‘Sreemoyee’, ‘Khorkuto’ and others shows on the verge of exhausting episode banking; Uncertainty over resumption of shootings continues

Shootings in Bengali entertainment industry were suspended due to the second wave of pandemic. Until now, most of the shows managed to air fresh episodes based on their episode banking and shot-at-home footage. But as the strict regulations announced by the State Government have been extended till June 15, the makers are in trouble now. Shows like ‘Sreemoyee’, ‘Khorkuto’, ‘Rani Rashmoni’ have mostly exhausted their episode banking. Most of these shows have been airing fresh episodes by clubbing old footage in the 'flashback mode'. But now, they have left with almost no bankable episode. The situation is more critical for the mythological shows which can’t be shot at home. If the shootings don’t resume, a number of shows are likely to go off-air or will have to telecast old episodes just like daily soap 'Kori Khela'. On the other hand, ‘Krishnakoli’, ‘Jamuna Dhaki’, ‘Boron’ and other shows, have been airing fresh episodes depending on the shot-at-home videos sent by the artists.Rumours are rife that a leading show continued shooting outdoor with a small unit though the artists denied it. Rumours are also floating that the male and female leads of certain shows are shooting together indoors to give the viewers a realistic feeling. A few TV units are allegedly working in outdoor locations, hotels, and rented flats. Federation of Cine Technicians & Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) is against the practice and formed a committee to review the matter.Meanwhile, the latest row between the FCTWEI and Welfare Association of Television Producers regarding the shoot-from-home mode has become a hot topic of discussion. Artists’ Forum has extended support to the producers and in favour of continuing shoot from home.The members of FCTWEI have alleged that technicians and make-up artists are being deprived of work in case of a shoot-from-home mode. The members of the Federation also cited that the quality of a show gets ‘compromised’ if it is shot at home.