The popular soap opera, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, has resumed filming, with new protocols and social distancing measures in place due to the ongoing health concerns.
Actress Denise Richards shared in a recent interview how these precautions have affected the filming process.
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ is among the first major U.S. drama series to return to filming post-COVID-19 outbreak.
Following its revival, its sister show, ‘The Young and the Restless’, and ABC’s solo soap opera, ‘General Hospital’, have also planned their return for June and July, respectively.
The series has resumed production, adhering to certain guidelines in light of the global health situation.
Richards, who has portrayed the role of Shauna Fulton in the soap opera since April 2019, was introduced as the mother of Flo Fulton. Her character has past romantic involvements with Bill Spencer and Storm Logan.
Upon Logan being revealed as Flo’s father, her character became part of one of the show’s main families, the Logans.
Shauna is recognized for her close friendship with Quinn Fuller and her affair with Ridge Forrester.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Richards shared insights into returning to work and the unique challenges of filming during a pandemic.
“Every week, we undergo tests,” she stated. “My temperature is checked as soon as I arrive at the studio. We must wear masks everywhere, including makeup and hair sessions.
Filming has been challenging, especially during scenes when our characters need to be close; we use a mannequin.
I step off and read lines for the other actor speaking to the mannequin, due to the close-up and eyeline considerations. The process is lengthier, but we’re managing.”
Richards also discussed a significant adaptation they’ve had to make, which head writer Bradley Bell previously mentioned – the alteration in filming romantic scenes.
For now, to maintain safety measures, intimate scenes are performed either with a mannequin or the actor’s real-life spouse.
“We were asked if our partners could stand in,” Richards explained. “I agreed to have my husband step in if needed, or else I’d have to perform my romantic scene with a mannequin, which is okay, but I prefer my husband.
It’s enjoyable for the entire crew to support and have fun with the process. It’s all we can do. We must adapt to our current world while continuing our work. We’ve been off work for over three months.
Now it’s time for us to return, and I’m fortunate to work with a production company, TV studio, and network that are committed to ensuring everyone’s safety and producing an excellent show.”