Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar released a six-page standard operating procedure (SOPs) for the resumption of production of films and television serials. These SOPs have been finalised after consulting the health and home ministries.

Mr Javadekar said that the SOP was part of the decision to restart all economic activities, “For the last six months, this industry had come to a standstill and many people had lost their jobs. We hope all States will adopt this SOP.”

This will be ensured by minimal physical contact and sharing of props, PPEs for hairstylists and make-up artists among others,” Mr Javadekar also added in the press conference.

“Artists should be encouraged to do their hairstyling and make-up remotely with the help of professionals,” the SOP states.

Common locations such as assets, cafeteria, make-up rooms, edit rooms, vanity vans and washrooms have to be sanitised regularly. The Ministry has advised the industry to discontinue usage of lapel mics or at least to ensure that these are not shared. Costumes, hair wigs and makeup items for actors should not be shared. Make-up artists and hairstylists have been advised to use PPE.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) President Mr T.P. Aggarwal reaction came out on a video he shared his reactions. He said that this will be a welcoming step that was taken by central govt to release the SOP so that entertainment industry resume it works at its own pace.

Also, he was happy that senior actor and crew above 65 years were allowed in the sets. Now it’s responsibility for the respective production house for the safety of the young as well as senior actors along with the technical crew. All COVID -19 precautions should be followed by everyone.