COVID-19 Effect: No Film, TV, Digital Shoot From March 19 To 31

Mumbai: In the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, all filmmaking and producing bodies in India including Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees, Indian Film & Television Directors' Association and Producers Guild of India have unanimously decided to put shooting of all kinds of entertainment formats on hold temporarily.

A notification unanimously issued by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association, Federation of Western India Cine Employees and other similar bodies have ordered that shooting for films, TV shows, digital and other kinds of entertainment format will have to remain suspended between March 19 to 31.

The notification reads: "In view of the epidemic spread of COVID-19 throughout the world including India, an urgent joint meeting of IMPPA- WIPFA-IFTPC-IFTDA-FWICE held on 15-3-2020 unanimously decided to stop shooting of films, TV serials, web series and all other entertainment, including digital formats from 19-3-2020 till 31-3-2020 as a result of health advisory, closure of all cinema halls, all sporting, educational institutes and entertainment events by the Government of India which has declared a medical emergency over the coronavirus. We appreciate and support all the steps taken by the Government of India to control the virus."

Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Railway Begins Thermal Screening Of Passengers In Running Trains

"All units shooting till the stoppage comes into force have been strictly advised to follow all precautionary and preventive measures without fail."

"Decision about re-starting shootings shall be taken on 30-3-2020 after considering the prevailing situation."

It was reported only on Saturday that superstar Salman Khan is continuing shooting in the city for his upcoming flick 'Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai' even though the makers insist they are strictly adhering to the safety norms of World Health Organisation (WHO).

Meanwhile, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted on Sunday requesting his fans not to gather outside the gate of his bungalow Jalsa for their weekly meet and suggested them to stay safe.

In the image, Big B was seen in what appeared to be a bandage and a muffler.

On the acting front, the cine icon will next be seen in "Brahmastra".

He also has three more films in his kitty -- "Jhund", "Gulabo Sitabo" and "Chehere".

Meanwhile, filmmakers like Sudhir Mishra, Vikramaditya Motwane and Anubhav Sinha took to social media to raise their concern over the impact of COVID-19 on the daily wage workers after the Indian filmmaking and producing bodies decided to stop all film shootings till March 31 in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

On Sunday, Sudhir, who is best known for helming the film "Chameli", came up with an idea of creating special funds for the "junior technicians", "light boys" among several other workers.

"Shouldn't we in the film industry set up a fund for the junior technicians, our light boys, set workers , sound assistants etc," Sudhir tweeted.

Agreeing with his tweet, "Udaan" fame director Vikramaditya Motwane wrote: "I'm in. Daily wage workers are going to have a really hard time, especially if this carries on beyond the end of the month. Let me know."

"I am in," filmmaker Anubhav Sinha commented.

Also Read: Hackers Eye Workers From Home In Absence Of Secure Networks

Filmmaker Raja Krishna Menon too showed his support.

(With IANS Inputs)