Coronavirus fear: Shoots of films, TV serials, web-series halted from 19 to 31 March

The Federation of the Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) and Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) have decided to put the shoots of all films, television shows and web-series on hold from 19 to 31 March because of the ongoing havoc created by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 

The meeting was also attended by other cinema bodies including, Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA), Western Indian Film Producers' Association (WIFPA) and Indian Film and TV Producers' Council (IFTPC). 

IFTDA president Ashoke Pandit told reporters yesterday, “Important bodies of film and entertainment industry met today to deal with the issue of coronavirus. After a lot of discussion, we came to this conclusion that from this coming Thursday, all shootings will stop till 31 March. After that, we will take a call.”

The bodies have given them few days’ time to facilitate people working on several ongoing projects. “We have given a gap till Thursday so that people get ready accordingly, pack up and return from outstation. Our TV industry is an important one and even they will get time to organise things,” Pandit added. 

On Saturday, 14 March, actor Shahid Kapoor had announced that the shoot of his upcoming Hindi remake of Jersey (2019) is suspended till further notice. “At a time like this it is our social responsibility to do everything in our capacity to curb the spread of this virus. Team Jersey is suspending shoot so as to enable all unit members to be with their families and in the safety of their homes. Be responsible. Stay safe,” he said on his official Twitter page.