IMPPA requests CM Thackeray to allow crew on set after testing negative

The television and film industry, like most, is hoping that with the easing of restrictions during this latest version of the lockdown, shootings can begin again. Both the Maharashtra government and film unions like the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) have been communicating on the correct guidelines to follow on the shoots.

In their latest letter to state chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, the IMPPA asks any crew member wanting to work on a shoot should submit a negative COVID-19 report. “When so many unit members are involved in the shooting it is necessary to ensure that the people working should not be COVID positive and hence the report should be insisted upon,” their letter said.

Earlier this month, the association had requested certain guidelines be amended such as the mandatory presence of a doctor or nurse on the set, as well as the provision of hotel accommodation for all unit members, which has now been changed to a recommendation only, not a necessity.

Another guideline which has been amended is incorporating the real family members of the cast in order to decrease the chance of infection. Now this too stands as a recommended practice as not everyone in a family would be able to do so.

IMPPA president TP Aggarwal’s letter also stated, “The fact that the entire custody and possession of the set has been left in the hands of the producer without any external interference or inspector to ensure safety and security of all unit members is another step which is very welcome, as when the producer is himself going to bear all the risk if anything untoward happens, he will definitely ensure that there are no lapses of any nature in the safety and precaution to ensure safety and health of all the unit members.”

The organisation is awaiting Thackeray's reply for further assistance.