Blog post by Katherine Horsford, Media and Production Resources Intern.
The world of late-night comedy is famous for the meticulous planning that’s involved with the production of their shows. Yet despite their seemingly-invincible routines, the unforeseen effects of COVID-19 have temporarily hindered the ways in which the shows are filmed. Despite these difficult circumstances, late-night casts and crews have been able to successfully adapt to the novel virus by finding ways to bring much-needed laughter and harmony into homes across the nation.
The world of late-night comedy is famous for the meticulous planning that’s involved with the production of their shows. Yet despite their seemingly-invincible routines, the unforeseen effects of COVID-19 have temporarily hindered the ways in which the shows are filmed. Despite these difficult circumstances, late-night casts and crews have been able to successfully adapt to the novel virus by finding ways to bring much-needed laughter and harmony into homes across the nation.
Over the course of 45 years, Saturday Night Live has produced over 880 episodes in front of a live studio audience. But as the show enters into its 46th season, New York health and safety guidelines have prevented the show from performing live for viewers. This past April, SNL was forced to act quickly and creatively, airing its first remotely pre-recorded special featuring Tom Hanks (who had recently recovered from COVID-19) as the host. However, after carefully reading the New York State Department of Health guidelines, the show was able to find a loophole in the guidelines allowing them to bring in a live audience for the program so long as they were paid as cast members. After reducing the audience capacity, socially-distancing its viewers, and requiring that they wear masks, SNL handed audience members a $150 check, successfully reintegrating the live and in-person traits that are so crucial for the show.
Saturday Night Live was not the only show to halt in-studio production as a consequence of the pandemic. Late-night shows such as The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Late Show all ditched their familiar sets and virtually continued production at their homes. In order to return to their original studio, shows such as The Late Late Show redesigned the studio in order to be able to safely follow social-distancing guidelines at work. Additionally, Stephen Colbert made his return to the famous Ed Sullivan Theater, yet not to his usual stage. Instead, the show’s crew constructed a replica of his The Late Show office where he continues to remotely interview celebrity guests.
Although COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere any time soon, we here at GreenlightGO want to be able to help your production run as smoothly as possible, even if that means transitioning into a remote format. In order to safely accommodate your filming needs, GreenlightGO is happy to provide capabilities and remote offerings such as mobile control rooms, advanced streaming technology, flypacks, and remote video kits. Interested in using our services on your set? Reach out to us for more information!