#UnlockDiaries: TV shoots restart with safeguards

Television serial teams are back on the sets again. The government implemented Unlock 1.0 from June 1, while continuing with the restrictions on places or events involving public or religious gatherings till the end of June. So, in keeping with that, TV production teams are back in the studios, albeit with precautions.

TV crews welcome the new normal
Since night curfew is still imposed after 7 pm, the shoots are being wrapped up during the daytime. So work starts around 7-8 am and ends by early evening. Moreover, most of the shooting is being done indoors to ensure safety of the crew. The production houses are, however, okay with the new normal. “For more than two months there was no work for us. If the shooting had not started again, it would have created major problems for all team members. Now, we are taking every precaution. I, for instance, carry my own makeup kit. Most of the senior artistes do so too,” said Monica Karan, a lead actress of Sindoora Ra Adhikara.
“We are also shooting with a skeletal team. From checking the temperature of every member to ensuring everyone washes their hands and sanitising the entire area, we are ensuring a safe workplace for all,” said Akshaya Parija from team of the serial, Anjali.

Gouri Shankar Das, the director of Kuaanri Bohu, said, “We know we are getting limited output due to the restrictions on work hours and technicians, but we have to accept the new normal. We are ensuring that our makeup artistes wear masks, wash their hands and sanitises themselves. We are also avoiding scenes that involve hugs or other physical contact.”

Leading TV actor Jyoti Prakash Panda said the shoot of his serial, Mo Dehe Boli De To Deha Kala, has started too. “We have to accept the new normal. Many technicians have been out of work for two months and shoots were necessary. We are maintaining all guidelines. We hope things will be normal soon,” he added.
Santosh Biswal, director of Monica, said, “We follow all safety norms on the set. Even government officials come and check things.”

Film shoots still on hold
Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) has proposed a standard operating procedure for film shoots, which is yet to be confirmed by the government. OFDC chairman Kuna Tripathy said, “The fear of the virus is still there. So, we sent the SOP to the government, which is yet to take any decision on it.” The industry is waiting for the government’s decision so that they can start shooting again.
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