Tuesday, July 28, 2020

To film or not to in COVID times

The reported death of a TV set crew ( Sab TV show Bhakharwadi) member has again brought into sharp focus the perils of shooting in COVID times. However,it is not that cut and dry. There are a host of valid reasons to keep shooting. 1. How long can you shutter down an economic sector which employs thousands? 2. Daily wager earners ka kya hoga? 3. All possible safety norms are in place. 4. Reporting to set is voluntary. You can opt-out if feeling unsafe as several actors have done so. 5. Insurance is mandatory just in case. 6. The govt is also unlocking for how will we make ends meet? 7. The death rate is only 2%, and more than three fourth of all reported cases are asymptomatic. Having said that all any death is too much, will all the above points provide any solace to tailor’s family who passed away. Will the insurance money make up for lost life. Right now, there is no demand for immediate suspension of the shoot, for the deceased is just another unit hand. However, all bets will off, if any known actor becomes the coronavirus’s next victim. Chances of which are luckily very less with this scourge mostly targeting people above the age groups of 40 and those having comorbidities. Therefore supporting senior actors in the 40-65 age group are at most risk.(above 65 cant shoot) I am sure the stakeholder must have considered all these factors before restarting( Can’t afford to go into lockdown again ) Naysayers will demand a return lockdown. However, I am in two minds getting both the points, i.e. life is essential but so is the livelihood. I am glad that I am not to asked to weigh on this age-old moral vs economic argument.

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