Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced further relaxation in curbs for shooting of TV serials, allowing more professionals to be employed on the sets.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday allowed small screen producers (of TV serials and films) to resume production activities with a maximum crew of 60 persons, against the initially allowed 20 persons, from Sunday (May 31).
Two industry bodies had informed the government that it was not possible to shoot serials with the said cap of 20 professionals, he said in a statement.
"Heeding their request, a maximum of 60 actors and technicians can be employed for the shoots from May 31," he said.
A one-time approval should be obtained from Chennai Corporation Commissioner or District Collector, based upon the jurisdiction, before commencement of the shooting.
Those involved in the making of the serials should follow all "restrictions" imposed by the Central and state governments "without fail" and the producers should ensure that.
This is in response to representatives of the South Indian film industry including 'Tamil Nadu Chinna Thirai (Small Screen) Producers Council', the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) and others urging the State, seeking further relaxation from the Covid-19 lockdown rules.
Last week, the government allowed production of television serials and films (Chinna Thirai) for the small screen to resume outside containment zones, subject to conditions including that the maximum production crew including artistes should not exceed 20 persons in any one shooting set.
However, the film industry representatives including Ms. Sujatha Vijayakuamr, Ms. Khushbu, Mr. R.K. Selvamani and others met the State Information Minister, Mr. Kadambur Raju and handed over a memorandum urging to increase the crew size, as with 20 persons it was not possible to re-commence small screen films/serial production.
In its latest order, the government said up to a maximum of 60 persons, including film artistes and film technicians could be permitted to be deployed in each shooting set. Mr. Palainswami also said they should abide by the other Covid-19 precautionary measures including social distancing.
The small screen producers should each obtain a one-time permission from the Commissioner of Chennai Corporation with respect to the city and from the respective District Collectors in the various districts, an official release said.
