MUMBAI: The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has written a letter to Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray about resuming shoots of films, TV serials and web originals with proper SOP in place.

This document suggests steps to be adopted to avoid contagion during shoots. It notes down detailed precautionary measures that will be followed by the cast and crew after the permission is granted.

The report talks about carrying out a daily drill session with the  staff members so that it should be implemented in a proper manner. Crew, artists, technicians and participants will have to report 45 minutes before the shoot. Complete studio will be sanitised daily before the shoot.

Floor markings need  to be in place so that people maintain social distance. Going forward priority will be given to portable chairs over standard benches.

The report suggests no physical greetings, handshakes, hugs and kisses and amongst other measures.Wearing triple layer masks and gloves is mandatory. Infact, an alternative to face masks is also provided. “A protective half mask with inhalation and exhalation filter will ensure lower costs, as the number of filming days will gradually increase. It would be specifically worn  by actors and crew members having a negative Covid2019 test.”

Lightman or anyone handling other equipment has to be provided industrial hand gloves with proper training about their usage. Construction department and other designated individuals must wear protective gloves. Crew members leaving the filming location (e.g. production, drivers or runners, etc.) must be equipped with protective gloves to prevent contamination of the filming area.

A main element  of the report is the hair and make-up protocol. Artists will remain in their rooms until required on set. Hair and make-up personnel will be wearing masks and gloves, which will be mandatory to wear during the entire shoot.

The guideline recommends single-use or disposable items; cleaning of hair wigs/ extensions before and after use; use of own make-up; and, most importantly, using a face shield, rather than a mask, once make-up has been applied.

The guild has also advised production units to avoid crew above the age of 60 years at least for three months from the date of shooting as and when it starts and cast above the age of 60 years should be judicially used.

As far as costumes used on the sets are concerned, the guild suggested that “every talent will use clothes allocated to him/her and they can never exchange clothes without having them properly disinfected beforehand.” In case of stuntmen, specialists and precision drivers they are to use their own clothes.

More importantly, every daily wage worker has to be paid their wages daily.