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PhillyCAM - Philadelphia Community Access Media

PhillyCAM is Open: Read our updated COVID -19 Policy

 

PhillyCAM "We Are Open" Updated Operation Policy & Procedures

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Updated May, 2023

PhillyCAM strives to be forward thinkers in our community care and responsible leadership, so we recognize that COVID-19 is still a very real threat that has been affecting our friends and family. Now with the rising cases of another virus, Monkeypox, PhillyCAM wants to ensure all of the members who come through our doors, along with the community that they are a part of, stay safe and healthy. 

As new information becomes available, we want to emphasize our commitment through our  safety protocols, thoughtful systems, and the full acknowledgement of our shared circumstances. So, we encourage everyone, including ALL visitors, to continue to wear an N-95 or KN-95 mask indoors to protect yourselves and our community. 

Together, as we’ve always been, we will keep each other safe.

More information on masking.

What Does This Look Like?

Our facility is open three days per week. Please note our opening days and hours:

  • Tuesdays: 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm 
  • Thursdays: 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm 
  • Saturdays: 10:00  am - 6:30 pm

PhillyCAM staff are available on weekdays via phone, email, or appointment.

  • Mask Policy:
    • While PhillyCAM will not be requiring members to disclose vaccination status, we are requiring that anyone within PhillyCAM facilities wear one of the following face masks types:
      • Surgical mask
      • N95
      • KN95 or KF94
    • We will provide members/visitors with a surgical mask if they do not have one of the above type masks.
    • Any persons that refuse to wear a mask will be asked to leave. Anyone who has to be instructed multiple times to wear their mask properly (over the nose), will be asked to leave. 

Making An Appointment

To make a standard appointment unrelated to a reservation, please use the contact page: https://phillycam.org/contact, email info@phillycam.org, or call our offices at 267 639 5481.

See the Reservations Section below for more details.

 

Entry And Sign-in

All members/visitors must complete the electronic sign-ins once they enter the facility. Once in the building. Members/Visitors are encouraged to wear masks throughout their visit. Masks will be available.

 

Reservations

These are the steps to fulfill a reservation request for equipment:

  1. Complete a reservation request for an activated project through the Member Hub for equipment, facility, or both. 
  2. Staff will review the form and contact members within 48 hours if there are any questions. You will receive an email confirmation from staff.
  3. Members will inspect equipment at the checkout window before leaving the premises.
  1. Review the Member Handbook for more information-https://phillycam.org/sites/default/files/FINALRevisedJan2020PCAMMemberPoliciesHandbook.pdf

Field Equipment Reservations

All field equipment reservations pick-up and returns will be on the following days and times only.

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays  2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Saturdays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

 

Pickups

After proper sign-in upon entry, members should follow social distancing protocol to request their pre-approved reservation.

Members must inspect all equipment before exiting the building.

 Returns

After proper sign-in on entry, members will return all equipment at the Equipment Room window. After staff inspects the equipment and answers any other requests, the reservation is checked back in.

 

Space Reservations

The following will only be available for reservation only by special request:

  • Green Screen Studio
  • Tech Lounge

 Media Lab

  • Maximum occupancy of 7 people at any one time, masks encouraged. We will have cleaning materials on-hand.
  • Reservations will be limited to a maximum of 3-4 hours per member per day.
  • Before leaving the premises, members must return to the Equipment Room window for sign-out equipment return.
  • PhillyCAM reserves the right to use the facility for Production Services for Hire but will prioritize member access.

 

Main Studio

  • 1 TV studio shoot per day will be confirmed on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 2 on Saturdays.
  • Members can only reserve 1 Saturday per month.
  • Masks and other guidelines are still in place.

Reservations with a max of 4 persons

For reservations with a maximum of 4 persons including crew (Host, Guest, Camera, TD, Director, etc.) the following applies:
All hosts, guests, crew must be masked at all times.
PhillyCAM will provide surgical masks of the following types for anyone who does not have the required masks.

  • Surgical mask
  • N95
  • KN95 or KF94
  • Unmasked on-screen talent are only allowed at the time of taping
  • Any persons that refuse to wear a mask will be asked to leave. Anyone who has to be instructed multiple times to wear their mask properly (over the nose), will be asked to leave. 

Reservations of 5 to 15 persons max
Reservations with five (5) or more talent/guests/crew, etc. are considered exceptional at this time and therefore must receive additional staff review before being confirmed. In addition, given the current health risks involved the following will apply.

  • Proof of full vaccination for talent, crew, audience will be required in advance.
    Fully vaccinated individuals are persons who have completed one of the following; two Pfizer shots plus a booster, one Johnson & Johnson shot plus a booster, or one Moderna plus a booster shot.  
  • Maximum occupancy must exceed no more than 15 people including talent, crew, audience, etc. 
  • All audience members/crew must be masked at all times.
    PhillyCAM will provide surgical masks of the following types for anyone who does not have the required masks.
    • Surgical mask
    • N95
    • KN95 or KF94
  • Four (4) unmasked on-screen talent are allowed at the time of taping.
  • Member Pick-up/Return procedure at the Equipment room applies. 
  • Only the Producer or designated associated support may pick up and return equipment.
  • Except for electronic equipment, producing members are instructed to clean equipment before and after use including props used from the storage closet.

Notwithstanding the above adjustments to Main Studio requests, reservations considered exceptional are not guaranteed and PhillyCAM reserves the right to decline any requests which may pose risks to the community.

 

Express Studio 

  • For single-person operation using Zoom, Streamyard, or other video conferencing apps. 
  • Limited to a maximum occupancy of 2 people at one time; masks must be worn at all times. 
    • 1 technical operator 
    • 1 on-screen talent 
    • Staff may support remote interviews with guests via our video conferencing tools.
  • Producing members must clean equipment before and after use; this includes props used from the storage closet. 

 

Radio Studio

WPPM radio producers must get approval from radio station staff before being able to return to the studio. There will be limited slots for live studio shows with priority being given to programmers who have been unable to produce their program remotely during the closure. 

  • The studio will be limited to a maximum occupancy of 2 people at one time; masks must be worn at all times.
  • No back-to-back live shows will be permitted in the studio. There will be a 1-hour gap between scheduled live programs.
  • No one is permitted to stay in the studio after their show unless it is to disinfect the space.
  • Producing members are required to clean equipment before and after use.  Cleaning products will be provided.

Working Together To Keep Everyone Safe

As a people-powered and community centered organization, PhillyCAM believes we all need to work together to prevent the spread of the virus. 

We encourage everyone to frequently hand wash. If soap and running water are not immediately available, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol.

PhillyCAM is committed to maintaining good housekeeping practices, including routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, equipment, and other elements of the work environment throughout the day. 

Some additional practices we encourage everyone within the facility to uphold:

  • Increase the physical distance to at least 6 feet among employees and fellow members, and do not shake hands.
  • Avoid using other people’s phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible.
  • Do not share food or beverages. No use of the kitchen for food, refrigeration, dishes, and cutlery will be permitted.
  • Any employee or member with symptoms of COVID-like illness should not come to PhillyCAM. If symptoms occur while at PhillyCAM, the employee or member should be isolated and then sent home immediately. 

If a member or staff person tests positive after having been at PhillyCAM they must notify Gretjen Clausing, Executive Director via email to gretjen@phillycam.org.