Union I&B ministry announces SOP for resumption of film shoots

The Union ministry for information and broadcasting (I&B) yesterday officially released a list of COVID-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) for the resumption of film shoots.

Though shooting and post-production work on advertisements, television shows and even films resumed in June, these official measures will boost confidence in the resumption of the entertainment industry's work across the country.

In a press statement, Union I&B minister Prakash Javadekar hoped that all states would follow the guidelines in the SOP while adding their own conditions to suit the local COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Javadekar added, “The SOP follows international norms. This will help give a fillip to the industry which has been affected by the coronavirus for close to six months now and people will welcome this move.”

Javadekar hoped the move would boost the economy, given that the entertainment industry is one of the country's large employers.

The guidelines state that safe distances be maintained on location, in studios, and in post-production suites, with face masks and sanitizers made mandatory.

PPE (personal protection equipment) kits should also be made available and an on-set COVID coordinator should be appointed, the SOP says.

Additional guidelines include limiting the number of cast and crew required on set, banning visitors, and having staggered call and wrap timings for studios with multiple sets.

Sharing of wigs, costumes, microphones and make-up has to be limited. All cast and crew must sign up for the central government's Aarogya Setu app.

The SOP has been issued in consultation with the Union ministry for health and family welfare and the Union ministry for home affairs. India now has 3.11 million COVID-19 cases with over 57,000 deaths recorded.