Due to the Coronavirus lockdown since mid-March, shoots of television shows, films and web content were stalled as a measure to curb the spread of the virus. Two months later, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) wrote a letter to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray, to allow the commencement of post-production work in the media and entertainment industry. Now, days after the letter was addressed, Mr. Thackeray, in a meeting on Wednesday with delegates, invited an action plan from the industry focusing on the limited resumption of shooting and post-production activities while adhering to social distancing rules. The meeting was held in the presence of delegates from the entertainment industry, majorly from Marathi theatre, television and cinema.
“The government would consider an action plan on how shooting and post-production activities can be resumed in a limited way by adhering to social distancing and other norms,” Mr. Tahckeray told while ruling out the possibility of re-opening theatres any time soon.
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Mr. Thackeray, in addition to this, told that he never believed that clamping of lockdown meant a standstill on all activities. He told the delegates that the Government has permitted commercial activities in non-containment zones. “We have allowed industries, trade and shops to open by taking all the precautions. Commercial activities have also started in the state barring the containment zones,” he added. The CM of Maharashtra went informed that considering the size of the entertainment industry that comprises of actors, backstage artists, technicians and workers, the Government will consider providing rent concessions to production houses that have their sets erected in the Film City and lend support to folk artists.
Talking about the request made by the cine body to allow shoots and post-production work, Mr. Thackeray said demand can be considered only in non-red zones within the state boundaries. “However, care will have to be taken to ensure that locations for shooting a film are not situated in the containment zones and that the number of people on the sets and their hygiene is taken care of,” he said.
In addition to this, he mentioned that guidelines will have to be issued for editing studio with respect to space and air-conditioning system. Mr. Thackeray also asked the state Culture department and producers to check if some shootings can take place before the start of the monsoon.
(Source: PTI)
