The Centre’s reported decision allowing permission for resumption of film and TV shootings will not have any impact in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as the two state governments have already given a green signal for them. The Telugu state governments gave their nod for shootings after a few senior directors conducted trial shoots and showed them to the concerned ministers and officials. However, the enthusiasm proved short-lived since many projects had to be stopped as several actors and technicians caught Covid-19 infections.
The Centre has prescribed elaborate guidelines for film and TV shootings. However, is the film industry ready for resuming its activity is now the question? Despite many precautions, people are getting infected during shootings. Even without shootings, several film personalities got infected in recent days. Recently, some seniors from Tollywood including Chiranjeevi, Rajamouli met Telangana government ministers to obtain permission for resumption of shootings. But shooting for Chiranjeevi’s latest movie has not restarted yet. Only Nagarjuna is shooting for the promotion of Bigg Boss. Rajamouli got infected while staying at home. Balakrishna is avoiding meetings with Chief Ministers or ministers purportedly to seek resumption of shootings. He even commented that there was no hurry to resume film production amid the raging pandemic.
Loss of income
The latest decision by the Union government to permit shootings may have been prompted by concerns over loss of income. Movie industry is a major economic activity providing livelihood for lakhs of people besides fetching crores of rupees for the government. Observers opine that producers may not be in a rush to commence shootings just because the government has given a ‘go’. The tough guidelines and norms prescribed by the government are likely to constrain the filmmakers in view of high costs. Further, the fear of Covid is still haunting the industry.
Guidelines
1. Physical distance and Covid norms should be followed during shootings
2. Facemasks and shields must be worn at work places and at shootings spots
3. Six-feet distance should be maintained as much as possible
4. The shooting must be done with as few people as possible
5. Members of the public must not be allowed
6. Rush at studios should be avoided
7. Separate entry and exit points must be kept
8. High risk groups should take more precautions
9. Frequent sanitization of sets, green rooms, vanity vans and toilets must be undertaken
10. Enough masks, gloves and PPEs should be available
11. Except actors before camera, all others should wear facemasks and shields
12. Sharing of wigs, costumes and makeup material should be avoided
13. Cameras and other equipment should be frequently disinfected
At Theatres
1. Thronging of crowds at theatres and parking lots should be avoided
2. Thermal screening at entry is a must
3. Posters on precautions against Covid and other material should be displayed
4. Seating should be in accordance with social distancing norms
5. Online booking or contactless disbursal of tickets must be made available
6. Frequent sanitizing of workplaces and public places is mandatory
