New Delhi: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued standard operating procedures for shooting of movies. Speaking to the media persons I & B Minister Prakash Javdekar announced the SOPs on Sunday.

The Minister said in the last six months, we have seen complete stoppage of film shootings and in the last couple of months, several states have started shoots. With the consultation of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health, we have issued these SOPs, he added. The film industry is an important part of the economy and employees millions of people who are not getting jobs from the last six months. Hence, we have issued these guidelines so that shoots can resume.

These SOPs are generic in nature, so that the states can find-tune at their end, and focus on social distancing and shooting non-containment zones, among other things.

Guidelines for film shootings:

1. Face covers/ masks mandatory for cast and crew, except for actors infront of the camera.
2. Sharing of costumes, wigs, make-up, etc, should be kept to a minimum.
3. Make-up artists and hair stylists shall use PPE kits. Artistes encouraged to do their hair and make-up remotely with the help of professionals.
4. Lavaliere lapel mikes should be avoided and not shared. Contact with diaphragm of other mikes to be avoided.
5. Minimize the use of and sanitizes props before and after use.
6. A supervisor nominated from the crew will keep record of the work zones (Red/ Orange/ Green).
7. Covid- 19 coordinators will ensure that everyone has the Aarogya Setu App.
8. Records of the medical and travel history should be kept and a check on the crew’s health.
9. Physical distancing of atleast six feet to be followed at all locations at all times, while sitting, in queue, etc.
10. Suitable provisions to be made for the temporary isolation of any suspected     case of Covid- 19.
11. Production team should involve minimum cast and crew members.