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Tag: JD Majethia

  • Sajid Nadiadwala re-elected as IFTPC president

    Sajid Nadiadwala re-elected as IFTPC president

    Mumbai: The Indian Film & TV Producers Council (IFTPC), the leading organisation representing producers in the Indian film, television, and digital media sectors, held its 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 10 September 2024 at the IFTPC Studio under the leadership of Sajid Nadiadwala, who was re-elected as president. In his address, Nadiadwala detailed the Council’s achievements and progress over the past year. He observed that “the central government as well as the State CM are receptive to the Film Industry,” and expressed hope that the recent box-office successes of certain films will help reinvigorate the industry, highlighting his satisfaction with the success of content-driven films that do not rely on star power.

    JD Majethia, re-elected as TV and Web Wing chairman, recalled the recent farewell event for Sony Network CEO and MD N.P. Singh noted that Singh was “surprised at the pleasant and warm farewell given to him.” Majethia assured that the IFTPC will continue to honour many more distinguished figures from the industry in the future and expressed his optimism that “within 2-3 years, the Indian TV and Web will definitely reach the pinnacle of glory.”

    The reconstituted board of directors for 2023-24 includes Sajid Nadiadwala as president, JD Majethia as chairman of the TV/Web Wing, along with Ratan Jain, NR Pachisia, Madhu Mantena, Shyamashish Bhattacharya, Kumar Mangat, Rajat Rawail, Nitin Vaidya, and Abhimanyu Singh. Ramesh Taurani has once again been requested to continue serving as an honorary advisor.

  • 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.

  • IFTPC proposes Bio-Bubble plan before Maharashtra Govt

    IFTPC proposes Bio-Bubble plan before Maharashtra Govt

    MUMBAI: Film and TV land juddered to a halt on Wednesday after the Maharashtra government imposed a ban on filming for a period of two weeks owing to the skyrocketing cases of Covid2019 in the state.

    The new order is part of the Break The Chain guidelines, that states all shoots of films, television and advertisement will be put on hold from 14 April to 1 May. Until this order, production had been taking place with restrictions like avoiding filming scenes with large crowds or background dancers and no shoots during the weekend lockdown.

    As the television and film industry gears up to brace the impact of the two-week-long restrictions in Maharashtra, several entertainment bodies and broadcasters met on Wednesday and decided to appeal to state chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to allow certain production-related activity by following Covid2019 safety protocols.

    Television producer and Indian Films & TV Producers Council (IFTPC) chairman TV wing & web JD Majethia has said that while the entire fraternity supports the government in its fight to curb the spread of Covid2019, they have decided to approach Thackeray to allow shoots to go on with stricter measures.

    “We are writing to the CM for a few exemptions during the next two weeks. People look forward to entertainment and fresh content while being confined to their homes during such a trying time,” said Majethia.

    He also mentioned that the production houses who have created a bank of upcoming episodes will sustain and those who do not have fresh episodes in the pipeline will have to air repeat telecasts.

    “Some film and television producers are also mulling over plans to shift productions to locations outside Maharashtra like Goa or nearby places to commence the shooting,” said Swastik Productions MD Rahul Kumar Tewary, who is currently shooting in Gujarat. “They are also changing the track of the shows to current times. The whole industry is facing a very challenging time despite following all the Covid2019 protocols the situation is uncontrollable and unpredictable. Broadcasters are also planning whether they want to air original content or repeat telecasts.”

    The new restrictions could impact the shooting of around 90 TV shows, 50 Hindi movies, and 40 Marathi films. Apart from these, the production of a large number of web series will also be impacted.

    While echoing the sentiment, Majethia mentioned that rather than changing locations, it would be easier for a fiction show to alter its storyline. However, it can be extremely difficult for a non-fiction property to create a whole new infrastructure, he highlighted. “Moving the entire cast and crew to a new location is a possibility but what will we do if the situation gets worse over there as well? A lot of shootings were happening in Madhya Pradesh but the government soon announced a lockdown, due to which ongoing shootings were immediately halted. These kinds of situations can happen anytime,” the producer said.  

    With the double-edged sword of rising caseloads and production shutdown at any time hovering over their heads, representatives of several producers’ bodies have decided to propose creation of bio-bubbles to the state government.

    “This week, along with other stakeholders of the industry, we will present our plan on bio-bubble to the government. Through this move we are trying to build a confidence among government officials that if shooting gets resumed, we have a protected environment where we can shoot,” Majethia explained. 

    He also expressed fears that if the lockdown continues and fresh content dries up, it could be difficult to retain existing viewers, who may migrate to online streaming platforms for good.

    Elara Capital research analyst Karan Taurani said TV shows will be most impacted by the shutdown, specifically Marathi and Hindi fiction and non-fiction shows.

    Meanwhile, broadcasters and producers are working in tandem to tackle the situation. There is no penalty on late delivery of content and discussions are underway on extending the budget in case of outdoor shoots.

    “TV broadcasters generally have a buffer of 10-15 days before a fresh episode is shown, hence the impact will be minimal if this restriction stays for 15 days, however in case of any extension, it will have a negative impact for broadcasters," pronounced Balaji Telefilms CEO Karan Taurani.

    Bollywood is also feeling the heat. Films like Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathan, Salman Khan-led Tiger 3 and Amitabh Bachchan’s Goodbye that were filming under these restrictions are now in limbo. Moreover, the industry is bearing losses as spot boys and other daily wagers have returned to their hometown due to no work.

    “We support lockdown, but there has to be a way for us. The government talks about others but not daily wagers in our industry,” said the president of the All Indian Cine Workers Association.

  • Get crew members tested for Covid, IFTPC urges TV producers

    Get crew members tested for Covid, IFTPC urges TV producers

    MUMBAI: With no slowdown in sight in the number of Covid2019 cases in Maharashtra, the Indian Films and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) has urged all television producers to conduct RT-PCR/antigen tests of crew members working on ongoing projects. The statement comes at a time when the state government is mulling a complete lockdown for two weeks to combat the second wave of infections.

    Maharashtra is battling an unprecedented surge of Covid2019 cases, with nearly 60,000 cases being reported daily for the past few days. As many as 394 people lost their lives in the past 24 hours taking the death toll to 57,987.The state worst hit by the ongoing pandemic was forced to enforce a night curfew and a weekend lockdown last week. Except for essential services, it announced the closure of all other businesses, including theatres, cinema halls, and multiplexes till 30 April. However, the film and television shoots were permitted to continue amid restrictions.

    In a statement, the IFTPC said that it has asked the producers of 90 TV shows to conduct Covid2019 tests of their entire crew and submit a report. It has already received confirmation of as many as 9,000 tests, it stated further. The tests will be repeated after 15 days as per the ‘Break the Chain’ guidelines. The association has, however, mandated that antigen tests be done every week for additional safety.

    IFTPC chairman TV & web wing JD Majethia mentioned that broadcasters have borne the cost of the tests. "All the necessary guidelines are being followed scrupulously. We have also urged the producers to create a bio-bubble of the sets and post-production facilities for total safety,” he said, adding that the work on bio-bubble has already commenced and will fructify in a couple of days.

    Several on-ground productions including Ram Setu, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Dharma Productions-backed Mr. Lele were impacted after actors, as well as other members on the sets, tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. Filming of Wagle Ki Duniya and Anupamaa was also halted after some members on the sets tested positive. Mumbai itself has recorded nearly 10,000 positive cases in the past 24 hours and recorded 79 deaths. Other cities like Aurangabad, Pune, Nashik, Thane also remain badly affected.

    Majethia said the television industry has been continuously producing entertaining shows which help the people to stay at home and bring relief to their stressful life. “We hope the government will treat the industry as an essential service and its workers as frontline workers,” he stated.

    On Sunday, chief minister Udhhav Thackeray held a meeting with the Covid2019 task force to discuss the current situation and the duration of a state-wide lockdown and its potential economic fallout. Thackeray had earlier warned that a lockdown is imminent if there is no let-up in cases. Talking to reporters post the meeting, state health minister Rajesh Tope said most of those present at the discussion were of the view that a lockdown should be imposed in the state for at least two weeks. However, he added that a final decision regarding imposing a lockdown in Maharashtra will be taken after 14 April.

    The state has administered Covid2019 vaccines to over a crore people so far.

    The second wave of Covid2019 and another lockdown could land a serious blow to the entertainment industry, which is still recuperating from the damages incurred last year due to an extended shutdown. Apart from the loss of revenue and the impact on the workforce, the restrictions have also put a question mark over the revival of the film exhibition business.

    What the second Covid2019 wave means for Maharashtra

    The IFTPC had earlier cautioned the producers about a potential "September-2020" like situation developing again and urged them to avoid outdoor shoots with immediate effect. Meanwhile, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) formed a monitoring team to ensure that all Covid2019 shooting guidelines, including safety precautions on the set, avoiding filming of crowd sequences are strictly followed.

  • Today, audiences are slot loyal and not TV loyal: JD Majethia

    Today, audiences are slot loyal and not TV loyal: JD Majethia

    MUMBAI: Jamnadas Majethia, better known as JD, started his career as a theatre artist and has been active in the Gujarati theatre scene for over two decades. The actor/producer teamed up with his close friend Aatish Kapadia and launched the joint venture Hats Off Productions in year 2001-2002. Their first co-production Khichdi was followed by Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai and a host of hit comedy shows on television. Now, the studio is back with a new avatar of the beloved legacy show Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi, Naye Kissey, which is airing on Sony Sab.

    Comedy and family values have always been at the core of the works they’ve created, shared Majethia. Feel good shows are the strength of Hats Off Productions, as he believes this kind of content can be watched together as a family.

    Said he: “We have always received a great amount of respect, adulation and love from audiences. Hats Off Productions is a team of passionate people who believe in giving progressive content to their audiences. Relationships, warmth, creating memories and emotions are the elements that work well in India and so we always try to work around these factors. Our shows Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Khichdi are two decades old but they still resonate today and are loved by audiences. Audiences have kept this show alive that is what we strive for.”

    Apart from the iconic and memorable Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, he has experimented with formats outside his forte of comedy, such as family dramas (Baa Bahu Aur Baby, Jasuben Jayantilaal Joshi Ki Joint Family, Sukh By Chance, Behenein), romance (Chintu Chinki Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story, Ek Doosre Se Karte Hain Pyaar Hum) and supernatural/fantasy (Bakula Bua Ka Bhoot, Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai).  

    Explaining how majority of his shows based on family values have worked well among the different genres that he has produced to date, Majethia said, “Viewers only have half an hour to enjoy our show, in that specific time period we need to catch their attention and  provide them wholesome entertainment. In today’s time content is the king, it is important to come up with fresh ideas which are also engaging.”

    Majethia believes that today audiences have a myriad of options, from TV loyalty the focus has been shifted to slot loyalty. He opined that earlier one channel used to dominate all the slots. But now things are changing, audiences are programme loyal. More than the brand, the content is working, which works in the favour of production houses. Be it comedy, horror, crime, thriller, daily soaps, historical or mythology, each of these genres works well among viewers, he explained.

    On Wagle Ki Duniya reboot

    The opportunity to bring back popular sitcom Wagle Ki Duniya, which aired on DD National from 1988 to 1990, landed before him almost like an act of providence, quipped Majethia.

    “We were working on a show with middle class and higher middle class backdrop. It was almost finalised when Sony Sab business head Neeraj Vyas called Majethia to re-adapt Wagle Ki Duniya. Interestingly, on the same night he received a call from RK Lakshman’s daughter in law Usha Lakshman. Considering this as the universe’s calling, I went ahead with the story. Earlier the show had only 19 episodes and Usha Lakshman wanted to utilise those episodes. But it has very little scope when it came to creation. That is when the makers decided to create a programme all together with a new format,” he detailed.

    Along with his co-partner Kapadia, he created a bank of pilot episodes which got an instant thumbs-up from the Sony Sab team. However, the biggest challenge is to create fresh episodes every single day. Unlike other daily soaps, there is no scope for stretching the content or utilising previous shots and the existing library.

    Explaining on how this version is going to be different, Majethia remarked, “In those days what RK Lakshman created was the story of a common man, we have taken that same story a notch higher. The issues are more pertinent to today’s time. He is addressing the real challenge of feeding his family, raising kids, taking care of parents in the pandemic. He wants his family to have a happy lifestyle, but his income is not sufficient and he is also not a risk taker. So, the story is about how he manages everything simultaneously. Our motto is to make people understand that ultimately life is all about being happy and creating new memories.”

    With a change in generation, the protagonist in the new series will face a newer set of dilemmas and challenges. The show will also showcase the progression in the lives of the middle-class in the country. While Aanjjan Srivastav and Bharti Achrekar will reprise their roles of Srinivas and Radhika Wagle, Sumeet Raghvan and Pariva Pranati will play the new lead couple along with child artist Sheehan Kapahi and Chinmayi Salvi.

    Earlier, Wagle Ki Duniya was filmed in a small house but now, in step with contemporary norms, the team has shot the show in a two-bedroom flat. The entire set is in Mumbai’s Mira Road where they have created a house, society garden and an office. They have also created multi-utility rooms with all the technical assistance to make the work much more efficient. Behind Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi, Naye Kissey there is a strong team of ten writers including Majethia and Kapadia and headed by Jayesh Patil. The show is directed by Sameer Kulkarni.

    Hats Off Production is also working on its latest drama Janani for In10 Media’s new Hindi GEC Ishara. Supriya Pilgaonkar is essaying the lead role. In the near future, Majethia said he wishes to work on non-fiction shows.

  • Industry welcomes I&B ministry’s guidelines to restart Film, TV and OTT production

    Industry welcomes I&B ministry’s guidelines to restart Film, TV and OTT production

    MUMBAI: Yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar released a comprehensive set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at the resumption of production for film, television, and OTT originals. The announcement came in as a sigh of relief for many in the industry. The SOPs are in line with the protocols followed across the globe, which also specifies safe distances on shooting locations, in edit rooms, studios, and others. It includes rules on sanitization, fumigation, face masks, and availability of PPE kits. The SOPs also mention the need for an appointment of an on-set Covid2019 coordinator. Javadekar said, “Today we are laying out standard operating procedures as per the international experience and with the consultation of the health ministry and the home ministry.”

    He further explained that contact minimisation is at the core of the SOPs. It will be ensured by minimal physical contact and sharing of props and PPEs for hairstylists and make-up artists, among others. Javadekar also highlighted that the characters in front of the camera would be exempted from wearing masks. Making this announcement on Doordarshan Javadekar said that formulating SOP measures as part of the overall decision to revive economic activities. He added, “For the last six months, this industry had come to a standstill, and many people had lost their jobs. We hope all States will adopt these SOPs.”

    For a detailed list of the SOPs, click here. In a special interaction with indiantelevision.com film producer, Ramesh Taurani said, “I think it is a very good step from the government. Shoots have already started, but now they can be done in other locations as well, as the new SOPs will benefit everyone. These are practical and manageable SOPs, and the film industry is very happy. Now things will happen at a macro level. As the film shooting has started workers, actors, technicians can start work with full protection. It is a good step towards restarting the economy, as more people will get employment. The announcement came from the central government, and now it is up to the respective state government to take it forward.” Apart from laying down the social distancing norms, the ministry has also asked the production houses to ensure extensive planning. It also states that physical distancing of at least six feet is to be followed as far as feasible at all locations at all times, while sitting, standing in queues, etc. FICCI official spokesperson said, "It is a welcome move and the industry has been looking forward to this. It will help open the industry in a phased manner with all the necessary precautions . We are looking forward to working with the government to ensure we get back to business with all the norms that have been put in place. This move from central government is the umbrella document for state governments to adopt so that there is basic uniformity across the country . This is one plan laid out by the central government for the state government to follow and they can add some important details as per the specific requirement." Aspects such as scenes, sequences, set-ups, camera locations, positions of various crew members, seating arrangements, food and catering arrangements, staggered meal timings, etc. shall be planned while giving due consideration to physical distancing norms. According to the guidelines, measures shall be taken by the production team to involve a minimum number of cast and crew members during the shoot. IFTPC chairman TV wing JD Majethia shares, “It is a very welcome move. We all have been waiting for this for a very long time. It is a relief that the centre has eased out the restrictions. As shooting is now allowed across India, it would be easier for film, television, and OTT shows to shoot in different locations and studios, which was difficult to do earlier. Many people will get their employment back, hopefully in Maharashtra. If trains are allowed from next month onwards, a lot of people will get their jobs back.” He further added that the guidelines laid down by the I&B ministry are more detailed, and they have included a lot of aspects. “The measures are clear in nature. Everyone will know what to do in these circumstances. However, the state government can add or modify policies as per their requirement. States with less number of cases can ease out restrictions, whereas things will be stricter in areas where there are a higher number of cases,” adds Majethia. The Ministry has also advised that no visitors or audiences are to be allowed. In the case of outdoor shootings, necessary coordination has to be done with local police and administration to minimize spectators.

    It is a moment of joy for film and OTT platforms as the Covid2019 halted the shoots at other locations, especially with large crews. "It's great news for the TV and film industry. What's more interesting is that the SOPs suggest some points for the opening of the exhibition. We are now looking forward to the opening of cinemas and getting the whole movie industry back on track," says SVF Entertainment co-founder director Mahendra Soni. Juggernaut Productions chief operating officer OTT-business Samar Khan mentions that the issuance of these SOPSs is a step in the right direction. He adds, “All of us have been eagerly awaiting the resumption of shoots but are also aware that crew safety is of utmost importance, following these guidelines will ensure that we can maintain the highest standards of safety while gradually resuming work.”

    The ministry has also advised the industry to discontinue usage of lapel mics or at least to ensure that these are not shared. It also highlights that costumes, hair wigs, and makeup items for actors should not be shared. The SOPs states that artists should be encouraged to do their hairstyling and make-up remotely with the help of professionals. Panorama Studios run by  Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak is  a subsidiary of Panorama Studios International. Abhishek Pathak has also directed movies like Ujda Chama and Boond. He thanked the I&B ministry for focussing  on contact minimisation. "We welcome these guidelines. Yes, shooting will be a huge challenge in the Covid2019 era, but I think with vigilance and precautions, we can make a comeback steadily. This decision brings huge relief for industry dwellers whose livelihood depends on the creation of movies, series, and other content." Planet Marathi founder and filmmaker Akshay Bardapurkar who also produced AB Aani CD said that it is great news from the I&B minister himself. “However now with the opening of the shoots it would be great also to see theatres also opening up. He mentions that more than 100 films are stalled, and producers are suffering. I hope that the central government issues SOPs for theatres soon and opens them too,” adds Bardapurkar.

  • Production houses rope in external Covid2019 compliance teams

    Production houses rope in external Covid2019 compliance teams

    MUMBAI: After seven members of Hats Off Productions’ show Bhakarwadi tested positive for Covid2019 and one of them, a tailor present on the set, succumbed to the infection on 21 July, the makers of the show found themselves in a difficult situation.

    The shoot was immediately shut for four days. When shooting resumed on the sets of Bhakarwadi, hygiene and other safety protocols were revisited. Hats Off Productions producer JD Majethia also purchased a UV machine to ensure better screening and the crew was given three vitamin tablets, immunity boosters and warm lemon water daily to boost immunity.

    After these unfortunate incidents, several production houses have hired Covid2019 compliance agencies to monitor the situation. Majethia has also consulted a Covid2019 compliance company called TISA looked after by Manish Popat and Harish Salve.

    Majethia says, “When we resumed shooting, we asked TISA to visit our sets. They joined us on a Zoom conference call with our unit and guided us. They suggested and supplied UV machines. They taught us the right way of wearing a mask too.”

    TISA is also engaged with other companies and shows such as Green Valley Studio, Endemol Shine India’s show Fear Factor, Studio Next’s Ek Duje Ke Vaste, an outdoor shoot happening in Baramati for Banijay India, BBC Studios and is in talks with Amazon Prime too.

    Manish Popat who last worke with Contiloe Pictures and member of  TISA team says, "Our whole purpose of initiating the Covid2019 compliance initiative was from the point of view of "safety as a service ". From the beginning we have been of the opinion that for all to be Covid2019 compliant, presence of a health and safety officer is critical. Trained manpower has to ensure that everyone on set is Covid2019 compliant. All our offering insist on a health and safety officer and we are happy to say that all the clients working with us have believed in us and accepted our solutions lock, stock and barrel.

    In an earlier interaction with Indiantelevision.com, Contiloe Pictures CEO Abhimanyu Singh had mentioned that the studio has hired an external agency called Momentum India to look after sanitisation, fumigation and other safety measures. According to him, it is not the studio’s forte to understand Covid2019 related measures so it is better to hire an outside agency that understands all the nuances.

    Swastik Productions producer Rahul Kumar Tewary highlights that the studio has hired a Covid2019 action team that looks at SOP measures. He has permanently purchased the sanitisation and fumigation equipment.

    He says, “We are rigorously implementing all the guidelines mentioned by the government and we have been fortunate that nothing has happened on our set. They are responsible to look after the number of people who are regularly visiting our sets. They also ensure that the people who are present on the set do not move out or interact with outside people. Access to people visiting from Mumbai is also limited. Even if they come, they have to get quarantined for 14 days. They are responsible for the daily thermal screening and maintaining data. They constantly monitor if social distancing is maintained or not.”

    Tewary’s action team is not involved in any production work. Private vehicles and cars are fumigated once they exit the set. The set is also fumigated after every shoot.

    Creative Eye Limited MD Dheeraj Kumar already has a full-fledged system in place at Kailash Plaza. He is of the opinion that rather than hiring an outside agency it is more suitable to have own people to monitor all the SOP measures.

    Kumar mentions that the protocols are followed at both the production set and office. Kumar has a post-production unit, edit team, dubbing and sound team present in the office. Thrice a week, the entire building and the office premise is sanitised. He too has purchased the equipment permanently and prefers doing the task in-house as the external agency may be neglectful.

    Whether in-house or external, a Covid2019 compliance team seems to be a must for production houses until the pandemic recedes. 

  • Bombay high court permits persons above 65 years to work on film, TV sets

    Bombay high court permits persons above 65 years to work on film, TV sets

    MUMBAI: The Bombay high court has quashed Maharashtra government’s order for age limit on set. After constant appeal from the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) and Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA), the high court has finally allowed all people above 65 years of age associated with the entertainment industry to resume work on the sets of films and TV shows.

    A bench of chief justice Dipankar Datta and justice AS Gadkari, while hearing two petitions filed by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) and actor Pramod Pandey, have taken this decision.

    The division bench of judges has allowed all producers, technicians, workers and artists to work. However, they will have to strictly adhere to the advisories which are applicable to all senior citizens as is applicable in case of all other citizens in the state.

    Earlier the high court had questioned the state government on the concerned matter and asked how it can stop senior citizens from working and earning a livelihood.

    The court had, during the hearing, appointed senior counsel Sharad Jagtiani as amicus curiae in the matter. IMPPA and television artist Promod Pande were represented by advocate Ashok Saraogi.

    According to IFTPC chairman TV wing JD Majethia there is certain ambiguity in the order. It is Bombay high court’s judgement but the film and television fraternity will also need to have clarification from Maharashtra government. He adds, “The major challenge in this issue is that insurance companies are not giving insurance cover for people above the age of 60 years. And as per the protocols, every member present on the set needs to have Covid2019 insurance cover. We will reach Maharashtra government for clarity, we will also speak to our lawyers to understand the order and will appeal to the government to  revise copy.”

    Earlier IMPPA President TP Aggarwal had stated that  that for all senior producers, directors, actors and technicians the creative medium is the only source of income and the guideline was not practical and was not fair as in no other profession this condition was imposed. After sending requests many times, the association had to move the high court for demanding the rights of earning one’s livelihood for these senior people from the fraternity.

    Apart from that, Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) senior vice president and actor Manoj Joshi had met the governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari to discuss this issue. CINTAA had also sent letters to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, minister Subash Desai and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.
     

  • Ekta Kapoor leads TV frat to make inspiring COVID-19 film

    Ekta Kapoor leads TV frat to make inspiring COVID-19 film

    MUMBAI: You have to hand it to creative czarina Ekta Kapor. If she does something, she does it in style. Like her latest effort at assuaging the ennui that some might be going through thanks to being boxed in their homes courtesy the long-drawn lockdown on account of COVID-19. She has got together more than a score of actors, a bunch of leading TV producers from the Indian Film & TV Producers Council, and put out a short film labelled Quarantine which not only educates, engages, but also entertains about how we can deal with the pandemic.

    It was sometime around the end of the first week of April that she mentioned on the IFTPC WhatsApp group that the TV industry should make a film that would be TV-centric  and that she had a concept which could be fleshed out.  The Amitabh Bachchan Covid2019 short  film  Family with several leading actors had just been released and the view was  that the TV frat should also be doing something to keep viewers entertained and positive.

    She sought volunteers from the group who would work with her to make it a reality. Almost immediately, Binaifer Kohkli, Fazila Allana (Sol India Banijay), Anil Wanvari (The Indian Telly Awards – and the indiantelevision.com group), Abhishek Rege (Endemol Shine India), JD Majethia (Hats Off Productions), Gul Khan agreed and came on  board as executive producers. (Tanushree Dasgupta came in a couple of days later as executive producer).  Dheeraj Sarna – a producer in his own right –was roped in to write the script for the short but entertaining film, with dialogues being penned by him and Anukalp Goswami.  Prolific TV music director Aashish Rego hopped on board to do the background music for the film.

    Full House Media MD Sonali Jaffar was assigned with the creative responsibility, while Guroudev Bhalla was given the task of directing the video, disclosed  actor and producer JD Majethia.

    Another Whatsapp group was formed with those who had volunteered.  “We connected on a Zoom call where the ideas were discussed,” he says. “After brainstorming and discussing with fellow producers a collective call was taken on how this video should be light hearted and yet conveying the important message of staying home. The basic premise was that the actors would simulate as if they were in the Big Boss house and not forcibly locked down in their homes and the story would take off from there.”

    He adds, “After getting the final script the next stage was the casting.  Few were mentioned in the script and few names of actors were discussed who could participate in the video. Some were available and some were not but most of them did their best to make it happen.  It was the collective effort made by the producers, actors, editor and director to shoot this video. Because technically speaking it was not easy to shoot this video on your phone. Guroudev Bhalla did a fantastic job of putting this together. He and along with other executive producers constantly coordinated with actors for every frame of the video. He coordinated with them regarding props or lighting, how their lines should be, who should say what. He coordinated with the editor Vikas Sharma.”

    Binaifer Kohli was one of the executive producers. She mentioned that Ekta Kapoor approached Sonali Jaffar to look at the creative aspect of the film. Kohli assisted Guroudev Bhalla in the direction. Kohli’s primary job was to ensure proper coordination between director, actor and the editor. According to Kohli, the actors did a phenomenal job of pulling this off. As it was not that easy to shoot just with their phone. Ensuring the proper angle and lighting. The entire shoot was done in five days as each actor was allocated different lines.

    She echoes, “Some of the actors shot the video by themselves on their phone, others took help of the family members. It had moving shots where eye level had to be maintained. Lighting was a very important aspect. Whenever the changes were required actors reshot the video there and then. They sought help from the editor on uploading it. We also changed the script according to the person.”

    Ekta Kapoor who spearheaded “Quarantine” says, “This video is an initiative of the television producers association of our country and we got all the top television actors to participate in this video, which was conceptualized over numerous conference calls! It is an effort from all of us in encouraging people to stay home. We hope this reaches far and wide.”

    The entire concept of making this video was to keep it casual, entertaining yet focusing on the importance of staying at home. Says SOL India-Banijay Group founder & MD Fazila AllanA: “In these unprecedented times it’s just nice if one can bring a smile to people’s faces and this was a small endeavour by the TV fraternity to do just that.”

    Full House Media MD Sonali Jaffar instructed the actors about their dialogues and in which manner they have to shoot. She adds, “Shooting at home was quite challenging also as a lot of prop exchanges were going on with the broom. Everyone was instructed to use a plain background as it would be difficult to match lightings. Because some were standing in the balcony some were having other backgrounds so we had to tell them to keep the same background. The other option was to use black and white background but it would have been difficult.”

    “The important thing was whenever we were shooting we shared the clips with the director there and then so that the changes could be made before editing the video. I thank all actors and producers for coming together and creating this beautiful video,” she further added.

    Adds Wanvari: “What is amazing how all of us worked as a team without shying away from whatever we  were asked to do. Even the actors immediately caught on to the idea that was shared with them by the creative director and Guroudev Bhalla. And they were also more than willing to do their bits to help Indians at home. They have all done a fantastic job, the results are for you to see.”

    According to Majethia two versions of the short film have been created, one featuring sign language for the hearing and speech impaired and one without it. He adds, “I think this is the beauty of this video. The idea I personally loved the most.”

    The video is being promoted across all social media platforms Majethia also mentions that the producers are in talks with television broadcasters to play it on national television.

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  • TV strike threat: Producers expect to hire ‘outsiders’, talking to channels

    MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Even as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had threatened to go on strike from 15 August if their demands of salary increments and eight-hour shift for workers are not met by producers, producers say that they should have the freedom to hire outsiders.

    Indian Film and TV Producers Guild CEO Kulmeet Makkar said the strike was mala fide as the matter was sub judice before the Competition Commission of India. Once the CCI decided the case, Makkar added, the FWICE could submit its demands and those would be considered.

    Indian Film and TV Producers Council leader and a leading television producer JD Majethia told indiantelevision.com that 7.5 per cent increment had already been given to all the workers even in the absence of any binding legal contract. “Do you think, we (producers) would let our businesses paralyse for a mere 2.5% hike,” he countered.

    Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association president T P Agarwal and Makkar told indiantelevision.com that the matter was sub judice, and the FWICE demand was therefore unjustified.

    Agarwal has written a detailed letter to the police commissioner for protection of producers who hire experts who are not members of FWICE.

    The FWICE, which claims to have 2,50,000 members, has reportedly sent notices to the Film and Television Producers Guild of India Ltd, Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), and Western Indian Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA). The notice has also been reportedly issued to advertising companies, television channels and the police department as well.

    “We know well how to take care of all workers — as we are aware a happy worker works well,” he quipped. The workers (working in mostly air-conditioned studios) are provided the same food and comfort as a senior technician, Majethia said.

    About their other demands, Majethia categorically stated that insurance was compulsory and was done at each and every shoot and set. He also said that the workers union should first get each and every worker medically checked so that he could be assigned work in accordance with his capability — health-wise. Workers unions should also ensure qualified workers were sent on the sets. “For example, unions must ensure an electric fittings etc incharge has the required technical qualification and experience to supervise and control all operations,” Majethia said.

    FWICE had two years ago called a strike, demanding salary increment, eight-hour shift, accidental and medical insurance, safety and job security. Producers’ bodies had agreed to fulfill the demands, but, according to FWICE, the promises remained unfulfilled.

    “We are in talks with producers and channels to find a way out of this imbroglio,” Majethia said. Privately, however, he said, a number of workers told them that they were willing to work and were not in favour of strike. “Opinion is widely divided among the workers’ leaders,” Majethia said.

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