Start camera, but not up-close, says I&B SOP for TV, film units

Mandatory use of face mask, no visitors and a leaner crew on sets, minimum sharing of costumes and makeup, thermal screening at entry points and physical distancing of at least 6 feet at all times, are some of the rules that film and TV crew including actors and production units have to follow on sets, as mandated by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Unveiling the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for resuming shooting of films and TV programmes on Sunday (August 23), Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said the list of dos and don’ts have been finalised after consulting the health and home ministries.

The shooting of films and TV serials can be started using these SOPs issued in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister said.

Sharing details of the SOPs, Javadekar said barring those who are in front of cameras all others will have to wear masks.

He also shared a few key guidelines on Twitter. While respiratory etiquette must be followed on the set, the SOP advises extra precaution for people who are in the high-risk category.  It also advises frequent hand washing and sanitising, use of Arogya Setu app and crowd management in parking lots and outside premises to ensure enough social distancing.

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The SOP mandates a contactless transaction for tickets, advising the use of online bookings, e-wallets, and QR code scanners instead.

While frequent sanitisation of workplace including sets, make-up rooms, vanity vans, and common facilities like washrooms is a must, spitting is a complete no.

Aiming to mimimise contact, the ministry has advised production units to shoot using minimum cast and crew. The SOP bars the entry of visitors to shoot locations.

The SOP ensures adequate distancing at shoot locations and other work places and contains measures including proper sanitization, crowd management and provision for protective equipments pic.twitter.com/BCTTIzKffG

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) August 23, 2020

While persons handling shared equipment are required to wear gloves, sharing of costumes, wigs, and makeup items should be kept at minimum, said the advisory. The SOP also bars any use of lapel mics while suggesting minimum use of props.

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The minister hoped that the release of the SOPs will not only lead to the resumption of the shooting of films and TV serials but also generate employment. Shooting for films and TV serials was suspended following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.