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MUMBAI: Many TV show producers moved their units to different states after shootings in Maharashtra came to a halt in mid-April due to the spike in COVID-19 cases. Now, with the new government resolution (GR), which will mark the unlock phase in various stages, makers are looking forward to returning to Mumbai. However, confusion regarding the shooting hours has them hit the panic button.
According to the GR, shoots will be allowed to take place from 7 am to 5 pm in a bio-bubble. The producers are of the opinion that they would need a full shift of 12 hours to meet the telecast demands and deadlines.
Talking about the challenges that makers are bound to face, JD Majethia, who is the producer of Wagle Ki Duniya — Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey and also the chairman of Indian Films and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), says, “We hope shoots resume in Maharashtra later this month. We are waiting for an official announcement from the state government regarding the date.
While other challenges like winding the current storyline that was tweaked to accommodate the change in the location, and shooting in a bio-bubble, can be dealt with easily, our biggest concern is the number of shooting hours. It’s practically impossible to shoot an episode in 10 hours when the show is telecast six days a week.” He further adds, “We should not forget that the monsoon is all set to arrive in Mumbai, which tends to delay the shooting process. We hope that the authorities will take our request into account and extend the number of hours.”
‘Eager to shoot in Mumbai again’ Show makers are keen to return to Mumbai, but there are various production matters that need to be taken care of. Amir Jaffar, who has three shows on air (Tujhse Hai Raabta, Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha and Qurbaan Hua), shares, “Everyone is eagerly waiting to return home. It will be good to be back, ghar toh jaane milega sabko.
However, before that, we have to take stock of a lot of things. First and foremost is the renovation of the set owing to the damage caused by cyclone Tauktae. Apart from that, we still need clarity over the shooting hours. One would need a full shift to finish work and meet the deadline.”
Sumeet Mittal, producer of shows like Barrister Babu and Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye, says, “I have heard that the issue of shooting hours is going to be reviewed soon. The practical aspect of shooting will be put forward to the authorities again. While I am not certain about the date when the shoot will resume in Maharashtra, I hope we are granted sufficient shooting hours. We will be shooting in a bio-bubble and strictly adhering to the protocols.”
However, Saurabh Tewari, the producer of Pinjara Khubsurti Ka, says that a bio-bubble isn’t a foolproof way of working. He adds, “It’s not possible to make actors stay on set, and one can’t be certain that there will be no contact with the outside world. Since there are a lot of uncertainties around the resuming of the shoot in Maharashtra, I believe that most producers will continue working the way they have been for the past one-and-a-half months for some more time till we get clarity and shooting resumes in Mumbai. We will have to wait to see what kind of restrictions come into force. It’s better to return home when the restrictions are minimum and the situation is better and under control.”
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Credits: TOI
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