Maharashtra Govt Okays Resumption Of Film, TV Shooting From Today

Mumbai: What could come as a major relief for entertainment seekers, the Maharashtra government on Sunday allowed film and television shooting to resume as a part of relaxation of lockdown guidelines this month.

According to a government resolution issued by the Cultural Affairs Ministry, the producers will have to apply to the Maharashtra Film, Theatre, Cultural Development Corporation, the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Goregaon, Mumbai, and district collectors outside Mumbai for shooting of filsm and other programmes.

But the government laid down certain guidelines to be followed during filmmaking, stating that their violation will invite disciplinary action of stopping the work, according to a report of The Indian Express.

As per the order, social distancing norms will have to be followed strictly with focus on personal hygiene. Not more than 33 per cent crew excluding the main cast will be present on the set, while all staff members must carry identification cards and Aarogya Setu app on their compatible devices.

The compulsory six feet distance between the crew members and wearing masks rules should be followed. All doors and gates will be manned by security guards to minimise touching of the doors and handles.

“Crowd cannot be allowed during the shooting. Norms have to be adhered to while using air conditioning system (on sets). Precautions need to be taken while transporting shooting equipment, artists and technicians,” the order said.

Ambulance, doctors and nurses are compulsory inclusions on the sets, while a dedicated personnel would be required to keep a check on the temperature of cast and crew. Any pregnant employee or an employee whose spouse is expecting, actors above the age of 65 will not be allowed on the set. No audience will be allowed for making fiction or nonfiction programmes.

The entertainment industry has welcomed the state government’s decision and guidelines.