Bollywood ready to start pre and post production operations with some guidelines, says Cultural Secretary

State Cultural Affairs Ministry allows pre and post production in Bollywood amidst lockdown while it adheres to and abides by the guidelines laid down by WHO

Mumbai: Bollywood, the entertainment industry of Mumbai that has turnover in crores of rupees finds industry work stalled amidst lockdown, that has artists and staff from various department finding it difficult to make ends meet. Hence, all the associations from various departments are seeking permission from the government to start at least primary work of pre and post production operations to energize the industry amidst coronavirus.

Following lockdown 4.0, the state government is allowing some businesses and industries to operate whilst they follow the guidelines laid down by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Coronavirus pandemic situation.

In a virtual meeting between the stakeholders of entertainment industry and Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra sought permission for resumption of work. The cultural department has given its nod for doable work in the industry while it adheres to the guidelines laid down by the WHO.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) along with Producers Guild of India (PGI), Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal and many others put forward their demands with state Cultural Affairs department. 

Ashok Pandit, Chief Advisor of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) said, “The pre and post production work can take off maintaining social distancing. This will boost morale of technicians and other artists. In the meeting we have also discussed the need for a financial package from the Maharashtra Government to facilitate the functioning of the entertainment sector.”

The IMPAA in its statement said that the government can waive off charges and allow the shooting at public places. We also asked the government to ask the insurance companies to come up with new policy plans for designing suitable policies for the members of the entertainment industry to cope with the COVID-19 disease.

Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Vinita Singhal said, “In order to bring normalcy in the industry we have given permission of pre and post production following the norms of social distancing and other precautionary measures of sanitation.”

“We are giving permission to doable things so as morale is also boosted and the fight against coronavirus continues,” added Signal. Aadesh Baedeker, General Secretary of FWICE said,” Many sets are erected in the Film City, thus it was also proposed to the government not to charge the rent from producers.”