Masked Singer: How was the Grand Finale filmed after coronavirus outbreak?
A coronavirus outbreak halted production on the hit TV show just hours before filming of the final episode, but two weeks - and one quarantine period - later, the grand finale of the Masked Singer has been filmed. This is how they pulled off the logistical feat.
Fiona Byrne
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Channel 10 convened a “COVID cabinet” to ensure the grand finale of The Masked Singer was filmed and organised a celebrity airlift to get stars back to their home states without compromising their quarantine.
Ten’s Head of Entertainment, Stephen Tate confirmed a leadership group was brought together to navigate the strict quarantine requirements for cast and crew and figure out how to film the finale episode after the show was shut down on August 22 after a coronavirus outbreak.
The show, which airs on 10 on Monday, was pulled together in just 48 hours once quarantine ended last Sunday.
“As soon as our quarantine ended in Melbourne, we arranged for all non-Victorian cast and crew to immediately fly out of the state on the first flights available to us, so their quarantine wasn’t compromised,” Tate said of the celebrity airlift.
“To film the finale, Dave (Hughes), Dannii (Minogue) and three remaining masks returned to the original studios at Docklands after a deep clean.
“Osher (Gunsberg) and Jackie (Henderson) filmed from 10’s studios in Sydney and Urzila (Carlson) joined us from her quarantine location in New Zealand.
“We created a virtual set by taking clean shots of the studio in Melbourne and putting them behind Osher and Jackie.
“We’re thrilled we were able to complete what was always planned for the finale – a group performance, the final three performances and commentary – but all scattered across multiple locations.
“Making a show from two countries, two states, two studios and a hotel room, with only 48 hours to plan was a challenge - it is a technological feat “
Tate said the COVID-19 experience had not soured the prospect of The Masked Singer being filmed in Melbourne next year.
“This situation could just as easily have happened in any other state,” he said.
“Certainly, this experience won’t discourage us from filming in Melbourne again but the decision to film in Melbourne will come down to timing and availability of studio space.”
And as for Lindsay Lohan, who was a panellist last year, well, her future with the show remains unclear.
“Lindsay is still very much a friend of the show and all of the team,” Tate said.
“She has been in touch throughout this whole thing. Of course, we would love to have her back, but let’s see what 2021 brings.”