No Hugs & Kisses, Triple-Layer Mask: Guild Lists Shoot Guidelines

The Producers Guild India has released a 37-page document with all SOPs to be followed when shoot resumes.

Akshay Kumar and R Balki on the sets of an ad film. 

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

With the industry hoping that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray gives permission to resume film and TV shoots soon, the The Producers Guild India has also released a list of guidelines to be followed when work resumes. The 37-page document lists some “general practices” that the cast and crew have to keep in mind while working in a post-pandemic world.

Below are a few of the dos and dont’s that everyone on the set has to keep in mind:

• Hand washing & sanitizing is mandatory for everyone on entry, exit & during the shoot.
• Each crew member will be provided with a triple layer medical mask & gloves which will be mandatory to wear during the entire shoot.
• Avoid handshakes, hugs and kisses and other physical greetings.
• Avoid crew and cast members over 60 years of age for at least three months.
• Sharing of cigarettes should be stopped on sets/ offices/ studios.

A key component of every shoot is the hair and make-up. The guild suggests single-use or disposable items; cleaning of hair wigs/ extensions before and after use; use of own make-up; and using a face shield, rather than a mask, once make-up has been applied. This apart, hair and make-up personnel will wear masks and gloves, which will be mandatory during the entire shoot.

A few days back, The Producers Guild thanked CM Uddhav Thackeray for considering requests to resume shoots of films and TV shows that have been stalled due to the coronavirus pandemic. They also shared a link with all the necessary SOPs that will be implemented as and when permission is granted for resuming production activities.

On 19 May, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) wrote a letter to CM Uddhav Thackeray, asking for permission to to re-start post-production of films, shows and other projects that are almost complete. FWICE, which comprises of 32 different crafts of workers and technicians of the industry and has over five lakh members, said that a number of producers have invested crores in projects that are staring at a dark future due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Speaking to The Quint, BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, said that film, TV and web shows shoots are not likely to start till the end of June or first week of July.

“Shooting won’t resume next week. We will be starting post production work from next week,” said Tiwari. He also gave us a list of safety guidelines that studios need to follow as they begin post production work.

As of now FWICE along with TV channel representatives and the producers’ association are planning to have a virtual meeting in which they will figure out the norms that need to be followed during a shoot and also take a call on shoot locations.

For now, they only have permission from the Chief Minister to start on the post production of TV, films and web shows.

BN Tiwari also said that the new rules will be put in place before shooting resumes. “We are collecting data to find out which areas are safe to shoot. There are some tiny spaces. So how may people can work together there, what safety measures will be taken, where will the food come from. All this information the federation with put together and submit to the Chief Minister and get his permission. Also as people have to travel to work, passes will be issued to them,” he added.