Hollywood Relies on Untrained Assistants for COVID-19 Safety Oversight

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — November 20, 2025 — As film and television productions continue navigating COVID-19 safety measures, many Hollywood sets are entrusting the responsibility of enforcing health protocols to assistants who say they are ill-equipped for the task, according to industry sources.

Several assistants working on various productions described feeling unprepared and unsupported in their roles as COVID safety monitors. These individuals, often without formal training or clear guidelines, are tasked with ensuring compliance with mask mandates, social distancing, and sanitation procedures amid ongoing pandemic concerns.

“I’m the one who’s supposed to be monitoring this, and yet I have no clue what I’m doing,” one assistant said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “I’m looking around trying to make sure nothing gets caught on fire, essentially.” This sentiment reflects a broader uncertainty among assistants who find themselves responsible for health protocols without adequate instruction or authority.

Industry officials acknowledge that while COVID safety officers or compliance supervisors are designated on some productions, many smaller or independent projects lack the resources to employ dedicated health personnel. As a result, assistants and other crew members are often assigned these duties in addition to their regular responsibilities.

The lack of standardized training and clear communication has raised concerns about the effectiveness of COVID-19 safety enforcement on sets. Without proper guidance, assistants struggle to interpret evolving health regulations and manage compliance among cast and crew, potentially increasing the risk of virus transmission.

Producers and production companies have emphasized their commitment to maintaining safe working environments, citing adherence to guidelines issued by state health departments and industry unions. However, the gap between policy and practical implementation remains a challenge.

Union representatives have called for more comprehensive training and support for those charged with COVID safety oversight. They argue that clear protocols and dedicated personnel are essential to protect workers and minimize disruptions caused by outbreaks.

The entertainment industry has faced significant setbacks since the onset of the pandemic, with productions halted and schedules repeatedly adjusted to accommodate health concerns. As filming continues, ensuring effective safety measures is critical to sustaining operations and safeguarding the workforce.

Experts in occupational health stress the importance of specialized training for individuals responsible for enforcing pandemic-related safety protocols. They recommend that such roles be clearly defined and supported with ongoing education to adapt to changing circumstances.

With COVID-19 variants still circulating and public health guidance evolving, the reliance on underprepared assistants to manage safety on Hollywood sets highlights a need for improved infrastructure and investment in pandemic response within the industry.

As productions strive to balance creative demands with health imperatives, addressing these challenges will be key to maintaining safe and productive working environments moving forward.