Resuming Film Shoots: Good Or Financial Burden!

State and central governments gave conditional permission for starting shooting for films and television serials that came to a halt due to pandemic-induced Lockdown. Though govt gave permission couple of months ago, nobody initially showed interest. But, now many of film shoots resumed in last couple of weeks and few other films will get back to sets from October.

Now, the question is whether resuming film shoots at this point of time is a good or bad idea. Analysts opine that, for small to medium range films which are aimed for OTT release, it’s a good idea. But, for the films which are targeted for theatrical release, it’s definitely a financial burden.

OTTs are offering good price according to the market value of films. Thus, it has turned a big boon temporarily for small to medium range films. But, for the films which are aiming for theatrical release, it’s surely a burden because theaters are not going to open in near future. It seems theaters will be fully reopened from January.

Even if government gives permission for theaters to reopen, most of the cinema halls will remain shut as it is additional loss for them to operate with 25 to 30 % seating capacity. Moreover, people may not dare coming to theaters until vaccine for corona comes.

On the other hand, shooting under Lockdown restrictions will be additional financial burden for producers and budget will also increase in the name of finances they take for the ongoing schedules. PPE Kits, sanitizers, every day sanitization of sets and other precautionary measures cost bomb. Moreover, if anyone in the sets test positive, it will be another headache for the makers.

Better, filmmakers who opt for theatrical release should wait for some more time, suggest analysts!