Film bodies like IMPPA, IFTDA, FWICE, and CINTAA, have written to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray urging for a few permissions and initiatives that be allowed during the ongoing 15-day curfew in the state.
The letter came after the lockdown that has been enforced in Maharashtra till 30 April restricting non-essential movement. It urges that post-production work in a closed environment should be allowed so that the content can be edited for broadcasting.
“We hereby express our wholehearted support to Break the Chain-2 guidelines and fondly hope that your initiative will definitely be successful. We have intimated all the stakeholders in the industry to follow your guidelines in true spirit and ensure that the spread of Corona is restricted totally. Accordingly, the M&E industry will be closed for the next 15 days,” a part of the letter read.
Key highlights of the letter:
- The post-production work which is done in a studio facility in a closed environment be allowed to function, so that the already shot portions of the content are edited and completed for final broadcasting. The telecast of fresh episodes is essential to keep the people who are forced indoors due to lockdown are entertained with fresh content.
- There are many sets that are already being built that will become unserviceable due to closure and producers will have to suffer huge losses. To avoid the same, setting work may be allowed to continue just as you have allowed construction workers subject the workers being allowed to stay at the set with all precautions.”
- The financial package announced by you to the needy doesn’t mention the M&E workers, technicians, and actors who are basically daily wage earners. We would request you to kindly include these hapless workers and actors in your scheme.
- As you have emphasized the need for vaccination of all workers, vaccination centers at Film City and in Mira- Bhayander region specially catering to film and TV workers will be highly appreciated.”
