The Coronavirus havoc is affecting everyone’s work and life. The outbreak is affecting film industries all over the world including Bollywood. Now, the film and TV industry has decided to stop shooting from March 19 to March 31. The decision has been taken in a joint meeting held between IMPPA, FWICE, IFTDA, IFTPC and WIFPA on Sunday (March 15). After this decision, the producers have been granted three days till March 19 to ask their team to pack up the shooting going on in India as well as foreign locations.
JD Majethia, TV producer and Vice-President, IFTPC, said in a statement that, “In the interest of the country, society and film workers, all the associations on Indian film industry have taken the decision to shut shootings of films, TV serials and web shows across India from March 19 to 31, 2020”.
IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit said, “Corona virus pandemic has spread across the world and we have taken the decision to shut all shoots after a long meeting with all associations. All the associations and industries across India – North, South or any other regional – are with us in this decision”.
Pandit further added, “We have given a three-day period for all producers so that they can ask their units working anywhere in India or outside the country to come back. It will also give some time for broadcasters to think about their programming during the shoot shut down. The film industry is extremely serious about combating COVID-19. During the shutdown, cleaning and sanitation will be implemented at the sets.”
Speaking further about Coronavirus, Ministry of Family and Health Welfare on Sunday updated that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across India is 107 (including foreign nationals as on 15th March at 12 PM). With 31 cases Maharashtra leads the count.