Film, television, OTT show shootings to resume in Maharashtra

Film, television, OTT show shootings to resume in Maharashtra

Film, television shootings to resume in Maharashtra

Mayuresh Ganapatye | Deputy News Editor Updated Jun 01, 2020 | 13:28 IST 

Despite having over 60,000 cases of COVID-19 in the state, the Maharashtra government has given a green signal for the resumption of film and television shootings in non-containment zones.

Film, television shootings to resume in Maharashtra

Film, television shootings to resume in MaharashtraKey HighlightsThe state government's guidelines suggest that while casting families, actors' real family members should be considered so that physical contact remains within limited peopleCasting directors have been asked to conduct digital auditionsPregnant crew or crew member whose spouse is expecting is not allowed on the set for the shoot

New Delhi: Despite having over 60,000 cases of COVID-19 in the state, the Maharashtra government has given a green signal for film and television shootings in non-containment zones. But this permission comes with certain conditions and rules which production houses will have to adhere to.

A few weeks back producers' association had a virtual meeting with Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray and other concerned state government officials. In this meeting, producers' association had requested the CM to give permission for film, serial, Ad-film shoots as a lot of work had been pending and some of the projects are in the stage of post-production. After assessing the entire situation in the state, the government has given a go-ahead signal for shoots but with conditions.

On shoot locations, dedicated personnel will be required to check the temperature of the cast and crew. Ambulance, doctors, and nurses should compulsorily be present on the sets while shooting. Pregnant crew or crew member whose spouse is expecting can't be allowed on the set for the shoot. Actors above age 65 should not be part of the cast. The state government has also not given permission for the audience to be part of any shoot.

The government has also requested producers to avoid open calls and assign specific call timings for cast and crew members. Casting directors have been asked to conduct digital auditions. The Maharashtra government's guidelines also suggest that while casting families, actors' real family members should be considered so that physical contact remains within limited people. Shooting crew should maintain a 6-feet distance from each other and wear masks. All trials and fittings of clothes should happen at the actor's residence and look test should take place via video call.

To commence shooting producers and production houses will have to apply for permissions to the state government. The state government will allow shoots only in the non-containment zone of the state. Film and television producer Ekta Kapoor, who was also part of the meeting with Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, reacted on Twitter and appreciate the efforts of the state government. "Would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the honourable CM of Maharashtra UddhavJi, for considering our requests to begin work in a phased-out manner by easing restrictions on films and television shooting."

Good to know that Maharashtra Govt is making attempts to open the economy! 🙂

Even here in Chennai, TV shooting has started.. 😐