Leading film bodies including the Indian Film and Television Producers’ Council (IFTPC), Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), and Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) have made a plea to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to allow a few concessions to the entertainment industry a day after fresh restrictions were issued by the government that put all shoots on hold amid the Covid-19 spike.

As per an online report, a detailed letter was shot off to the CM’s office wherein the unions requested for the continuation of post-production work so that the content that has already been shot could release on alternate platforms. The associations have also urged that labourers working in the production design team be allowed to stay back within the premises and complete the construction of sets as per safety norms. The plea is with the idea that the move will offer shelter and remuneration to daily wage earners who would otherwise be rendered homeless and unemployed.

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FWICE president, BN Tiwari said that several migrant workers have begun leaving for their hometowns as they are apprehensive of an impending lockdown and to avoid the fate that they met last year. He said, “They want to avoid the fate they met last year. Some sets have been left incomplete. Only two days of work was done on the Vikram Vedha set. The sets of Pathan and Tiger 3 need to be completed. We are still awaiting a response from the CMO.”In lieu of the workers’ safety, the organizations have also proposed a vaccination plan that is pending approval from the government.

He further added, “Film City Board has agreed to open a vaccination booth in their premises, and one in the Mira Road-Bhayander region. The 15,000 workers who are shooting at Film City can start (taking the jab).” The letter also states to furnish the details of daily wage workers who would be eligible for the financial package extended by the government. Tiwari said,” We are willing to share the details of these workers, including small-time actors.”

On the other hand, JD Majethia, chairman, IFTPC expressed his concern of makers moving out of the state to shoot and said, “If shooting doesn’t start after April 30, makers will go outside Maharashtra for shoots. It’s not easy for the TV industry to create a set elsewhere.”

(Source: Mid-Day)