With the Union government giving nod to film shoots by releasing standard operating procedure (SOP), works related to movies, which came to halt in March due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, are expected to resume soon.
As far as Tamil cinema is concerned, sources say shoots would start once the State government gives permission. “We are hopeful that the Tamil Nadu government would grant permission to resume shoots by this week,” sources said.
Union information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday said film and television production can be resumed with necessary health protocols in place.
After consultations with the home ministry and the health ministry, a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been firmed up, he said. According to the SOP, only the actors facing the camera will be exempt from wearing masks. And crew members will have to adhere to the guidelines of the health ministry.
In an official video statement, Javadekar said that the film industry provides employment to many people and contributes significantly to the economy, therefore, it is time to allow the industry to work under the set system to fight COVID-19.
The SOP ensures adequate distancing at shoot locations and other work places and contains measures including proper sanitization, crowd management and provision for protective equipment.
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