The world has geared up to fight against the COVID-19 by taking measure steps. In India where many states has directed to shut down schools, colleges, gyms, malls, theaters till March 31 and  requested citizens to avoid public meetings and going out in crowded places.
In view of this, the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) and Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) on Sunday decided to put shootings of films, TV shows and web series on hold from March 19 to March 31.
The meeting was also attended by the representatives of Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA) and Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC).
“Important bodies of film and entertainment industry conducted a meeting to deal with the issue of coronavirus. After a lot of discussion, we came to this conclusion that from this coming Thursday, all shootings will stop till March 31. After that, we will take a call†informed Ashoke Pandit, president of IFTDA.
We have given a gap till Thursday so that people get ready accordingly, pack up and return from outstation. Our TV industry is an important one and even they will get time to organise things†he added.
JD Majethia, chairman, TV wing, IFTPC, said they are in talks with broadcasters and all have been sensitive in dealing with the virus. “We have put up posters to spread awareness, have provided masks and even given the option of paid leaves for anyone who feels sickâ€.
“There will be losses but we all are standing united. All the broadcasters are very sensitive. They care about their workers as well. This is a pandemic so everyone is concerned. It’s their call what they want to air ahead, but they have time to finish their work till Wednesday,†he added.
The number of novel coronavirus cases in the country rose to 114 on Monday, with 37 cases in Maharashtra.
