SHOOTS TO RESUME ACROSS INDIA, INDUSTRY RELIEVED
Filmmakers welcome SOPS, gear up to shoot across the country
In a relief for the industry, Union information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar announced on Sunday that all film and television shoots across the country can resume, along with a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) in place. While shoots had resumed in the main hub of Bollywood, Maharashtra, and in some other parts of the country such as Kolkata, panindia shoots hadn’t been allowed until now.
SOPS range from only actors facing the camera being exempted from wearing face masks, to ensuring visitors or audiences are barred on sets.
Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) welcomes this move. “Now we can go to any state and shoot. It’s not only job opportunities for our industry, but everyone related to shooting,” he says, adding the SOPS are similar to what had been in effect for Maharashtra.
Filmmakers are happy too. Vinil Mathew, who is directing Taapsee Pannu-starrer Haseen Dilruba, says, “While it’s good to have official endorsement, as it will be a guidance for the crews, it all boils down to where you want to shoot, the municipality will decide. We are planning to get on floors in October.”
Echoing similar sentiments is Sabbir Khan, who is helming Nikamma starring Shilpa Shetty Kundra. He says, “SOPS being issued is a great sign. I will probably resume my shoot after the monsoon. I have fourfive days of outdoor shoot left.”
The ease to shoot across different locations seems to be a common point of connect. JD Majethia, chairman, Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) and producer of the show Bhakarwadi says, “The smallest of things have been kept in mind in these SOPS.” Agrees trade analyst Joginder Tuteja, who says, “Shooting is needed not just for films which have to come to theatres, but also those planning to come on OTT. We don’t know when theatres will reopen, but atleast those OTT films can resume, or those who have 10-15 days of shoot left.”