Coronavirus: How The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Affecting Soap Operas

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

The coronavirus crisis is hitting the television industry hard. The chains and production houses, both in the United States and in Mexico, are being forced to take drastic measures in the face of the unstoppable spread of COVID-19, some as severe as completely suspending, and until further notice, the recordings of their soap operas.

This is the case of 100 days to fall in love, the next stellar fiction of Telemundo that was recorded since last year in Miami in the new facilities of the chain with Erick Elías, David Chocarro, Mariana Treviño and Ilse Salas as protagonists.

The Spanish-language network has also suspended recordings of the second season of its False Identity series in Mexico. The fiction starring Dulce María, Luis Ernesto Franco, Samadhi Zendejas and company stopped filming on Tuesday March 17 and, like 100 days to fall in love, has no estimated date to resume their recordings.

"Last Tuesday, the 17th, we received a notification from Argos and Telemundo advising us that following the regulations and to protect us all the recordings were suspended until prior notice," a source close to production tells People en Español. "It took us all by surprise, but I think for now the best thing is to stay home."

Dulce María in False Identity 2 recordings

Televisa has also seen the need to take preventive measures to curb the unstoppable spread of the new coronavirus, although in their case these measures have not involved to date the suspension of filming of soap operas that are currently recording in San Ángel., as Imperio de mentiras, a production by Giselle González starring Angelique Boyer, and Te day la vida, a melodrama by Lucero Suárez headed by José Ron.

Angelique Boyer, protagonist of Empire of Lies

Instead, the Mexican company has paralyzed the recordings of some of its comedy series.

“So far there are some productions that have already suspended recordings as the vast majority have taken strong measures. I think it should be Televisa directly who gives the order to suspend for the good of all, says a source close to Televisa.

"All the productions that continue to record have canceled the locations, they are only making recordings in the forum and with the least work team," specifies another.

Well aware of the seriousness of the global crisis that is taking place due to COVID-19, W Studios, the producer responsible for successful soap operas by Univision and Televisa such as Love to Death and The Pilot, has also taken drastic measures to protect all Team members of Como tú no hay dos, the romantic comedy starring Adrián Uribe that was filmed until last week in Mexico City.

Adrián Uribe, protagonist of Como tú no hay 2.

"We canceled all promotional events and interviews, whether in our set or TV programs, " explains Carlos Bardasano, executive producer of the telenovela.

“Additionally, last week we brought forward the completion of the filming of the series to give all team members time to prepare and do whatever it takes to keep them and their families safe. The rest of the production team, that although we are working on editing the chapters and closing the production, we are doing it remotely from our homes”, adds Bardasano.

There is no doubt that the coronavirus crisis is completely altering production plans within the television industry, which will inevitably bring significant negative economic consequences for all involved.