Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; August 24, 2020)

In March, film shoots across the world, including India, were stalled for an indefinite period because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Now almost six months later, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for shooting of movies. While several states like Maharashtra have already issued SOPs for film shoots in the last two months, other states were waiting for the approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

WE HAVE ISSUED THESE GUIDELINES SO THAT FILM SHOOTS CAN RESUME: PRAKASH JAVADEKAR
On Sunday, announcing the SOPs, Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, said, “In the last six months, we have seen complete stoppage of film shootings, and in the last couple of months, several states have started partial shoots. With the consultation of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health, we have issued these SOPs. This (the film industry) is an important part of the economy and employs millions of people, who were not getting jobs from the last six months. Hence, we have issued these guidelines so that shoots can resume.”

These SOPs are generic in nature, so that the states can fine-tune at their end, and focus on social distancing and shooting in non-containment zones, among other things.

AAROGYA SETU APP A MUST FOR ALL
As per the SOPs, only actors who will be in front of the camera, are exempted from wearing masks. They also mention that COVID coordinators will have to ensure that everyone concerned has installed and updated the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones. The SOPs mention that older artistes should take extra precautions, and they should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work.

GUIDELINES FOR FILM SHOOTS
- Face covers/masks mandatory for cast and crew, except for actors in front of the camera

- Sharing of costumes, wigs, make-up, etc. should be kept to a minimum

- Make-up artists and hair stylists shall use PPE kits. Artistes encouraged to do their hair and make-up remotely with the help of professionals

- Lavalier lapel mics should be avoided and not shared. Contact with diaphragm of other mics to be avoided

- Minimise the use of and sanitise props before and after use

- A supervisor nominated from the crew will keep record of the work zones (Red/Orange/Green). COVID coordinators will ensure that everyone has the Aarogya Setu app

- Records of the medical and travel history should be kept and a check on the crew’s health

- Physical distancing of at least six feet to be followed at all locations at all times, while sitting, in queue, etc

- Suitable provisions to be made for the temporary isolation of any suspected case of Coronavirus

- Production team should involve minimum cast and crew members
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MUMBAI MIRROR (August 24, 2020)

The Centre on Sunday announced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for resuming shooting of films and TV shows. These include measures such as social distancing and mandatory use of face cover or masks for cast and crew, except actors when in front of the camera. These SOPs on preventive measures for media production to contain the spread of COVID-19 were announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar.

“We are laying down these SOPs as per international experience, and after consultation with the health and home ministry,” he said, adding, “This is an important aspect of the economy and it employs millions of people, therefore, we have issued these to facilitate the resumption of production.”

The I&B document emphasises on the health and family welfare ministry’s guiding principles stating that non-essential activities will not be allowed in containment zones.

It further stresses that older employees and those who’re pregnant or have underlying medical conditions, should take extra precautions since they are at a higher risk. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public.

Physical distancing of at least six feet is to be followed as far as feasible at all locations and at all times, while sitting, standing in queues, among others. Places include shoot locations, sound recording studios and editing rooms.

Aspects such as scenes, sequences, set-ups, camera locations, positions of various crew members, seating arrangements, food and catering arrangements, staggered meal timings should be planned while giving due consideration to physical distancing norms.

Measures should also be taken by the production team to involve minimum cast and crew members during the shoot.

Visitors and an audience should not be allowed on the sets and for outdoor shooting, necessary coordination with the local authorities should be ensured to minimise and manage the spectators.

Resting or stay-over facilities should be planned while adhering to physical distancing guidelines.

Staggered call and pack-up timings for different production units should be ensured by studios having multiple sets.

There shall be designated entry and exit points for all shoot locations and other workplaces, the document states. Common locations such as sets, cafeteria, makeup rooms, edit rooms, vanity vans, washrooms must be sanitised regularly. Sanitisation, to the extent possible, before and after the shoot should also be done.

Measures for the safety of sanitisation staff such as adequate provisions for rational use of gloves, boots, masks, PPE, should be undertaken.

Sharing of costumes, wigs, makeup items, equipment should be kept at a minimum.

Makeup artists and hairstylists should use relevant PPE and artistes should be encouraged to do their hair styling and makeup remotely with the help of professionals.

Persons handling or working with common/shared equipment shall wear disposable gloves and efforts should be made to encourage wearing of gloves among other members of the cast and crew as well, states the document.

As far as possible, the practice of work from home should be followed.

Shooting was suspended due to the pandemic.