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The entertainment industry comes to standstill till 31st March due to Coronavirus
As reported by a popular media outlet, the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Producer’s Bodies had a meeting regarding the growing concerns raised by the #Coronavirus at 3 PM today (15 March), in which the decision has been taken to halt all the shooting of all entertainment products.
This has been taken to tackle the concern of Coronavirus and will be implemented from Thursday 19th March to Tuesday 31st March.
At the meeting representatives were present from #IMPPA, #FWICE, #IFTDA, #WIFPA, #IFTPC bodies.
The decision has been taken by all associations to meet again for a meeting on 30 March to decide the future course of action.
J.D. Majethia, Chairman of IFTPC, said, “When the question is raised and asked about human life, there is nothing above and beyond it. We are in the industry of entertainment which is related to humanity. This is a human call. We always say ‘The show must go on’ but at a certain level, it cannot be appropriate to say. The show will definitely go on, but we have taken a break as of now. We are respecting Nature.”
Ashoke Pandit, Head of IFTDA added, “Yes, the decision has been taken to halt the shoot. Everyone is supporting the cause. One of the Presidents of the Worker’s Union was with us at the meeting. He is the President of Workers all over the country. So, while the decision in Maharashtra has been taken, slowly the implementation will happen all across India.”
As per sources, “This will mostly be a decision taken all over India which will fall in place in the next few days. As for the airing on GECs, the shows will air episodes till the time they have their banks, followed by which certain arrangements will be made to fill up for it. Also, the decision has been taken by taking the broadcasters also in consideration.”
Provided that majority of the serials have a decent number of bank episodes, the industry should only face temporary disruption of a few days. However, given the nature of the coronavirus pandemic, one must understand that the halting of shoots could be extended beyond 31st March if the situation worsens.
However, on the bright side, this may be a boon for newly launched shows as the repeat telecasts may increase the audience figures as they get more viewers during this period. This can aid lower performing shows and save them from facing the axe. Moreover, OTT platforms are expected to surge in viewership figures in the coming weeks as TV lovers’ resort to different forms of entertainment. Nonetheless, the halting of shoot may affect the telecast for upcoming shows on leading GECs and fans may have to wait a little more to see their favourite stars back on TV.
Well, Coronavirus has surely disrupted the entertainment industry across India. However, given all the measures taken by the industry, we are hopeful of a resume in shooting very soon.
