ITV

Category: Production House

  • CINTAA urges producers to follow Covid SOPs, says lapse could impact the whole unit

    CINTAA urges producers to follow Covid SOPs, says lapse could impact the whole unit

    KERALA: The Cine and Television Actors’ Association (CINTAA) has urged producers to follow standard operating procedures (SOP) during the shooting and production stages to protect actors from Covid-19. The request from CINTAA comes at a time when several actors have tested positive for Covid, and some of them have even succumbed to the deadly virus. 

    In an open letter on Facebook, CINTAA has appealed to production houses and producers to follow all health and safety protocols and made it clear that even minor negligence could have a severe impact on the entire unit. 

    Actors succumbing to Covid-19

    Ever since the outbreak of the pandemic, several actors in the Indian entertainment industry have fallen victim to Covid. Some of the noted actors who lost their lives due to Covid-related complications include veteran Bollywood actress Shripradha, Marathi actor Abhilasha Patil, and veteran Punjabi actor Satish Kaul, who had featured in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat. 

    Apart from these artists who lost their lives after battling the fatal infection, several top Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Aamir Khan, and R Madhavan also tested Covid positive in recent weeks. 

    With Covid cases on the rise among the acting fraternity, CINTAA has aired its concerns over their safety, as they are at a higher risk of contracting the virus due to regular traveling. 

    SOPs to protect artists from Covid infection

    The association urged producers to formulate SOPs by keeping the transmissibility of the new Covid variant in mind, which might show negative in the first RT-PCR and would mean isolating the cast and crew before and after the shoot. 

    Citing the example of the IPL bio bubble failure, CINTA predicted that the secure bubble maintained in television shooting sets may be breached soon. 

    “It is wonderful that TV shoots are shooting in a bubble, with necessary precautions, but we are worried that a secure bio bubble of the IPL has been breached, it will not take long for this disaster to strike TV shoots. There is a traffic of actors travelling to and from shoots, using flights and airports and the danger of infection is tenfold,” said a CINTAA spokesperson in a recent press release. 

    Request for 30-day payment

    CINTAA has also requested film and TV showrunners to follow the 30-day mode of payment until the end of the pandemic. 

    “With medical costs sky-rocketing, it is only prudent that expenses are completely covered with no burden to our members,” added the spokesperson. 

    The association has also demanded an explanation from producers who have replaced actors who were unwilling to take part in shoots due to the second Covid wave. Seeking compensation from producers, CINTAA asked who will be responsible if an actor contracts the lethal disease.

    “We are appealing to all the stakeholders that we want to know on whom does the moral responsibility lie: If the actor contracts Covid who is going to take care of the entire hospital/medical expenses, the insurance, injury cover, death cover, etc. Is the broadcaster taking the onus, studio taking the onus, or the producer association or individual producer is taking the onus, that is what we wish to know,” it questioned, adding that actors are also no less than frontline workers.

  • BBC Studios signs Alex Gale to develop non-scripted content

    BBC Studios signs Alex Gale to develop non-scripted content

    KERALA: BBC Studios International Production has signed a first-look development deal with award-winning documentary maker Alex Gale. The deal will see Gale co-develop premium non-scripted content with BBC Studios local production companies in Australia, India, South Africa, and Germany. These developed programs will be produced and distributed internationally by BBC Studios.

     

    Alex Gale is the founder of Amped Picture, and has previously directed Amazon Prime’s Sons Of The Soil for BBC Studios India. Other previous works of Gale include BBC documentaries Scotland 78: A Love Story, Glasgow 1967: The Lisbon Lions, and The Fort.

    “Alex is a remarkable documentarian who has a unique approach to creating candid and thought-provoking films; his handle on the sporting world and bringing their iconic figures and stories to life are unparalleled. We’ve been lucky enough to partner with Alex previously and so we’re incredibly proud to be working with him to create original content for our audiences worldwide,” said BBC Studios managing director of international productions Matt Forde.

    Gale revealed that the aim of the partnership is ”to create high production value docuseries with characteristically local narratives that also have the potential to engage an international audience.”

    “It’s very exciting, there’s such a range of untapped storytelling opportunities across these distinct and contrasting cultures. BBC Studios’ local knowledge, industry relationships, and brand recognition in these countries is invaluable, it will help us secure access to talent, previously unseen environments and institutions,” he added.

  • No more TV & film shoots in Goa, govt enforces 15-day lockdown

    No more TV & film shoots in Goa, govt enforces 15-day lockdown

    New Delhi: With one of the highest rate of Covid2019 infections in the country, Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday announced a state-wide curfew in the state from 9 May to 23 May.

    According to government data, Goa has recorded a positivity rate of 41 per cent, which has surpassed the infection rates in Delhi as well as Mumbai. “The positivity rate and death rate are increasing in the state. There is no shortage of oxygen and medicines in the state. A detailed order regarding the state-level curfew will be released by 4 pm on Saturday,” said Sawant.

    The announcement comes hours after the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) cancelled all permissions granted for film and television serial shootings in the state in the wake of the raging pandemic. The ESG is Goa government’s nodal agency empowered to give permission for commercial shootings in the state.

    Several film and TV serial makers from Mumbai and Chennai had recently shifted their sets to Goa after strict restrictions were imposed in Maharashtra and other states.

    “We will not allow any shooting of films or television serials in public or private properties till the Covid2019 situation in the state comes under control,” ESG vice president Subhash Faldesai told PTI.

    All those currently shooting films and serials in Goa have also been asked to wind up their schedules. The ESG said it will review its decision only after the situation is under control.

    On Thursday, Goa reported its highest daily tally so far with 3,869 Covid2019 cases that took the count of infections to 1,08,267.

  • Yash Raj Films offers to sponsor vaccines for 30,000 FWICE workers

    Yash Raj Films offers to sponsor vaccines for 30,000 FWICE workers

    NEW DELHI: As the Covid2019 crisis worsens, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has offered to sponsor vaccines for all members of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) through its charitable arm, the Yash Raj Foundation. According to a letter the YRF wrote to the president of FWICE, the foundation has already petitioned Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to help it procure vaccines to inoculate the 30,000-odd members of the cine workers’ body.

    The foundation, named after legendary director Yash Chopra, has assured that the cost of the vaccines and all related expenses will be borne by it.

    “We have sent a request to the honourable chief minister of Maharashtra to allocate and allow us to purchase Covid2019 vaccines for 30,000 registered workers, who are members of the film industry’s federation in Mumbai at the earliest. The Yash Chopra Foundation will bear all other costs too associated with vaccinating the workers such as raising awareness, transportation of workers and setting up of all the required infrastructure for the immunisation programme,” wrote YRF in its letter to FWICE.

    The request comes amid a record rise in Covid cases in Mumbai. Given the surging caseloads across Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena-led ruling dispensation had imposed a statewide halt on film production activities.

    YRF further said that during these dire times, there is an urgent need to restart filming in the state so that thousands of workers have a steady stream of income to support their families.

    Following this letter from YRF, FWICE has also penned a missive to CM Thackeray, urging the government to provide 60,000 doses of the Covid2019 vaccines for 30,000 members of the film industry’s federation, according to a report by India Today. In the letter, which has been signed by all the designation holders of FWICE, it is mentioned that once vaccination is complete, members can resume their work without any fear.

  • From Maharashtra to Punjab, how TV industry is navigating Covid’s second wave

    From Maharashtra to Punjab, how TV industry is navigating Covid’s second wave

    KERALA: The second wave of Covid2019 that is wreaking havoc in India has reshaped the way in which television shows are made and broadcasted. As several states including Maharashtra have suspended the shooting of TV shows due to the surge in Covid cases, producers are now choosing states like Punjab to complete the filming of ongoing projects. 

    Producers compelled to shift shoots to other states

    During the initial days of shooting suspension, most showrunners shifted to states like Goa and Karnataka to complete their pending shoots. And now, as several states have started imposing strict restrictions, producers are going further afield – moving to Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan to quickly film the pending episodes. 

    For television producers, this inter-state expedition is a costly proposition, especially because the shooting in these states has to be carried out in adherence to all Covid protocols. 

    “Shooting in other states outside Maharashtra is undoubtedly a very expensive deal, and producers are struggling financially. We are quickly trying to complete the filming of pending episodes in states like Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Punjab. We are facing huge loss, but the show must go on,” said Indian Films and Television Producers Council chairman JD Majethia. 

    Filming of non-fiction shows impacted

    According to Majethia, production of non-fiction shows has been largely impacted due to Covid restrictions, especially due to the huge funds and infrastructure involved in the filming process. 

    “Even in normal scenarios, running a non-fiction show is very challenging, and now, during the time of the pandemic, it has become more challenging than ever before. Contestants who participate in these shows come from different cities, and producers should take care of various things including their accommodation. We have to be very careful to ensure that no person in the sets is infected. It is a financial and moral responsibility, and it is stressful too,” added Majethia. 

    The actor-director also noted that it is really difficult to replicate everything on the new sets that are being erected to ensure continuity of shows. 

    Artists and technicians stranded in various states

    IFTPC revealed that several artists from Maharashtra are currently stranded in other states. To avoid this situation, producers have urged the government to permit the shooting of television shows within Maharashtra, and assured that filming will take place by maintaining all Covid protocols. Majethia also added that producers in Maharashtra are ready to work together with the government to curb the spread of the pandemic. 

    “There are several technicians and artists who are now in other states for shooting activities. To enter Maharashtra and to go back to other states for filming is not an easy task, as RT-PCR tests are mandatory to enter other regions. We also love to be a part of the government’s initiative to curb the spread of the pandemic,” added IFTPC. 

    Majethia went on to mention that the lockdown imposed in Goa has negatively affected the filming of many shows that had switched production bases to the smallest state in the country. 

    However, Goa Line Producers Association president Sandeep Korecha revealed that the lockdown has not affected indoor shooting. 

    “We are allowed to shoot at indoor venues, until May 30, even during the lockdown. Outdoor shoots aren’t permitted. We have also been asked to shoot with minimum crew members. We put an indicator on our vehicles so that they’re allowed to pass during the lockdown,” said Korecha during a recent interview with The Times of India.

    Television shows essential during Covid times

    Following the spate of restrictions in several states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, and Kerala, people are now confined to their homes, and for them, the primary means of entertainment is the television. Citing this point, Majethia claimed that makers of TV programs also come under essential services. 

    “People are depressed and frustrated due to the Covid pandemic. Entertainment is very much necessary at this time. Getting ample doses of entertainment will act as a medicine for depressed people,” he asserted. 

    Meanwhile, several television personalities have also succumbed to the deadly virus in recent days. On 30 April, actor and anchor Kanupriya died days after contracting Covid. She was known for her roles in Bhanwar, Ananro, Kahi Aek Gaon, Kartavya, Meri Kahani, Tesu Ke Phool and Tumhara Intezar Hai.  

    On 10 April, veteran Punjabi actor Satish Kaul, who had featured in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away due to Covid-related complications. 

    Television actor Divya Bhatnagar, best known for her role in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, died due to Covid2019 in December last year. She was just 34. 

  • Covid surge: Kerala government orders suspension of movie, TV filming

    Covid surge: Kerala government orders suspension of movie, TV filming

    KERALA: Earlier this month, the Maharashtra government enforced a state-wide halt on film and TV shooting, and given the second wave of Covid is spreading like wildfire in the nation, it was only a matter of time before other states followed suit. Now, the Kerala government has issued guidelines to suspend filming in the state. 

    Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during his routine press conference at 5.30pm, informed media outlets that directions have been given to stop serial and film shooting in the state until further notice. Earlier, TV serial and film shoots in Ernakulam were suspended following the rise in Covid cases, and now the government has decided to suspend it in the entire state. 

    Last year, in March, LDF-led dispensation had shut down film and serial shooting in the state, and the industry was silent for more than two months. Later, in May, the government allowed resumption of shooting under strict Covid restrictions. 

    Due to the suspension of filming TV series, several top Malayalam channels including Asianet, Surya TV, Flowers, Zee Malayalam, and Mazhavil Manorama had tided over the content crunch by re-telecasting old shows and already-aired episodes of television serials. 

    On 29 April, Kerala’s Covid graph hit another high with 38,607 cases. The average test positivity rate in the state is 24.5 per cent as of Thursday. 

    Meanwhile, the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) has urged the government to lock down the state. However, Pinarayi Vijayan stated that a complete lockdown is not possible, but stricter restrictions will be put in place. He also advised the public to go into “self-lockdown”, underscoring the gravity of the situation and appealing to citizens to help contain the surge in caseloads.

  • American Psycho TV series in the works at Lionsgate

    American Psycho TV series in the works at Lionsgate

    NEW DELHI: It was in 2000 that the Christian Bale-starrer cult classic American Psycho hit theatres worldwide. The film based on Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel of the same name received positive responses from audiences, and it’s popularity endures to this day among movie enthusiasts. And now, Lionsgate has confirmed that a television adaptation of the film is currently in development. 

    Lionsgate TV chairman Kevin Beggs confirmed the news in a recent interview given to Deadline.

    “We’ve just wrapped up Dear White People which was a really good experience, Blindspotting is coming up, American Psycho is in development. We’re always exploring what we can do in television with something like the Saw franchise, so that’s a conversation,” said Beggs. 

    American Psycho follows the story of Patrick Bateman, who is a Wall Street trader by day and moonlights as a serial killer at night. The major highlight of American Psycho was Christian Bale’s performance as Patrick Bateman. As a television adaptation of this movie has been announced, audiences are eagerly waiting to know about the actor who will portray the role of Bateman once again on screen. 

    An American Psycho TV series had been reported as far back as 2013, and at that time, several media outlets reported that the series will narrate the story of Bateman who is currently in his 50s, but still continues to pursue his killing spree. 

    In the meantime, Lionsgate is expanding the universe of John Wick with a TV show named The Continental. The cast and crew of The Continental are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. 

  • Manzar Studios ropes in Surya Balkrishnan to direct upcoming Tamil film

    Manzar Studios ropes in Surya Balkrishnan to direct upcoming Tamil film

    MUMBAI: Manzar Studios has signed filmmaker Surya Balkrishnan and writer Rajiv Rajaram for its upcoming project. A light-hearted comedy-drama, the film showcases the story of a single woman in her late 30s who after walking out of a long-term relationship brazenly decides to do whatever it takes to have a baby and become a single parent.

    With a remarkable journey in commercials and short films, Surya Balkrishnan has been brought on board to direct the movie helmed by Manzar Studio. Balkrishnan also leads an advertising production house and has worked on significant projects in her career. Her documentary Right Forward, based on 12 young girls voyaging on a journey to San Francisco from Dharavi, Mumbai to show their prowess in a soccer camp won much appreciation from the critics while Train Station, a collaborative feature film directed by 40 directors from different parts of the world, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival.

    Notable Madurai playwright and writer, Rajiv Rajaram will be seen writing the yet-to-be-titled project. Rajiv Rajaram has in the past worked on films such as Aaha Kalyanam – Yash Raj Film’s first Tamil movie and a remake of Band Baaja Baraat, and Moone Moonu Varthai (Just Three Words) produced by SPB Charan. Rajiv was also the founder of popular digital media brands like Put Chutney and Rascalas.

    Manzar Studios director Sunil Doshi said, “We are excited to announce our next project and are particularly looking forward to working with some of the most promising creative talents in the industry such as Surya Balkrishnan and Rajiv Rajaram. The goal of Manzar Studios is to change the storytelling process by focusing on comfort viewing experiences while making culturally and contextually resonating movies for Indian audiences.”

    Manzar Studios content executive Annapoorna Virdi shared, “At Manzar, we are committed to telling stories which are universal, heartfelt and reflect the times that we are in. This story and this character, in particular, is a product of our current times, and will prod us to initiate discussions with our loved ones about topics which are important and yet more often than not brushed under the carpet.”

    Filmmaker Surya Balkrishnan said, "It’s been such a joy creating this character on paper. We can’t wait to get down to actual filming and crafting her for real. Beginning this journey with Manzar Studios is an honour and I am looking forward to telling this real, heart-warming yet fun story."

    Writer Rajiv Rajaram added, “One of the most fascinating things about this movie that interested me was its take on growing up or adulting as the millennial generation calls it. The sheer universality of the idea is something that makes it ripe for the ever-inquisitive Tamil audience to savour and enjoy. Collaborating with Manzar Studios on this spectacular project is a great opportunity to showcase this amazing story."

    The film is inspired by the Argentine movie El Padre De Mis Hijos (Father of my Child) and will be trans-created in Tamil.

  • Disney executives Anastasia Ali and Jan Coleman promoted

    Disney executives Anastasia Ali and Jan Coleman promoted

    MUMBAI: In yet another rejig in the Walt Disney Company’s management, Anastasia Ali has been promoted to Disney Studios content marketing vice president, Deadline reported. Another executive, Jan Coleman, has been elevated to vice president of global marketing partnerships, promotions & multicultural.

    Ali had joined Disney as an intern in 2013 and has since worked on promotional campaigns for Marvel’s Black Panther, Disney’s live-action Aladdin, and Pixar’s Soul. Now Ali closely works with all aspects of the marketing group to develop and lead strategic marketing objectives for select theatrical films, as well as select films and series for Disney+.

    She co-founded Disney’s Black Employee Resource Group, The Bond, and along with Coleman co-founded rePRESENT, focused on scaling multicultural marketing competencies and developing diverse talent. Prior to joining Disney, Ali produced content for a global audience on digital and cable platforms including BET.com’s groundbreaking web series Buppies and TV One’s first scripted show Love That Girl!

    Coleman also worked on the marketing team for Soul and will continue to oversee and manage brand partnerships between the major Disney umbrellas such as Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, and more. Along with that, she will look into co-branded marketing campaigns and activations, placement integrations, global licensing and sponsorships of large-scale events. During her stint at Disney, she launched and managed partnerships with brands such as Porsche, Bose, Sonos, MAC Cosmetics, P&G’s My Black is Beautiful, HP, Vizio, Whirlpool, Ancestry and Blue Apron.

    Disney Studios content president of marketing Asad Ayaz said: “I am so grateful for the hard work, passion, and creativity that Jan and Anastasia have put into so many of our campaigns, and especially their dedication to authentically reaching our multicultural consumers. They are excellent leaders and I couldn’t be more excited for our road ahead as we embark on campaigns for an incredible slate of theatrical and streaming projects.”

  • IFTPC urges Maharashtra govt to allow TV, film post-production

    IFTPC urges Maharashtra govt to allow TV, film post-production

    MUMBAI: Days after the Maharashtra government shut down all film and television shoots in the state to combat the spread of Covid2019 infections, the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) has beseeched the Shiv Sena-led ruling dispensation to at least permit post-production work in the studios to help the industry get back on its feet.

    In a letter addressed to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, the IFTPC implored the government to consider other possible options that could allow the film and television industry to function while following the strict guidelines. It has formed a coordination committee comprising all the craft unions, broadcasters, and producer bodies to meet with Thackeray next week and discuss possible options of shooting.

    “We were immensely touched by the pain and anguish experienced by you while addressing the citizens of Maharashtra state. It was very clear to us that you were perturbed by the measures you were announcing and we share your deepest feelings. We hereby express our wholehearted support to Break the Chain-2 guidelines and fondly hope that your initiative will be successful," the letter read, highlighting that all the stakeholders in the industry have agreed to follow the guidelines in true spirit and ensure that the spread of the deadly virus is restricted totally. 

    The association urged the government to allow post-production work for TV and movies which is done in a studio facility in a closed environment so that the already shot portions of content can be edited and completed for final broadcasting. "The telecast of fresh episodes is essential to keep the people who are forced indoors due to the lockdown entertained with fresh content," it stated.

    The association also raised concerns over the mounting losses that producers would have to face when the sets that are being built will become unserviceable due to the halt on shootings. “To avoid the same, setting work may be allowed to continue just as you have allowed construction workers, only if the workers are allowed to stay at the set with all precautions. This will also help the workers who are largely migrant workers to get a safe abode and wages in these difficult times," they wrote.

    Requests have also been made to include the workers, technicians, and actors in the M&E industry, most of which are daily wage earners as beneficiaries of the government's financial package. If required, the body is ready to share the list of such workers and actors with full details, said the IFTPC. Among other suggestions, it sought setting up vaccination centers at the Film City and in Mira-Bhayander region specially catering to film & TV workers.

    “We believe the fight with the dreaded Coronavirus will be a long drawn one. Hence, we already have started working on the same and will submit a detailed operational plan for the industry in the coming days," said the association, seeking a meeting with the CM to chalk out a plan in case the government decides to extend the present lockdown after 1 May.

    Maharashtra: Worst affected by Covid2019 second wave.

    Maharashtra has been swamped by the second wave of the Covid2019 pandemic, with hospitals running short of essential medical supplies, oxygen cylinders, and beds. On Saturday, the state recorded as many as 67,000 cases of positive infections – the highest single-day spike and lost 419 lives to the novel Coronavirus. The number of daily infections rose to 8,834 cases and deaths to 58 in Mumbai – the financial and entertainment capital of the country.

    With no slowdown in sight, the government had announced strict restrictions and directed all malls, theatres, cinema halls, gyms, sports complexes to shut till 1 May. It also stopped all film and TV shoots from 14 April onwards.

    Meanwhile, television producers have begun to shift their production set up to other states to continue shooting for the shows which are on air. Neighbouring Goa, Silvassa, and Daman have become the hotspots for most of these TV shoots. Hyderabad, Surat, Rajasthan, and Delhi are other places where shoot locations are being shifted. The production base of TV producer Ekta Kapoor’s Kundali Bhagya and Kumkum Bhagya have been shifted out of Maharashtra to Goa for a month, the cast and crew of Shaadi Mubarak and Barrister Babu are making arrangements to go to Rajasthan’s Bikaner.