Showing posts with label Umbergaon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Umbergaon. Show all posts
Rising costs, creativity issues, uncertainty surrounding shoots: The challenges TV show makers face shooting outside Mumbai
8:18 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 20, 2021)
After the state government imposed restrictions on April 15 owing to a surge in Coronavirus cases, shoots of TV shows, films and web series came to a halt. Many TV shows relocated to different places outside Maharashtra. While most of them relocated to Gujarat (Vapi, Umbergaon, Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot), a few relocated to Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Silvassa, Delhi and Daman. Around 12 shows had relocated to Goa, but after a lockdown was announced there on May 6, TV shows had to shift base again.
Working in a new location and churning out fresh content is a huge challenge faced by the TV industry in the current scenario. Here’s a look at how production houses are managing to keep the show going amid the pandemic.
Moving an entire unit to a new place and setting base there incurs a lot of cost. Production houses have been shooting at resorts, bungalows and studios, due to which expenses have escalated. That apart, makers have to shell out money to maintain their existing sets in Mumbai. Producer Nitin Vaidya says, “Two of my shows, Punyashlok Ahilya Bai and Mere Sai — Shraddha Aur Saburi, have moved to Umbergaon. I have to maintain two sets and pay for the upkeep. Nobody wants to air re-reruns like last year, so we moved to a new location.”
Producer Nitin Vaidya adds, “We understand that cases are rising and restrictions are important, but there has to be a solution to this.”
Producer Pawan Kumar’s shows, including Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 2, Santoshi Maa Sunayein Vrat Kathayein, Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, Ranju Ki Betiyaan and Sasural Simar Ka 2 that are on air, are being shot at different locations. He says, “It’s not a joke to move so many shows out of Maharashtra. We are churning out fresh content every day, but following safety protocols, sanitising the sets and operating from different locations is adding to the challenges.”
With COVID-19 cases rising across the country, producers are constantly worried about restrictions being imposed, due to which they would have to move to another location. This is exactly what happened in Goa, where units had to stop shooting after a lockdown was announced on May 6.
Says a source from the TV fraternity, “Production houses are managing to air new episodes, but it is getting tough because there’s no certainty that shoots can continue uninterrupted given the rise in the cases across the country. Everyone’s hoping that things get better in Maharashtra and shoots are allowed to resume in Mumbai at some point.”
From a creative point of view, too, shows are struggling. Pearl Grey, creative producer of Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya 2, says, “Storylines have to be tweaked and our senior actors, too, haven’t been able to join us. So, of course, relocation hasn’t been easy. Creativity is suffering.”
‘THE BIO-BUBBLE KIND OF A FORMAT IS WORKING FOR US’
Makers say that the bio-bubble kind of a format, which they are following, has worked for them so far. Asit Kumarr Modi, producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, says, “We are shooting in Vapi, and the bio-bubble format is working for us in the current scenario.”
Nitin Vaidya adds, “In the case of IPL, there were COVID cases because they moved from one place to another, but in the case of a TV show, we are not doing that. We are stationed at one place and are regularly testing people. The actors and the entire crew stay in a bubble.”
The problem arises when actors or judges (in the case of reality shows) need to return to Mumbai to be with their family for a few days. Ranjeet Thakur, producer of Super Dancer, shares, “We test them every time they come back and before they enter the sets. We don’t let anyone shoot before we get their test results.”
Cyclone Tauktae destroys many Bollywood film sets causing further delays
8:15 AM
(From left) The set of Tiger 3 was built at SRPF Ground, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, at Film City
Reeling under lockdown, showbiz hit hard again as Cyclone Tauktae affects sets of Tiger 3, Maharaja; filming of TV serials along the western coast stalled
Uma Ramasubramanian, Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 19, 2021)
Cyclone Tauktae battered Mumbai with rains and gusty winds on Monday, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Film and television sets spread across different locations in the city that have been standing unused since April 15 due to the suspension of shoots, too suffered at the hands of nature’s fury.
Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali had an elaborate set built at Film City for the final stint of Gangubai Kathiawadi. “Ahead of the monsoons last year, Bhansali sir had the entire area covered to ensure minimum damage. The move benefitted him immensely as the set-up remained unscathed despite Monday’s torrential rains,” reveals a source.
It is heard that some producers sent workers to Film City to cover their sets when news of the cyclone was announced over the weekend. Salman Khan was shooting for Maneesh Sharma’s Tiger 3 before the junta curfew was imposed in Maharashtra. The source reveals that a set-up, along the lines of a Dubai market, had been created at the SRPF Ground in Goregaon for the stint. “The outdoor set-ups of Tiger 3 and Junaid Khan’s Maharaja [tentatively titled], which was built in Marol, have been slightly impacted.”
The make-believe worlds of television shows have been hit harder. Birendra Nath Tiwari, president, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), says, “Film City, which is largely a green belt, has suffered the most. Thankfully, shoots were suspended in the city, so there has only been damage to property, and no loss of lives. That said, there has been mass-scale destruction of sets.” A wall has apparently caved in on the site where popular show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai used to be filmed.
The television industry has suffered another blow due to the cyclone — all shoots along the western coast have been stalled. “The shoots of web shows and serials in Daman, Diu, Umbergaon and Gujarat have been halted. Things were bad enough in the entertainment industry, and the cyclone made it worse. It will be a week before the damage can be taken stock of, and shoots can resume,” adds Tiwari.
Shoots of films and television shows stalled in Maharashtra
8:24 AM
TV production houses look at Umbergaon, Hyderabad and Goa as possible options to shift base for shoots
With inputs from Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2021)
Apart from films, TV shows are also in a tizzy after the announcement. Many TV producers had already started doing the groundwork in the last couple of weeks after cases were on a rise in Mumbai. The places that have emerged as preferred destinations to shoot are Umbergaon, Goa and Hyderabad. Rajesh Ram Singh, producer of Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin and Chhoti Saradarni, says, “Hyderabad has Ramoji Film City and the probability of shoots being stalled is less.” He has also shortlisted Goa for the shoot. “We have seen a bungalow there for indoor shoots. Now we have to take a final call in a day or two. Our teams are geared up to shoot at a new location,” he shares.
Producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s studio in Umbergaon is also a possible temporary option for some producers, who have done a recce of the location recently. Siddharth shares, “I am already shooting my show, RadhaKrishn, here, and this is a complete green zone with all the facilities. The place is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Mumbai.”
Meanwhile, some producers do not want to shift locations and feel that’s not a solution given the uncertainty of the pandemic. Producer Nitin Vaidya, who has shows like Punyashlok Ahilya Bai and Rudrakaal, says he will go as per the government’s order and stop shooting. “We will air the bank of episodes we have and then the re-runs will be aired. We can’t be changing locations because the Coronavirus scare is everywhere,” he says.
Television shoots finally roll with spot boys in PPE suits and actors in slippers provided on set
8:49 AM
The crew on the Umbergaon set of RadhaKrishn
As the TV industry returns to work after three months, mid-day brings dope from sets of Bhakarwadi, Santoshi Maa Sunaye Vrat Kathayein, RadhaKrishn about shooting in the post-Coronavirus world
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian, Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; June 26, 2020)
On Thursday, actor-producer J D Majethia drove down to the all-familiar set of Bhakarwadi in Mira Road after 100 days. The joy of returning to work was tinged with an unusual sense of caution. Majethia — who, as the chairman of the TV & web wing of the Indian Film & Television Producers' Council (IFTPC), played an active role in enabling television producers to resume shooting — arrived on the set, with Deven Bhojani, an hour before the cast and crew to ensure the shoot kicked off on the right foot.
Day One began with the producer reiterating the guidelines to the team. Majethia had called only 30 per cent of the original crew, comprising actors Bhojani, Akshay Kelkar, Akshita Mudgal and Paresh Ganatra, and a handful of technicians. As a safety measure, the studio had lockers installed at the entrance. "Before they enter the set, they have to remove their footwear and wear the pair of slippers provided by us. We have provided umbrellas that everybody walks around with, thereby ensuring that social distancing is followed. We have marked everyone's position, and the actors and technicians have to sit in the designated areas. As per the guidelines, we also have a nurse on the set who checked everyone's temperature before letting them in," explains Majethia. While the actors had to mandatorily wear masks and gloves when not filming a scene, the technicians sported them all day long. The handful of spot boys present on the set wore PPE kits provided by the production house.
A quick look at the set revealed posters reminding one of the threat of the virus that looms large. "We have introduced a concept called share a sanitiser. Earlier, people would share gutkha, and smoke on sets. Now, we have banned them; they are only allowed to share sanitisers," adds Majethia. At lunch, the unit was served packed food and were required to eat at their designated positions, thus avoiding crowding.
Bhojani reported to the set with complete makeup and in costume. "All our make-up rooms were sanitised before we came in the morning. A make-up kit was delivered to me two days ago, which I promptly sanitised. I have learnt to do make-up during the lockdown. So, we came to the set ready for the camera," he narrates.
Even as they clocked nine hours of work, from 9 am to 6 pm, productivity on the first day was below par. "We did rehearsal, and then shot. The work is definitely slow, as everyone is careful," says Majethia.
Vehicles are fumigated before being allowed on the set
Motley Crew Shoots For Mythological
Miles away, in Umbergaon, actors Sumedh Mudgalkar and Basant Bhatt reprised their roles of Krishn and Balram in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's RadhaKrishn. A source reveals that a 20-member cast and crew was taken to Umbergaon a week ago, following which they practised the mandatory self-quarantine. Two sanitisation tunnels have also been built on the set as a precautionary measure.
Actor Kinshuk Vaidya, who plays Arjun in the mythological show, says, "The producers have looked after every aspect — from calling us a week in advance and keeping us in isolation to having a sanitisation regimen frequently during the day. The moment we are done filming a shot, we are required to sanitise ourselves and wear our masks."
Colors TV's offering Choti Sarrdaarni is expected to roll today while Star TV will take their daily soaps on floors by June 28. Among the shoots that started yesterday also included the Gracy Singh-fronted Santoshi Maa Sunaye Vrat Kathayein. A technician from the crew, on condition of anonymity, reveals that the makers have let go of a chunk of the crew to avoid crowding on sets.
"On the basis of the guidelines, they've decided that some of us are not needed anymore at work. But as daily-wage workers, we are all in a trying situation," he lamented.
Not Just Television
In Versova, actor Adah Sharma ventured out for the shoot of a commercial for a popular coffee brand, accompanied by her make-up artiste and hairstylist. She stuck to the basics, and says they were vigilant to not flout any rules. "My hair and make-up team were given instructions to not touch anything on set. I was conscious to not touch surfaces, and kept washing my hands at frequent intervals. After every scene, I would get back in the vanity van and wash my hands, as did my hair and make-up team."
Still from Bhakarwadi
Small screen’s big leap of faith: Shooting for some TV shows has resumed, with efforts underway to iron out glitches
8:26 AM
Prashant Singh and Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 25, 2020)
Soon after the Maharashtra government gave the nod for TV shows to resume shoots and issued guidelines for the same post the Coronavirus lockdown, makers and channels started prepping to return to work. In fact, two Hindi shows — Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi and Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki — resumed shooting on June 23. However, before others could follow suit, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Cine And TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) halted shoots stating certain guidelines weren’t met, including working hours, insurance cover etc. But after a meeting between FWICE, CINTAA and Indian Film & Television Producers’ Council (IFTPC) on Wednesday, shoots will now resume.
Pawan Kumar, producer-director of both these shows, says, “We’re adhering to guidelines. If there are any changes needed, we’ll try and incorporate. We can’t stop shooting because so many people right now need the job.” Kumar adds shooting for Santoshi Maa - Sunayein Vrat Kathayein and Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi - Kahani Mata Rani Ki and two upcoming shows will resume shortly and that all six are being shot in Ramdev studio, Naigaon. “The entire set and nearby areas are being sanitised every 30 minutes. Everyone is wearing masks, face shields except the actors. The cast and crew are staying in Naigaon,” he says.Similarly, the cast and crew of Devi Aadi Parashakti reached Umbergaon, Gujarat, where they were quarantined. “Our two weeks got over on June 23 and we’ll start when everyone’s ready. We’re in a complete green zone and we’re taking extra precautions. Siddharth and Rahul (Kumar Tewary; producers of the show) are ensuring safety,” says actor Tarun Khanna.
J D Majethia, actor-producer and chairman (TV & web), IFTPC, shares they’ve received permissions from locations in and around Mumbai — Film City Chitra Nagari, Mira Road, Thane, Palghar etc. Hence, shooting for other shows may start from Thursday once they sort out insurance issues. “For now, we’ll avoid marriage and party scenes. In the long run, we’ll restructure the industry’s working pattern,” he says.Meanwhile actor Rashami Desai might shoot for the finale of Naagin 4 on June 26. Next in line to resume could be Kumkum Bhagya. In fact, most are eager to resume shooting, but with caution. While actor Varun Badola is ready to shoot for Mere Dad ki Dulhan, he’s concerned as he lives with his old parents. “So, I just want everything in place on the sets. One person can infect anyone,” he says.
Echoing the concern, Amit Behl, joint secretary and chairperson, outreach committee, CINTAA, shares, “Shooting started in West Bengal, but they had to stop as things went wrong. It was the same in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Most studios in Maharashtra are in containment zones, a majority of studio floors are very cramped. So social distancing may pose a challenge.”However, Tanusri Dasgupta, executive vice-president, Balaji Telefilms, confirms shooting of all their shows would start together and “we’ve already done mock drills to ensure there are no complications”. Others too contend “things have already been sorted” with insurance companies. They feel the idea “is to not just keep the cast and crew healthy but confident”. “And it’s very important because that will directly impact productivity and quality of work,” says Sumeet Mittal, producer of Barrister Babu and Shubharambh, which are expected to resume shooting today. “My crew for both shows will stay on the sets so there is minimal interaction with the outside world,” he says.
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