The Producers Guild of India (PGI) has published a set of guidelines to be used by shoots when production resumes after the Covid-19 coronavirus has declined in India.
The “Back To Action - Cut To: Staying Safe” document outlines new rules such as hand-washing and use of hand sanitisers, triple-layer medical masks and gloves, and avoiding handshakes, hugs and sharing cigarettes. In addition, two metre social distancing measures must be maintained throughout the shoot.
The document also outlines detailed guidelines on sanitisaion of sets and locations, including the use of swab tests and ionisers to help destroy bacteria, and the requirement that one or two crew members be assigned as ”Anti-Covid Boys” to ensure all the rules are being followed. Working from home is also encouraged wherever possible, and crew members over the age of 60 or with health issues, must also work at home.
Separate guidelines are also set out for catering services and individual departments such as the art, sound, hair and make-up and wardrobe departments, along with post-production processes. See the full document here.
India’s various states started shutting down production and cinemas in mid-March and the entire country was ordered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 into a lockdown, which is currently scheduled to end on May 31. The country has so far reported 145,000 cases of Covid-19 infection and 4,172 deaths.
Meanwhile, India’s Multiplex Association and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) have also issued guidelines for social distancing and sanitisation measures to be used by cinemas when they’re allowed to reopen.
The guidelines also include measures for online ticketing and consumption of food and beverage. Films screening in cinemas in India, even Hollywood films, are played with a short break in the middle during which cinema-goers usually visit the concession stand.
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