Social distancing while making films and in movies? Insiders wonder how to make it work

The making of a movie without large crews and outdoor shoots and movies themselves sans party scenes, background dancers or even the staple romantic clinches that could be the existential crisis facing mainstream cinema in the immediate post-corona world.

Bollywood, after all, has always been about people, whether on screen or off it, in front of the camera or behind it, say industry insiders as they grapple with the uncertainties of life and work after lockdown and contemplate the dimensions of a radical makeover.

Filmmaking has always been a collaborative effort with hundreds of people working in tandem to translate the written word into images but that may change. Producers and directors also wonder how they will manage social distancing with a large crew once they are back on sets.

According to actor-producer Sanjay Suri, there will be behavioural changes on the sets and "cinematic intimacy will take time to return".

"Not because of lack of ideas but purely behavioural changes on sets in terms of being careful about hygiene and not overcrowding among other things. It surely is an area of concern," Suri told PTI.

A film crew, including the director and stars to technicians and makeup artistes, work in close "physical proximity" round the clock under one roof. And sometimes even in suffocating spaces", he said.

And it's not just about the process of movie making but also what goes into the scenes.

"I can't imagine us sweating and close dancing in a film immediately. We surely will have to reinvent a working style and be cautious," Suri, who co-produced I Am and Sorry Bhai, said.

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said he cannot fathom the challenges ahead for people in the entertainment business.

"Most of the difficulties will be faced by those who shoot. I don't know how 250 people will shoot till a vaccine is not in place... Will you test everyone, then head outdoors to shoot? Post this, we will start living differently, being cautious will become a habit."
"All that has to change. Our method of working has to change until that vaccine comes in. Even later, we have to evolve another way of working. The cinema business will necessary change because it's a social experience."
"Two world wars, huge number of deaths didn't change human beings from their hate narrative. Even now people are busy with it. So where is it changing? Obviously, films will reflect what has happened but I don't see us radically changing as a society."