EXTRA CAUTIOUS BUT SHOW MUST GO ON
Covid-19 cases in showbiz did cause a minor hitch, but work needs to continue, say experts as it’s about survival now
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when shoots for TV and web projects resumed last month, and several actors stepped out to finish pending dubbing work for films and web shows. However, things took a turn when actors Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Parth Samthaan and some crew members on the sets of a few TV shows tested positive for Covid-19. The industry did take another short pause, both work and earning wise. However, the show must go on, say industry insiders.
JD Majethia, chairman, TV & web, Indian Film & Television Producers’ Council, says that huge losses have been incurred as the industry was shut for three months. “Producers got a cut of 15-25% from broadcasters; even cast and crew have taken cuts. Now, we need to continue work to churn revenues,” he says. However, Majethia is not discounting the risk that exists. “Out of 8,000+ people working at various levels, the number of positive cases on sets till now is just four or five... And as days are progressing, we’ve become extra cautious,” he adds.
Chloe Qureshi, creative producer, Balaji Telefilms Ltd, adds it is a matter of survival for many. “When Parth tested positive, we got everyone tested, and now we’re back at work,” she says.
The TV industry, according to sources, has lost business of about ₹400 crore, as far as content is concerned. Makers have decided that work will continue till Maharashtra government instructs otherwise. Trade expert Atul Mohan shares, “Only 5-10% work has resumed (on TV and web), and 10-15 % revenue has started coming overall. Once film shoots start, this might go up to 25% with the projects that were stuck finally moving out of the way. But with actors testing positive for Covid-19, many are reconsidering their decision to get back to work.” Vikram Malhotra, producer and CEO, Abundantia Entertainment, that did post-production for web series Breathe, starring Abhishek Bachchan, says, “For producers, exhibitors and distributors, it’s a no-revenue period. The minimum percentage of work that has started needs to continue.”
According to trade analyst Komal Nahta, barely 5% of the industry has mustered the courage to resume shoots. “Film industry has lost about ₹5,000 crore. And with films going to OTT, producers are making 15-20% profit, or at least recovering the cost, which is enough for such times,” he says. While recent incidents did raise an alarm, Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor, Federation of Western India Cine Employees, and president of Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, feels that some are overreacting. “I understand actors testing positive did send a shock wave, but only 5% of work in totality has started. We need to start earning now,” he says.