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Tag: IFTDA

  • Film, TV directors’ association requests Maharashtra govt for changes in shooting guidelines

    Film, TV directors’ association requests Maharashtra govt for changes in shooting guidelines

    MUMBAI: The Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) has sent a letter to the Maharashtra government seeking the removal of certain clauses in the guidelines for resuming shooting of films, OTT shows, and television serials as they are difficult to be adhered to. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray recently permitted the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to resume shooting only if these guidelines and SOPs are followed strictly.

    IFTDA president Ashoke Pandit wrote, “We are glad to note that each and every point that we had presented and discussed in the above meeting has been considered and implemented in the GR released by the government. All the clauses that are mentioned in the GR are in line with the requirements raised by the stakeholders of the Industry. However, we would like to request you to please revisit two clauses mentioned in the GR.”

    One major concern is that any person above 65 years of age will not be allowed to work on the set. This category includes prominent actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Paresh Rawal, Annu Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Dharmendra, Shakti Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Pankaj Kapur, Jackie Shroff, Danny Denzongpa, Dalip Tahil, Tinnu Anand, Rakesh Bedi, Kabir Bedi and others. It also has legendary directors, filmmakers and writers like Anil Sharma, David Dhawan, Subhash Ghai, Shyam Benegal, Mani Ratnam and Prakash Jha.

    According to Pandit, this clause is impractical since it would restrict some of the great luminaries of the industry.

    Another major concern highlighted by Pandit is the availability of doctors and nurses stationed at each shooting premises.

    The letter notes that Maharashtra is already facing issues due to non-availability of the doctors and nurses to cope with the increased number of patients from the Covid2019 pandemic and therefore it is not practical to have a doctor and nurse to be stationed at each shooting premise.

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  • Shooting of TV shows, digital originals & films halted from 19 March to 31 March 2020

    Shooting of TV shows, digital originals & films halted from 19 March to 31 March 2020

    MUMBAI: Various stakeholders of the Indian entertainment industry have taken measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Different bodies of television, directors and producers have decided to stop shooting of films, TV serials and web series from 19 March 2020 till 31 March 2020.

    The decision was taken in a joint meeting of Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA), Western India Film Producers' Association (WIFPA), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) held on 15 March 2020.

    “In view of the epidemic spread of Covid19 virus throughout the world, including India, an urgent meeting of IMPPA- WIPFA- IFTPC-IFTDA- FWICE held on 15 March 2020 unanimously decided to stop shootings of films, TV serials, web series and all other entertainment including digital formats from 19 March 2020 till 31 March 2020 as a result of health advisory, closure of all cinema halls, all sporting, educational institutes and entertainment events by the government of India which has declared a medical emergency over the Corona Virus. We appreciate and support all the steps taken by the government of India to control the virus,” said IMPPA.

    The association further says, “All units shooting till the stoppage comes into force have been strictly advised to follow all precautionary and preventive measures without fail. Decision about re-starting shootings shall be taken on 30 March 2020 after considering the prevailing situation.”

    TV broadcasters too are taking utmost measures to avoid gatherings on the sets.  

    A Zee spokesperson says, “In view of the growing concern regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, Zee TV is putting a temporary halt to on-sets for the safety of all the members of the media. Apart from on-sets, no bytes or special stories will also be allowed, unless prior committed and lined up for a particular day. This is being done as a precautionary measure and as soon as the situation improves, we shall resume onset access.”

    Abhinav Khare, CEO of Asianet News Group, said that every effort has been taken to ensure that the employees are safeguarded and their health protected. 

    "However, being media companies, we cannot adopt the work-from-home option. There are studios and equipment. Ours is a live medium. So whatever is happening and whenever is happening, reporters have to go to the spot and report," he said.