CBS has found a novel way to continue filming its TV show All Rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The courthouse legal drama will film a virtual episode using FaceTime, WebEx and Zoom from the actors’ homes making it the first primetime show to be filmed while still practicing social distancing.
“It’s a unique chance for our All Rise family to band together – in our different homes, even cities – to tell a story about resilience, justice and the power of community,” said executive producer Greg Spottiswood in a statement.
Production on pretty much every TV series and movie in the US has been temporarily halted during the coronavirus outbreak. Apple’s own production pipeline has been hit hard by the pandemic right as the company was trying to ramp up its creation of original content.
All Rise is in its first season on air and is set in the Los Angeles court system. The new virtual episode will feature Judge Benner (Marg Helgenberger) who authorizes Judge Lola Carmichael (Simone Missick) to preside over a virtual bench trial. Other cast members will try to keep their relationships alive while under quarantine with at least one character having to get a side job as a food delivery driver to make ends meet.
The entire episode won’t be just one long FaceTime call. CBS is sending a cinematographer to film the empty streets of LA from his car window to add scope to the crisis. CBS reportedly plans to air the episode on May 4th.
