Is your TV/Film shoot worth it in a pandemic? We ask the stakeholders

Prominent figures have expressed varying viewpoints regarding a possible lockdown amid the ongoing crises

KARACHI: The exponential rise of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan and subsequent social distancing measures taken, particularly in Sindh have sparked an intense debate. Does the situation warrant a complete shutdown of all operations that require a gathering of multiple people? Given the country’s dire economic circumstances, the counter-argument as common with any capitalist society being that people can’t afford to lose out on their livelihood. It all boils down to a cost and benefit analysis between poverty and health.

Industries that have the capacity to instill a work from home policy have adapted rather quickly to the morbid challenges. However, the vast majority of those that require physical presence to operate are presented with a morbid dilemma. The local entertainment industry falls under the latter category.

Aside from the cancellation of some events in the country, the entertainment has carried out business as usual attitude, which in turn has received criticism.

While events are being postponed or cancelled both in and out of the country, the same couldn’t be said about production sets. Many actors have voiced their concern over this as they call for productions to be halted for a certain while.

“I was shooting but the production house has stopped it due to the current spread of the virus. Other production houses should also not worry about the money right now but the health of actors. God forbid before something happens all should be safe and wait for the situation to get better,” actor Feroze Khan said.

Humayun Saeed shared the same sentiment but noted that those shoots that have to go on-air soon should continue. “I think shoots should not be scheduled for at least 2 to 3 weeks. However, the ones whose shoots are important and are set to go on-air should be done high safety measures and hygiene,” he said.

Actor Naveed Raza meanwhile believes that they should be pushed regardless and it’s a time the industry needs to make a collective decision. “There is no denying that production houses are taking ample precautions. They are providing, masks, gloves, sanitizer and hand washes on sets. However, it’s not safe having 50-100 people cramped in a small house for a single shoot. No one knows what the other person has. I think the entire industry should call it off,” the actor said.

Director and producer Wajahat Rauf recently halted all productions under his company Showcase Films till further notice. “I can’t really comment on this as I think it's up to them as how the other production houses want to go about it. Showcase Films has decided to halt shooting of our film Parde mein rehne do in light of the current situation.

While we all have deadlines and the risk of facing significant financial losses, the risk of Corona spreading here like it has in other countries is unimaginable. We thank our cast and crew for being extremely supportive and hope we can all get through this together without damages,” He commented.

Contrary to this there were those that believe that the repercussions of ceasing all operations outweigh those of still carrying them on. The recurrent argument being that while the wealthy have a cushion to endure months without pay, daily wagers onsets don’t have the luxury.

“The lockdown can be afforded by the first world countries that have a backup plan and can also compensate. ‘Pakistan can’t afford the shut down at all. There are spot boys, make-up artists, light men, riders who are on daily wages before Corona kills anyone, this shut down surely will,” said actor Ali Rizvi.

“I am not against the cancellation of programs and shoots. At least come up with a plan for the poor when you ask for a lockdown. Our industry has to behave as a family not should just think as individuals,” he added.

An independent producer who sought anonymity expressed a similar viewpoint. “Yes, the virus is spreading. There are two issues to discuss; at shoots, there are people who are earning in lacs so it’s easy to say that shoots should be cancelled then there are the ones who are on daily wages, how will they survive.

Either one comes up with a plan for the lower staff. The other thing is a lot of entertainment is on-air if the production will be stopped then there won’t be any entertainment on TV. Like doctors, we are also social workers who are working as entertainers. Shoots can go on with safety measures.’" He explained

Raza presents a contingency plan to daily wagers losing out on their livelihood for an indefinite time. “The producers should pay them in advance. Timely payments has always been an issue in the industry. We actors are used to it, we can bear it. Don’t use the excuse of “what about the poor”. You should take care of them by making advance payments," he said.

Director Mazhar Moin had a rather unorthodox opinion on the matter. “I agree that there is a lot of risk involved but there is no guarantee of coming out clean after living in isolation. I also have remaining 18 to 20 days shoot but we are trying to keep the environment clean and healthy; trying to avoid physical interaction like shaking hands etc. But the show must go on,” he said with unhinged optimism.

Hira Mani who recently went to the US for a work commitment alongside Meray Pass Tum Ho co-stars Adnan Siddique received a different kind of flak. “It’s a crucial time for actors. When I was going to America recently it was dreadful. I was scared for my kids as well. If I had not gone the money involved would’s gone down the drain. I couldn’t say no when Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui were ready to travel. A lot of people saying that I was enjoying my time but it was a work commitment and I could not say no. I will get myself checked before entering my home and meet my kids,” Hira told The Express Tribune.

Do you think the entertainment industry should also come to standstill like the rest of Karachi?

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