Govt releases SOP for resumption of film and TV shootings

New Delhi, August, 24: Bringing relief to the Film industry, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar released Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for film and TV program shooting amid COVID pandemic after consulting the health and home ministry.

 

 

Javadekar said the Film and TV industry is an important industry is a major economic activity that has contributed immensely to the GDP of our country and the SOP has been issued after consultations with the Home Ministry and Health Ministry. He said that shooting and production for TV and films can now begin.

 

He also added that The new SOP will be like a 'Sanjeevani' for the media production industry. Social distancing and masks will be an integral part of this SOP. The general principle behind the Standard Operating Procedure would help create a safe working environment for both the cast and the crew. "

 

 

'Contact Minimisation' is at the core of the SOP. This will be ensured by minimal physical contact and the sharing of props. Make-up artists and hairstylists must use PPEs. Persons handling shared equipment must wear gloves. Lapel mics are to be avoided and never shared.

 

Moreover, thermal screening at entry points will be mandatory and social distancing of six feet should be maintained. Asymptomatic persons will not be allowed on the premises. The government has also advised the use of the Aarogya Setu app on film/TV sets. The government has also mandated the temperature setting of ACs in the range of 24-30 degrees celsius.

 

As per the safety guidelines, there must be six feet of physical distancing at shoot locations, recording studios, and editing rooms. Scenes, sequences, camera locations, crew position, seating, should follow distancing. There should be a minimum cast and crew during shoot and visitors and the audience will not be allowed on sets. Coordination with local authorities must be done to manage spectators during outdoor shoots. Spitting is strictly prohibited and respiratory etiquette should be followed.

 

Moreover, the government also issues guidelines forbid the sharing of makeup items, wigs, costumes. All the states across the country are expected to implement the SOPs issued by the Centre. The state governments are allowed to add any further conditions for filming to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, the Union Minister said. Production of films and television programs has been put on hold since March 25, when a nationwide lockdown was imposed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

Moreover, the Film fraternity has welcomed the Centre's decision to allow the shooting of films and TV programs.