Coronavirus Update
FILMING IS UP IN MAINE
Despite a pandemic production shutdown from March to June, the number of productions that filmed in Maine during 2020 increased over 2019 as productions prioritized finding safe places to film. Throughout it all, Maine filmmakers stepped up to the plate, adapted and overcame the challenges a pandemic created for all of us.
Some of the most asked questions about filming in Maine are answered below. For more information or assistance with your production, please send me a note or call me.
Be well and stay safe.
Karen Carberry Warhola
Maine Film Office / Director
(207) 215-2462 (cell)
REGISTER PRODUCTION BEFORE FILMING
Productions need to fill out a Maine Media Production Registration BEFORE filming in Maine. It’s quick and easy, and can be submitted directly online.
STATE COVID-19 GUIDELINES
UPDATED: April 28, 2021
All businesses (including Film and Photography) are asked to follow State COVID-19 Guidelines.
Maine does not have an official guidance document written specifically for Film and Photography, but all business operating in Maine are asked to follow the General Guidance Checklist.
NOTE: Productions filming in Maine are not required to hire an on-set Medic/EMT or a COVID-19 Safety Coordinator while filming in Maine.
FACE COVERING
UPDATED: April 27, 2021
If you are in an indoor public setting or publicly accessible area, you should wear a face covering. In outdoor settings, wear a face covering where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing.
If filming is happening in public areas than masks must be worn by everyone on the production (including cast) at all times. It’s suggested that you have cast wear masks unless film is rolling and recording. Everyone else should wear masks at all times and social distance.
If you have any doubt about whether you should be wearing a face covering, err on the side of caution. Remember: “If you have to ask, wear a mask.”
LARGE GATHERING SIZE LIMIT
UPDATED: March 5, 2021
Capacity percentages have been established for both indoor and outdoor gatherings.
• Effective March 26, the capacity limit for indoor gatherings will increase to 50 percent, and outdoor gatherings to 75 percent.
• Effective May 24, the capacity limit for indoor gatherings will increase to 75 percent, and outdoor gatherings to 100 percent.
VISITORS FROM OUT OF STATE
UPDATED: March 5, 2021
Generally, visitors to or from other states must get a recent negative COVID-19 test or maintain compliance with a 10-day quarantine (PDF) upon arrival in Maine.
As of March 5, 2021, exemptions from testing or quarantine are available for:
- Residents of New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island or Massachusetts
- Individuals that have had COVID-19 or are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A person is considered “fully vaccinated” after at least 14 days following completion of the COVID-19 vaccination series.”
Read the FAQ for travel and visitors for more detailed information.
Under the Moving Maine Forward Plan, Maine will shift its COVID-19 travel policy by May 1, 2021 to automatically exempt all states, unless a state is otherwise determined by the Maine CDC as being high risk. If one or more states see a spike in cases of highly contagious COVID-19 variants, Maine will apply its test or quarantine requirement to travelers to and from that state. The Maine CDC will publicly announce any such states when they are identified.
