Young teleplay makers reel from COVID-19 damage
Each year over 600 teleplays are produced to entertain Eid holidaymakers who enjoy those on the tiny screen and online platforms. However, shootings for small screen productions were suspended from March 22 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
With Eid-ul-Fitr less than a week away, young teleplay makers are at a loss for words because they helplessly witness Eid projects going under because of dramatically altered circumstances.
Teleplay maker MizanurRahman Aryan said, 'Teleplay makers are facing a hard situation. We are reeling from both financial and emotional losses because of COVID-19. Every year I make at least five teleplays marking the Eid. This year only two teleplays namely 'Upahar' and 'A Sweet Love Story' directed by me will be aired on TV channels.'
'The pandemic can be impacting creative thinking about people. One cannot develop a good teleplay by residing at home for years. I have to venture out and observe persons and my surroundings in order to think of a unique plot. As you cannot venture outside today as a result of pandemic, it really is becoming difficult to develop good storylines,' he added.
Aryan also pointed out that if the federal government stands next to the artistes and directors, they can stay at home for as long as required.
Mabrur Rashid Bannah said, 'Every year we wait for Eid so that we are able to produce our best productions. But this year coronavirus has ruined everything. The tiny screen industry has been delivered a crippling blow by the pandemic. All of our staff and crew members have lost their jobs and no person knows how long the crisis will continue.'
'Each year I make between 12 and 15 teleplays but I possibly could shoot only five teleplays, namely 'Angels', 'I love You', 'View Baba', 'Propose' and 'BhalobasharGalpa', prior to the general holiday commenced in March,' he added.
SA HaqueOlike, general secretary of the Directors' Guild, said, 'I make at least four teleplays every year for Eid but this season I have nothing to offer. I was looking towards completing a drama series namely 'Jaygir Master' for Eid but I possibly could not finish its shooting due to the coronavirus outbreak.'
'The shootings for small screen productions stopped on March 22 due to COVID-19. Since that time those connected with teleplay making endured at least Tk 1.5 crorelosses daily. I have no idea how exactly we will overcome the financial loss or when the industry will bounce back. Every year over 600 teleplays are created for Eid but this season only the productions shot before March 22 will be aired along with old programs by TV channels,' Olike added.
