Revealed: The bizarre way TV executives are continuing production on shows despite coronavirus shutdowns
A number of television shows, including Australia’s most popular reality franchises, have suspended production due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And it appears some producers are resorting to filming their shows backwards to make sure they still have their finales ready in the event of an early shutdown.
Finale episodes are being recorded ahead of schedule, with each contestant being told they are winner before they even know the outcome, reports TV Blackbox.
Lockdown: A number of TV shows, including Australia’s most popular reality franchises, have suspended production due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured: The Bachelor’s Locky Gilbert
This bizarre method ensures there will still be a finale ‘in the can’ even if the show is forced to shut down mid-production.
As a result, if the production is abruptly suspended it’ll still be possible to calculate a winner based on the scores up until that point.
Soap operas Home and Away and Neighbours, as well as reality shows The Voice and The Block, are among those that have shut down because of COVID-19.
Reducing risk: Channel Seven’s reboot of Big Brother (host Sonya Kruger pictured) shut down production after a member of the crew was exposed to someone who tested positive for coronavirus, TV Blackbox reported last week
Sticking to the rules: MasterChef Australia is continuing filming amid the coronavirus pandemic, and the cast and crew are adhering to the government restrictions of two metre distancing and regular hand washing
Channel 10 boss Stephen Tate recently said the coronavirus lockdown would be incorporated into the eighth season of The Bachelor with ‘virtual dates’.
Meanwhile, MasterChef is continuing production despite the global health crisis.
Channel Seven’s reboot of Big Brother shut down after a crew member was exposed to someone who had tested positive for coronavirus. Production has since resumed.
Break: Long running soaps Home and Away and Neighbours (cast pictured), as well as reality shows The Voice and The Block, are among those that have shut down production
Suspended: The Block was also forced to suspend filming and the five teams from across Australia sent back home because of increasing travel bans and border shutdowns
Last month, The Block was forced to suspend filming and the five teams sent home because of increasing travel bans and border shutdowns.
Married At First Sight has also suspended production from August until December.
As of midday Wednesday, there are 4,800 confirmed case of coronavirus in Australia, including 20 deaths.
Pandemic: As of midday Wednesday, there are 4,800 confirmed case of coronavirus in Australia, including 20 deaths