The show must go on! Police are called to the set of Hollywood movie filming in Sydney over concern the crew is flouting social distancing rules

By Chloe-lee Longhetti For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A Hollywood producer has denied flouting social distancing laws as he filmed a Stephen King horror film.

Police were called to Lucas Foster's set on Friday on the outskirts of Sydney over claims crew were ignoring government-mandated distancing laws to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Footage showed officers questioning crew as they took a break from filming the movie the Children of the Corn. 

A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed to Daily Mail Australia a call was made regarding concerns over social distancing breaches. 

'Our crew appear closer together than they actually are': Ford v Ferrari producer Lucas Foster denied flouting social distancing rules on set of new horror film on the outskirts of Sydney on Wednesday, amid the coronavirus pandemic

'Our crew appear closer together than they actually are': Ford v Ferrari producer Lucas Foster denied flouting social distancing rules on set of new horror film on the outskirts of Sydney on Wednesday, amid the coronavirus pandemic 

Footage showed officers questioning crew on the Children of the Corn set as they walked around the set

Footage showed officers questioning crew on the Children of the Corn set as they walked around the set

Foster said he had been given permission to shoot the project providing he abide by NSW strict regulations.  

In a statement made to Daily Mail Australia, the film's production team explained:  'We have worked tirelessly to reconfigure the shooting schedule and implement a host of health and safety measures, which have been reviewed by Safe Work NSW to ensure compliance. 

'The news media are using extreme telephoto lenses, which gives the false impression that our crew appear closer together than they actually are.

'As a workplace, we want to keep people employed as long as we can safely, as the Government has implored businesses to do. As soon as we can no longer keep our cast and crew safe, we will of course pause production.'  

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Screen NSW said in a statement: 'The production provided Screen NSW with confirmation of compliant COVID-19 health and safety workplace protocols, and is keeping local police informed on their operation.'

Ignoring the rules: Despite the threat of COVID-19, Lucas skipped wearing a face mask and mingled closely with crew on set

Ignoring the rules: Despite the threat of COVID-19, Lucas skipped wearing a face mask and mingled closely with crew on set

Foster cut a casual figure as he walked around the set, wearing khaki trousers, a black T-shirt and a cap and sunglasses. 

Despite the threat of COVID-19 he skipped wearing a face mask and worked with crew on set. 

The crew performed a film test in the corn field, with filming believed to have begun on Thursday.

Getting down to business: The crew performed a film test in the corn field, with filming believed to have begun on Thursday

Getting down to business: The crew performed a film test in the corn field, with filming believed to have begun on Thursday

Permission: He had reportedly been given permission to shoot the project providing he abide by NSW's strict regulations

Permission: He had reportedly been given permission to shoot the project providing he abide by NSW's strict regulations

A spokesperson from Screen NSW told the Daily Telegraph earlier this week that 'production has significantly reduced its cast and crew size and is implementing health and safety protocols in line with Government restrictions for workplaces.' 

They added: 'Screen NSW has worked with Safework NSW to review the production's protocols and has provided feedback to the production on required amends to align with current guidelines.' 

Hollywood heavyweight: Lucas (pictured)  is known for movies including Ford v Ferrari and Mr and Mrs Smith

Hollywood heavyweight: Lucas (pictured)  is known for movies including Ford v Ferrari and Mr and Mrs Smith

And action: He is working on an adaptation of Stephen King's Children of the Corn

And action: He is working on an adaptation of Stephen King's Children of the Corn

Ready to go: Cars and trucks were set up in the field ahead of filming

Ready to go: Cars and trucks were set up in the field ahead of filming

The publication reported that some crew members had resigned over COVID-19 fears. 

In NSW, residents have been told to stay in their homes in lockdown unless they are out for food, exercise, medical reasons, or travelling for work or education. 

There is also a two-person gathering limit across the state.  

Update: As of the evening of April 3, the total number of people diagnosed with the virus in Australia is 5,350 including 28 deaths

Update: As of the evening of April 3, the total number of people diagnosed with the virus in Australia is 5,350 including 28 deaths

 

Covid-19

Most watched News videos