Govt releases SOPs for resuming production of films, TV serials

at 12:17 pm
Representational Image

New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting today released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for resuming work in the media production industry that will allow shooting of films and TV serials in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

The SOP ensures adequate distancing at shoot locations and other workplaces and contains measures including proper sanitization, crowd management and provision for protective equipment.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said in a tweet that ‘Contact Minimisation’ is at the core of the SOP. “This will be ensured by minimal physical contact and sharing of props, PPEs for hairstylists and make-up artists among others,” he tweeted.

As per the preventive measures for media production, face covers/masks are mandatory for cast and crew except for actors in front of the camera. Sharing of costumes, wigs, makeup items etc has to be kept to a minimum.

Make-up artists and hairstylists will have to use PPE, as per the new norms. Apart from that, persons handling shared equipment will have to wear gloves.

Lapel mics may be avoided and never shared. Direct contact with diaphragm of mics has to be avoided.

Among other SOPs, six-feet distancing at shoot locations, recording studios, editing rooms etc has been advised.

The I&B Ministry has formulated the general SOPs taking into consideration international practices notified in the sector including physical distancing, designated entry and exit for shoot locations, sanitization, safety of staff, contact minimization and following of travel related guidelines issued by MHA including quarantine/isolation.

Specifically, with regard to face masks, as per international practices, face mask has been made mandatory for cast and crew except for actors in front of the camera.

The SOP has been issued in consultation with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Home Affairs.

-ARK