Returning to the sets: How safe is it?

After reeling under the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the television and film fraternities have resumed shooting, on a limited scale. Productions have been underway in the country for a while, following all safety, hygiene and social distancing measures. However, while some artistes have begun shooting, others are still skeptical about returning to work. Many have started shooting for Eid-Ul-Azha projects.

Actor and director Salahuddin Lavlu, President of Directors' Guild, is currently shooting in Uttara for his project, Aha Ki Gonit. "We are wearing PPE, including face masks, at work. We also have lemon tea for the cast and crew members on the sets. All of us are following safety measures," he says. He also notes that as offices, salons, shopping malls and other establishments are steadily reopening, it is reasonable to resume shoots too, with strict conditions.

Celebrated actor Chanchal Chowdhury has started shooting for his Eid special serial, Choritro Premik. The seven-episode show is directed by Masud Sezan and features Nusraat Faria opposite Chanchal. He will also start shooting for Trumpcard and Protibeshire Bhalobasho, both directed by Shamim Zaman. "No matter how careful we are, it is not possible to completely maintain social distance, while shooting," says the actor. "I have decided to work with only a couple of directors at the moment, who I trust will take these measures seriously."

"Being careful will reduce the risk of contamination. We are cleaning our indoor locations multiple times before we start shooting," adds director Shamim Zaman.

On the other hand, Mosharraf Karim is not ready to start shooting just yet. "I don't feel safe to go to work. I have decided to wait for a little longer and see how things turn out," shares the actor, who is spending most of his time at home these days.

Zahid Hasan has resumed shooting, and is preparing for his upcoming Eid release, Gofur Kakar Tormuj, directed by Himu Akram. "I am prioritising my safety," he says. "However, there are other concerns as well. We have to support the daily wage earners of the industry. So, after a point, we decided to resume shoots."  S A Haque Alik, General Secretary of Directors' Guild, asserts that they are taking steps to ensure safety, and reduce the chances of coronavirus infections on the sets.

Apurba and Mehzabien had begun shooting for an Eid special tele-fiction. However, the shoot was halted, after two people in the unit tested positive for COVID-19. "It seems like despite being so careful, the measures were just not enough," says Apurba. "I have signed some more projects, but now, I doubt that we can start shooting anytime soon." Nadia Ahmed, on the other hand, will start shooting for her seven-episode Eid special television series from July 22, abiding by the safety rules.

Saju Muntasher, General Secretary of Television and Digital Programme Producers' Association Bangladesh, requested all artistes to be very careful when going to work. "I urge artistes to only come to the sets if they feel healthy," he says. "Others should not suffer because of our carelessness."  Everyone from the administration to the respective guilds and individual artistes and technicians are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that the resumption of shoots in these tough times is sustainable.