Distinguished members of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), it is my belief that you are staying safe. God in his infinite mercy will see us through this pandemic.
In view of the ongoing Lockdown on film locations and all our other related crafts, I find it difficult but compelling to inform you that despite the partial relaxation of the Lockdown by the Federal Government, the peculiarity of our crafts will not permit us to relax our order to stop productions. I am undoubtedly aware that the Lockdown has crippled our economic activities but it is better to stay alive and in good health than to live in the agony of sickness.
Filmmaking is collaboration, this nature of our business will clearly violate the COVID-19 measures, which have been passed to law in Nigeria. On every set, the numerical strength of the cast and crew will be over twenty and even when the number is less, the crowd that the production will attract will certainly contravene the government order on the mass gathering.
Then, how do we observe social distancing on set? Are we going to mask our nose and mouth while acting? Is it possible to avoid touching and cuddling where the script dictates such? These reasons are fundamental to our decision and I will beg you to reason along with us.
Despite that, since all the state borders are still closed, how can our star actors and other invited artistes travel interstate to feature in our films? The inabilities of those artistes to honour their contracts will generate lots of controversies that will in effect bring rancour to the association.
Therefore, after considering those vital reasons with my Central Working Committee (CWC), and other stakeholders, our decision on The Lock Down Order on Productions stays till the Federal Government further relax the Lockdown. However, if as producer(s), you can meet the requirements of the law, you are free to go ahead with your production(s). But the association shall not in any way be held responsible. We will all live through this to rise and shine again. I remain your partner in progress.
Otunba Bolaji Amusan Latin.
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