Less people, more rules as TV industry resumes shooting in post-lockdown era

After a three-month

lockdown

, the Telugu television industry is finally getting back on the sets.

Channels have started airing their ‘comeback’ promos once again, actors are rehearsing their lines and rediscovering their mojo, while technicians are getting a sense of the new normal as they commence work in full

PPE

kits. Popular soaps like Karthika Deepam and Manasu Mamatha have restarted shooting and shows like Jabardasth and Dhee Ultimate Dance Show are following suit.

“On June 10, all the stakeholders met to discuss the resumption of shoot with the new government guidelines. We decided that the time is right to restart shooting while taking the necessary precautionary measures. It’s going to be challenging but we must start at some stage. It feels like a reincarnation for the television industry,” says A Prasada Rao, President of the Telugu Television Producers Council.

IT’S STRANGE TO SEE EVERYONE IN PPE GEAR ON SETS: RENU DESAI

One of the first artistes to go back on set in #Unlock1 is actress Renu Desai, who’s shooting promotional videos with Sunaina aka Frustrated Woman. “For the first time in my career, I decided to drive to the sets myself. It was a strange atmosphere to walk back into. There was a crew of just 20 people and everyone was in full PPE gear,” says Renu, adding, “There’s also a doctor and two nurses on sets who check our temperature every three hours and make sure everything is sanitised. Unlike before, we’re now wrapping up shoot in just six hours to make sure we reach home before curfew.”

REALITY SHOWS AMP UP SAFETY MEASURES

Shooting with 40-member crew is going to be a huge challenge for reality shows, which usually have a 250-member crew. As Keerthi Krishna, Operations Head of Mallemala Entertainments that bankrolls shows like Jabardasth, says, “Visitors will not be allowed. The stage will be sanitised between performances and artistes will go through a disinfectant chamber before getting on the floor. Seating arrangement will be changed to ensure there is safe physical distance between judges on the sets and their. It’s going to be difficult but safety measures are imperative. We’ll do everything we can to ensure the show goes on.”

COSTS HAVE SHOT UP BY 20K EXTRA PER DAY

The safety measures also pose a financial challenge for producers as

shoots

have become an expensive affair. “It is costing us an additional Rs 20,000 per day for sanitisers, masks, gloves, PPE kits, catering and packaging, etc. We’re requesting channels to reimburse the cost,” says Prasada Rao. A committee from the Producers Council will also visit shoots to monitor if precautions are being taken. “As for those artistes who come from other states, producers will decide if they’ll be replaced or be asked to stay back in Hyderabad for the next few months,” he adds.

NOT IDEAL SITUATION BUT THE SHOW MUST GO ON: TV STARS

Safety measures notwithstanding, the fear of Covid-19 still looms large on the minds of TV stars. Pradeep Machiraju, who will soon join the sets of Dhee Ultimate Dance Show, says, “It’s not easy, but I feel responsible for daily wage workers who depend on TV for their livelihood. They’ve have been suffering and need our support.” Rashmi Gautam, who is set to rejoin the sets of

Extra Jabardasth

, adds, “I don’t think any of us are excited to shoot in the middle of a pandemic but the show must go on. Thankfully, my parents are in Vizag so I don’t have to worry about exposing them to the virus should I get it. I just hope that we can shoot and stay safe at the same time.”