It’s been three months that fans are eagerly waiting to see their favourite TV characters to make a come-back but due to Coronavirus induced lockdown the shoots were at halt. But finally when the time was right to resume the operations, and when technically artists were asked to report today i.e 23rd June’20 on the sets, CINTAA ( Cine And TV Artistes’ Association) and FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) decided to call off the operations. You might wonder why?
Well this happened because their insurance demand wasn’t fulfilled by IFTPC (Indian film and television producers’ council).
FWICE and CINTAA had earlier laid down some protocols before IFTPC like eight-hour shifts, and an insurance cover of 50 lakh for the worker’s but these demands weren’t fulfilled and at the last moment they called off their operations.
In a conversation with mid-day, BN Tiwari, president, FWICE, revealed that these conditions had been put on the table in May. “Some of our demands, including the settlement of dues and timely payment, have not been met by the IFTPC. They announced Rs 10 lakh insurance cover instead of Rs 50 lakh. So, the FWICE and CINTAA jointly decided that technicians and artists will not report to work.”
In the same report by mid-day, Amit Behl, joint secretary and chairperson, outreach committee, CINTAA, indicates that the IFTPC declared that producers can resume shoots between June 23 and June 25, without consulting other cine bodies. “After we discussed our concerns with the IFTPC and broadcasters in a meeting last week, we were waiting to hear from them. The broadcasters had asked for discounts citing lack of advertising revenue, but the budget cuts were not discussed at length. There was no clarity on the COVID cover. [Amid all this] the IFTPC and the broadcasters took the call of resuming work.”
JD Majethia, president, TV wing, IFTPC, confirmed that the shoots wouldn’t take place on Tuesday. He said in the same report, “We will decide the insurance cover [soon] and the shoots will begin after that. Working in eight-hour shifts is not possible. The business is built on working 12 hours a day. The producers will take care of every aspect — from monitoring temperature to having medical aid.”
After this unexpected situation, the bodies will have another meeting to discuss the problems and they might find a probable solution in order to give green signals to shoots. Kumkum Bhagya, Kundali Bhagya, Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs — were to begin their shoot today.
