GUWAHATI: The film and television fraternity of Assam has welcomed the decision taken by Union ministry of information and broadcasting for issuing guidelines for resumption of shooting films and television serials.
The information and broadcasting ministry, in consultation with the health ministry, has prepared the guiding principles and standard operating procedures (SOPs) on preventive measures for media production, an official statement issued here on Wednesday, said.
Media production includes shooting of films, television production, web series and all forms of content creation in the electronic and film medium.
The guidelines were released by Union minister for information and broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi on Sunday.
“The film industry has to adjust with the present situation and starts shooting by following the guidelines prescribed by the information and broadcasting ministry. I believe that working in small units will help prevent unwanted exposure to the virus,” filmmaker Manju Bora said.
Thanking the government for giving permission to resume shooting, she said the decision would help the fraternity survive as many who are working in this field are facing financial crisis.
“We must work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and this is possible by following the guidelines prescribed by the government,” said Assamese film director Sadananda Gogoi.
Pabitra Margherita, chairman of Jyoti Chitraban, also thanked the government for giving permission to start shooting.
“The SOPs issued by the government is a comprehensive one which includes almost every aspect of shooting, be it media production or audience management,” he said.
The highlights of the guiding principles issued by information and broadcasting ministry include the general principles given by the health ministry, including inter alia non-essential activities not allowed in the containment zones; extra precautions to be taken by employees with high risk, besides use of face covers/masks, frequent hand washing, provision of hand sanitisers etc and respiratory etiquettes specifically with regard to media production.