TV drama shootings get cancelled as celebs feel unsafe
Many directors were criticised for their attempts to resume drama shoots.
After a long hiatus for more than two months, the shootings of small screen productions – TV plays, and others began on June 1. However, many of the small screen actors don't feel safe yet to come on sets; therefore, directors are being compelled to cancel shootings, after booking the locations.
The TV industry faced a great deal of financial losses as shootings were cancelled from March 22 to 31, to contain the spread of coronavirus.
There was pressure to resume shooting on a limited scale, right after the Eid holidays. Finally, shootings began from June 1.
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Meanwhile, many directors were criticised for their attempts to resume drama shoots before Eid.
Most of the shooting houses are located in Uttara. There are a total of 26 houses for shooting in Uttara.
Shooting House Associations – Bangladesh general secretary Abdul Alim told The Business Standard, "We have taken all necessary safety measures in the shooting houses from June 1. However, because of resistance from the actors, many directors had to cancel their bookings of the locations."
Former president of the association, Khalilur Rahman said, "On the first day, 4 different shooting units booked my shooting house which later was cancelled. And the reason they gave us that the actors didn't want to come on set to maintain social distancing. We are in financial loss for therefore."
Khalilur Rahman has three shooting houses in Uttara where 6 units can work at once. From June 2, drama serial "Cheating Master" filming began at one of Khalil's houses, called "Apon Ghor 1."
Directed by Sanchit Sarakr, the cast of the series includes Anisur Rahman Milon, Monira Mithu, Dr Ejajul Islam and others.
Actor Anisur Rahman Milon told The Business Standard, "We are following all the safety protocols. The cars were sanitised at the entrance of the locations. Every single person on unit was wearing masks. "
"We also have downsized the unit. We had plenty of soap, hand sanitiser on set. We could finish our shoot safely and peacefully."
Mijanur Rahman Mintu, the president of the Shooting House Associations – Bangladesh told us, "We are requesting the directors to downsize the shooting unit. They can bring in maximum 15 crew members. They are asked to use disposable utensils. We also have requested them not to order outside food."
Amid all the security measurements and protocols many popular actors including Zakia Bari Momo, Afran Nisho, Mosharraf Karim, Apurbo, Mehazabien Chowdhury, Tanzin Tisha don't want return on sets right away.
Actor and model Zakia Bari Momo shared her fear with The Business Standard. She said, "The virus is spreading rapidly day by day, it is really difficult to focus on work in this situation. I will make a decision depending on the situations."
The owners of the shooting houses are in financial loss as everything has come to a standstill. They have maintenance costs and employees to salaries. Many of the shooting house owners have shut down their businesses.
Khalilur Rahman informed us that he already has shut down one of his shooting houses as bearing all the expenses became difficult for him.
"One top of everything, cleaning and sanitising the location is an extra expense now. It would become difficult for us to survive now."
Everybody involved in the industry is going through financial loss one way or another. Industry experts hope everything will get back to normal soon.
