Coronavirus: Shoot Of Films, TV Show To Be Put On Hold Till March 31 As Safety Measure: FWICE

Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE), Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) and Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) in a meeting today decided to halt shooting of entertainment products from 19 March to 31 March in the wake of coronavirus threat.

"Important bodies of film and entertainment industry met today to deal with the issue of coronavirus. After a lot of discussion, we came to this conclusion that from this coming Thursday, all shootings will stop till March 31. After that, we will take a call," Ashoke Pandit, president of IFTDA, told reporters here. "We have given a gap till Thursday so that people get ready accordingly, pack up and return from outstation.

Our TV industry is an important one and even they will get time to organise things," he added. 

JD Majethia, chairman, TV wing, IFTPC, said they are in talks with broadcasters and all have been sensitive in dealing with the pandemic. "Precautions were duly taken and more precautions will be out in place till Wednesday. We have put up posters to spread awareness, have provided masks and even given the option of paid leaves for anyone who feels sick. All measures are in place." "There will be losses but we all are standing united... All the broadcasters are very sensitive. They care about their workers as well. This is a pandemic so everyone is concerned. It's their call what they want to air ahead but they have time to finish their work till Wednesday," he added. 

Various events, award functions, interviews, shooting schedules have been called off amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Cinema halls have been closed in the entertainment hub in in parts of Maharashtra, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan and till the end of this month, to contain the virus.

Shahid Kapoor recently announced that the team of his upcoming film "Jersey" has decided to suspend the shoot of the film to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Shoot for movies like Takht, Bhool Bhuliyaa 2, Prthviraj has also been postponed or venue changed.

Yash Raj Film also delayed the release of Dibakar Banerjee-directed "Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar". Akshay Kumar-starrer "Sooryavanshi", release has also been pushed indefinitely. Tillotama Shome's film "Sir" has been postponed.

The release of Hollywood movies "A Quiet Place 2", "Mulan" and new James Bond movie "No Time to Die" has been delayed.

(With PTI Inputs)