‘Riverdale’ And ‘The Flash’ Consider Late Summer Production Start Dates
by Erik Amaya
Though not scheduled to return until Winter 2021, The CW and Warner Bros. Productions are considering a late summer start for some of their Vancouver-based shows.
Deadline reports the companies are looking at an August or September start date for Charmed, Riverdale and The Flash — the latter two shows saw their seasons cut short once the COVID-19 pandemic went worldwide in March. In fact, the entire Vancouver film industry went into lockdown with the city now getting ready to resume work despite the lack of effective treatments or a vaccine.
As it happens, British Columbia, the Canadian province in which Vancouver resides, has been a model of COVID-19 response. Nevertheless, talent from outside the province will be expected to arrive fourteen days before filming to undergo a self-isolation period. This will begin with productions slated to start next month; including the final episodes of Supernatural. The site also suggests the quarantine procedures, and the US’s difficulties in containing COVID-19 in places like Los Angeles, will lead to more local talent getting guest roles on Vancouver-based American programs.
Other CW and WBTV series, like Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, and Batwoman are not yet scheduled to resume. Although, with Legends and Supergirl set to air as part of The CW’s 2021 “mid-season,” their start dates can wait — in fact, Supergirl is moving to a mid-season slot to accommodate star Melissa Benoist‘s maternity leave. Batwoman faces a more unique problem as it still part of the initial 2021 programing schedule, but lacks a lead actor following the departure of Ruby Rose in May. Presumably, production will be dependent on the show’s new lead; who will be playing a new character and not Kate Kane.
We imagine that, unlike previous years, American talent on these shows will be sequestered in Vancouver during the months-long production season. Typically, actors are free to go to their permanent homes or attended fan gatherings and conventions. This upcoming season, though, travel will likely be discouraged until a treatment and a vaccine for the coronavirus becomes available and widespread.