Soon, filming in India to get easier

Filmmakers from across the world will soon find it easier to cut through the red tape in India.

Filmmakers from across the world will soon find it easier to cut through the red tape in India. A national film commission, a single window clearance system for international and domestic filmmakers wanting to shoot in India, will be set up in a few months.

The move comes after many foreign filmmakers complained about how they have to seek multiple permits every time they shoot in a new location leading to loss of money and time. "The cabinet memorandum has been sent and we hope to bring up the body within a timeframe, which may take a few months," a senior government official told HT. "It will act like an agency that will help filmmakers get the requisite permissions and smoothen logistics besides enhancing the 'soft power' of the country."

HT Image

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/Popup/2012/5/10_05_pg9b.jpg

The official added, “The I&B ministry will set up the body, which will keep ministries of tourism, home, external affairs, culture and the state governments in the loop and have nodal officers appointed for the purpose.”

An increasing number of foreign filmmakers have put in requests to shoot films here and many domestic filmmakers are also keen to shoot in different parts of the country.

“There will be a strong interface with the tourism ministry, which will promote India as a filming destination both for domestic and foreign film producers,” the official said.

A national level panel will coordinate with stakeholders for promotion of India as a tourism and film destination and initiate dialogues with states for development of film locations.