan, in accordance with the public health orders. Local police were also notified, Mr Hamilton said.
The Blue Mountains Climbing School's director, Hugh Ward, said they had joined the project only after careful thought.
"We have been as thorough as possible to ensure that we are acting within appropriate guidelines and restrictions and believe we are taking all reasonable precautions in our systems and process."
Mr Ward said the school had received information and/or advice from:
- NSW Ministry of Health;
- State Health Emergency Operations Centre;
- Department of Premier and Cabinet;
- Blue Mountains City Council;
- Local police;
- Australian Government Department of Health;
- COVID-Safe app (restrictions section - used for its accurate updates); and
- Eureka Production legal team.
"Obviously this is a difficult decision, in challenging times, but we believe that by complying with the guidance and requirements from the credible organisations above we can carry out this filming project in a responsible manner."
Mr Ward said it was important to understand the significant positive impact the production would have for the community, generating employment for an industry that has been brought to a halt by the combination of fires and COVID.
"Much consideration has gone into this decision, and it is not one which has been taken lightly. At this stage our focus is on the safe execution of our filming plan."
A council spokeswoman said when the state government escalated COVID-19 restrictions on July 23, council sought advice and asked the production company to consider whether the filming could be postponed again. They decided to proceed.
They were then given exclusive use of Boars Head Track and the "Mushroom Rock" Track and Cahills Lookout Picnic Area from July 26-28.
"They were COVID tested immediately before coming to the Blue Mountains. They have been staying exclusively at a local accommodation provider this week and a local climbing school was contracted to assist with abseiling and zip lines on location.
"Strict COVID-19 protocols have been in place at the site... Daily temperature checks have been taken for all involved in the production, as well as for local providers. There was also a commitment from the production company that there would be no interaction with the general public while in the Blue Mountains for filming and that movement within the city would be for essential travel for work purposes only."
The mayor, Mark Greenhill, said: "Council asked the organisers to hold off, at my request. The organisers did not agree.
"I find it disappointing that we have outsiders in our community while the rest of us are in lockdown. But the state government has allowed this type of work to proceed. I am not happy about it at all."
The shoot should wrap up later today (July 28).
