Unlock 4: Haryana readies for film shooting, state govt issues SOPs

New Delhi: With the nation entering fourth phase of Unlock, almost all activities have begun leaving a few like schools, colleges and cinema halls. People are back to work in their offices, however with certain riders.

A couple of films after awaiting for their release in theatres, finally released on OTT platforms and a couple of more are scheduled in next few days.

However, the bigger relief is that film shooting has begun after Centre gave relaxation in lockdown and allowed media production with required SOPs

In a bid to woo film-makers, the Haryana government has also issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for shooting of films in the state.

Sharing more details, an official spokesman of the Home Department said in view of the ongoing pandemic, all applications seeking permission for the shooting of films would be received on the online portal and initial approval will be granted by Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department (DGIPR). The applications will then be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioners of the districts concerned, in which the proposed locations for shooting will be mentioned in the application.

The spokesperson further said as per the guidelines, all applications will include full details of locations, number of days, and timing for which the permission is required on the Online Portal.

The duration of shooting should be restricted to the minimum possible and not more than 50 persons should be present. Moreover, shooting would commence only after all the persons involved undergo thermal screening and are found asymptomatic.

The spokesman further informed that all non-acting crew members including supporting staff will have to ensure wearing masks during the entire course of shooting and will be instructed to maintain social distancing norms as applicable.

He said the shooting venues will be required to have sanitisers, soaps and water. Wearing of masks for all would be essential except for the ones who are in front of the camera.

The spokesman said social distancing norms will have to be maintained except for the ones who are being filmed. The production house will also have to take charge of assigning designated people to open doors, to ensure that used masks are disposed off properly and food items are handled in a proper manner.

The spokesman said the use of mobile toilets, portable washbasin is mandatory unless the shooting venue has a dedicated toilet facility available and bathing arrangements should also be provided.

He said all these facilities should be separate for men and women. These facilities should be manned and sanitised continuously in case any crew member is found ill, the same to be reported to the nearest health centre immediately, he added.