Indian government clears the way for production to resume

The Indian government has published a document called ‘Guiding Principles and SOP [standard operating procedures] on preventative measures for Media Production to contain spread of COVID-19’, effectively easing the way for the resumption of film and TV production in the country. 

The guidelines were released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and are applicable to all media production including feature films, TV projects, web content and other forms of content creation. 

The guidance includes a stipulation that no media production activity will be allowed in containment zones as well as details on adhering to social distancing and using minimum amounts of crew and cast during the shoot. No on-set visitors or audiences will be permitted. 

The ministry’s documents also says that face coverings are mandatory for cast and crew, subject to domain-specific SOP, except for those actors in front of the camera. Any sharing of props including costume and make-up must be kept to a minimum, with sanitisation taking place before and after use, while sharing of lavalier lapel mics is not allowed. 

Staggered call and pack-up timings for different production units should be ensured by studios having multiple sets.