picture courtesy: midday.com
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced the extension of the lockdown on 30th May in the state. A day after the extension, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) sent a letter to the CMO and BMC Commissioner, Iqbal Singh Chahal urging them to allow the resumption of work in the media and entertainment (M&E) industry. They also cited that Mumbai’s daily cases are dropping below 700, mentioning that work has been at a standstill since April 15.
The letter addressed the authorities about the daily-wage workers and producers, who had suffered heavy losses. Extension of the same will only mark further suffering for the workers in the Media and Entertainment Industry.
The chairman (TV) of the Indian Film and Television Producers’ Council (IFTPC), JD Majethia stated that television producers wish to resume work in Mumbai as soon as possible because outstation shooting has aggravated their financial strain.
“I’ve been paying the rent for my Wagle Ki Duniya set at Mira Road. There is no relief for [producers] because even if we film outside Mumbai, it only adds to our expenses. We were hoping that shoots will resume by the first week of June, but the lockdown has been extended again,” he noted.
However, Uddhav Thackeray has not officially responded to the request.