INDIAN FILM LOCATIONS AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL / MARKET 2012
Qutab Minar, New Delhi
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
INDIA
Film Location & Services Guide The Definitive Handbook to Film Locations and Production Services across India by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Pickle wooing global film producers at Cannes
Meet us at PALAIS Level 01 Stand 22.02 / 24.01
P I C K L E
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I N D I A N
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
B I Z
G U I D E
THE BIG PICTURE
Goa
White Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Jaipur, Rajasthan
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INDIAN FILM LOCATION SPECIAL
May 2012 V i s i t I n d i a Pa v i l i o n 1 1 1 V i l l a g e I n t e r n a t i o n a l
FILM BUYS FROM INDIA @ CANNES FILM MARKET
G U I D E B I Z E N T E R T A I N M E N T I N D I A N
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INDIAN FILM LOCATIONS AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL / MARKET 2012
THE BIG PICTURE
Qutab Minar, New Delhi
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
INDIA
Film Location & Services Guide The Definitive Handbook to Film Locations and Production Services across India by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Pickle wooing global film producers at Cannes
Meet us at PALAIS Level 01 Stand 22.02 / 24.01
P I C K L E
www.picklemag.in
INDIAN FILM LOCATION SPECIAL
May 2012
Goa
V i s i t I n d i a Pa v i l i o n 1 1 1 V i l l a g e I n t e r n a t i o n a l
White Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Jaipur, Rajasthan
FILM BUYS FROM INDIA @ CANNES FILM MARKET
Dear Filmmakers Advantage India O
Chandrajit Banerjee Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Please get in touch with my colleagues, Atreyee Talapatra & Kavita Saini, CII at Palais Level 01 22.02 / 24.01, Cannes Film Market 2
n most of the convesations I have had during my global business visits, there are rare times when Indian film industry did not become a topic of discussion. Sometimes the topic move to exotic locales and asking curious questions on film shooting of Mission Impossible 4 in Mumbai or whether the next sequence of the James Bond film would get filmed in India or not. Undoubtedly, we are witnessing a rise and rise of Indian film locales on the global minds. It may not be in the number of foreign films that got shot in India, but the kind of interest India has generated in the abundance of film locations in the country. A National Film Commission for India is on the work and it is great to note that the Indian Tourism Ministry and Information & Broadcasting Ministry have already begun an Incredible India campaign to position India's film locations. The Confederation of Indian Industry along with Pickle has brought out this India location and Services guide to reach out to global filmmakers at Cannes. The second wave of economic reforms is at the hands of the Indian States and we see maturity among many Indian States to act on the economic opportunity to woo global film producers to come and experience film shooting in their respective States. Although the script has to match the locale in the screen, increasingly filmmakers are looking at opportunity in BRICS nations. Imagine the opportunity in India. With 28 States, 67 languages, 850 million people under the age of 35, 500 TV channels, 2.9 billion cinema ticket sales, and no major restrictions India offers immense opportunity for filmmakers not only to shoot in India, but simultaneously work on an Indian version of the film that will give business access in India. There are also challenges ahead. My friend Kalyan Mukherjee (KAS Movie Makers) informs me that Kenya grants shooting permission for foreign films and crews in flat 48 hours time if all paper works are done. Can India do it? I am very confident. If not in 48 hours, at a better speed than what we are today. We need to create processes that would work seamless between various Indian High Commissions and decision making people in New Delhi. At the same time, global filmmakers should also note that if they had opted to shoot in India's sensitive areas they will have to wait for clearances. More than anything else, India has access to world class technicians and equipment; amazing choice of locations to shoot anything for any type of film. Skilled professionals are available across the country. Finally, the legal regime in India is supreme. Come let us to do business together.
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AMBIKA SONI Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India
India produces a large number of films which are a brand in themselves. As a film destination we are quite attractive. We will soon have a single window clearance for filmmakers who want to shoot at locations in India 3
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SUBODH KANT SAHAY Minister of Tourism, Government of India
We have set a target of adding 5-6 million tourists in the next five years in India. The partnership between the Tourism and I&B Ministry aims at making people worldwide aware of Indian tourism destinations through films 4
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FILM LOCALE
READY WITH RED CARPET The Indian government has been taking various initiatives to attract foreign filmmakers to shoot in the country. An agreement was signed recently between two Ministries to promote India as filming destination inancial incentives, single window clearance for film shoot permissions and easier visa regime... The Indian government is keen to roll out the red carpet for foreign and Indian filmmakers in an effort to boost tourism. The newly launched Incredible India Campaign will be promoted through Cinemas of India. Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Ministry of Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote India as 'filming destination'. The MoU is expected to enhance the reach of 'Incredible India' through the medium of cinema, develop synergy between tourism and film shooting locations. The Indian government is also working towards creation of a National Film Commission that would be one-stop destination and single window clearance for film shooting in India. The State governemnts in India would create a single entity in a State for all film locale permission needs. The MoU will also provide an impetus to frame policies and guidelines for facilitating shooting of International films in India and promote India as a filming destination, both for international and domestic film producers.
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Another key objective of the MoU seeks to to initiate dialogue with State governments and Union Territories within India for development of locations for film shootings and promotion of tourism. At the institutional level, the MoU attempts to constitute a National Level Committee for coordination with various stakeholders for promotion of India as a film and tourism destination and for facilitating visas for films units from overseas. On some of the key aspects, the roadmap will be charted out through mutual consultations between the two Ministries. It is expected that this innovative partnership will facilitate the promotion of India as a filming destination for foreign producers. In 2009-10, 23 permissions were granted for shooting in India, in 2010-11, 21 permissions were granted and in 2011-12, 20 permissions were granted. The MoU is also expected to enable the increase of India’s share in world tourist arrivals in the country from 0.6 to 1.0 per cent by the end of XII Five Year Plan. This would result in achieving 11.37 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2016, as compared to 6.29 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2011.
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THE
RISE
OF
Gateway of India, Mumbai
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Filming in India India is the most dramatic shooting location in the world: snowy mountains, pristine islands, plunging ravines, dusty plainsimagine the earth and get it. Here are top Indian locales
MUMBAI
KERALA
VARANASI
India in microcosm, Mumbai or Bombay as it was once known provides an excellent backdrop for the race that always finishes in the future. Slick and bright urban exteriors that have dark under bellies interrupted by colours that connect across time. Busy bustling daytimes with bright lit nights that blink and shimmer to a heady beat of people and machines, avant garde and artless, incessantly on the move.
Kerala, commonly referred as God’s own country never lets one down. A small stretch of land, with its cool mountains in the east, rolling hills in the middle which ultimately reach out to the West to the long stretches of pristine, untouched beaches. This unmatched visual feast is complemented by its famous backwaters sandwiched between the sea and the land.
Its university is the seat of knowledge and ancient wisdom and the burning ghats along the river Ganga the apparent route to salvation and eternal peace. Spiritual and mystic moods meld with stark realities of everyday existentialism and the frolic of innocence.
More and more international flight paths into Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata have opened up the unknown landscapes of the Indian subcontinent under the gaze of the Western eye
LADAKH If the Himalayas can be likened to an oyster, then Ladakh is the pearl. Nestled in the womb of Himalayas, the main attraction is the ninestoried royal palace styled on the lines of the famous Potala Palace of Tibet. There are the trekking trails, the temples of Chamba and Jo Kang Gompa and the Zanskar Valley.
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KARNATAKA Houses the Silicon City of India. And a whole array of health spas. A range of architecture depicted through its palaces, temples, mausoleums, monuments and ruins. Sanctuaries, national parks and waterfalls. Endless beaches, forests, scenic hills and modern cityscapes.
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Tom Cruise at Taj Mahal, Agra. He was in India December last year for the red carpet screening of 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol'. Portions of the film were shot in Mumbai and Bangalore
I can't believe I am here. The atmosphere, the people are very nice. India is an amazing place. I will definitely love to come again
Hollywood Actor Tom Cruise 8
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KASHMIR:
The Dal Lake dotted with innumerable houseboats and the distant snow covered mountains. Each houseboat with its own interior layout. Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam at higher levels. A warm and outgoing local populace adding its own unique colour to the surroundings. A hint of uneasiness sometimes. And a visual of debris of violent terror attacks contrasts with the colours
and culture of e peace loving people and beauty of the general environment.
KOLKATA
GOA
HIMACHAL PRADESH
The British are long gone but the colonial influence still remains. In the look of its buildings and monuments. Interiors and mind sets that haven’t morphed with the times yet co-exist happily with today. The quaint hand-pulled rickshaws, the Chinese district. The boatsman taking people across the Hoogly as modern vehicles criss cross the Howrah Bridge.
The Cannes of India. Currently known as the host city for International Film Festival of India. A land of sun, sea and sand; feni, fun and frolic. Beaches galore, churches and saints, music and dance, festivals and carnivals. Where people enjoy music and dance and raise a toast to celebrate every occasion.
From Hills to Mountains. Capped by snowy peaks; punctuated by passes and glaciers. Dotted by rich flora and abundant variety of wildlife with 90% of its seven million population people residing in rural areas. Himanchal Pradesh has an abundance of parks, rich with flora and fauna and regions that experience temperature extremes.
Its no wonder why over the years, David Lean, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorcese and a host of international feature film and ad commercial directors have zeroed in on India
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STEP-BY-STEP
SHOOTING GUIDE FOR GETTING PERMISSION FROM THE GOVERNMENT
Here is the complete checklist provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on obtaining permission to shoot in India for a feature film. It is advisable to engage a production service company in India to help you manage your project
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The Government of India invites foreign film teams to shoot their movies in India - a country with locations of untold beauty. It has also simplified the procedure for shooting of films by foreigners in India. The ensuing paragraphs will answer your questions regarding the procedure to apply for permission to shoot WHAT SHOULD ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION? ✔ You need to send us a simple letter, telling us of your intention to shoot in India, mentioning the dates of shooting, particulars of the cast and crew, and your chosen locations. Please address your letter to the relevant address a month before your planned shooting schedule, and enclose four copies of the final, detailed shooting script, a draft/cheque for US$ 200 drawn in favour of Pay& Accounts Officer, Ministry of I&B, (MS), New Delhi (that is a fee for scrutiny of the script), detailed shooting locations and particulars regarding the cast and crew coming to India. No fee is required for shooting documentaries in India. ✔ Should you wish to bring your own shooting equipment, please send us a list of the equipment to be temporarily imported. This will enable us to make a recommendation to the customs authorities to exempt the temporary import from customs duty. ✔ Your permission to shoot will normally not take more than three weeks to process. The permission letter issued by the Government of India will facilitate your permission from other local authorities, which may, in some cases, need to be obtained directly from these authorities. ✔ In case any living personality is portrayed in the film as a Character, we suggest that you share the script with that personality or his/her legal heirs, before beginning the shooting, and obtain a ’No Objection Letter’. This letter will expedite the clearance of your application, and also guard against the possibility of any defamation or libel suits. ✔ If you propose to shoot your film as a co-production, a copy of the agreement between your company and the Indian party indicating the role of each party, its responsibilities and liabilities, must accompany the application. ✔ If your film requires shooting in the
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scenic but sensitive areas of Jammu & Kashmir, the North Eastern India or border belts, your application will be considered for specific approval in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs. In such cases, you would need to allow more time to process your application. WHAT WILL THE INDIAN MISSION IN YOUR COUNTRY DO FOR YOU ✔ Do submit the detailed particulars of all the members of the shooting team, to the Indian Mission in the country from which they would be departing for India at the time, indicating your intention to shoot in India. Our mission will issue them visas in the normal course. OTHER THINGS THAT YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW ✔ An expert from a panel constituted by us for this purpose will scrutinize your script. If considered necessary, to facilitate the shooting, a liaison officer may be attached to a film shooting team. This officer will help you to get local clearances, and provide an interface with any local institutions. Where a liaison officer is so attached to the shooting team, the Government of India will bear his expenses. In exceptional cases you may need to show the completed film to a representative of the Government of India, in India or in an Indian Mission abroad, before its release anywhere in the world. This requirement will apply only to films made on subjects of political, religious or socio cultural sensitivity, and is focused on ensuring that the film has been shot in accordance with the scrutinized script and that the film has nothing objectionable from the point of view of presentation of a correct and balanced perspective on the topic covered. ✔ During the shooting of the film if it is felt that any material changes or deviation from the approved script is necessary, permission may be taken from this Ministry before shooting these scenes.
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FORMAT OF THE DRAFT UNDERTAKING TO BE SENT BY THE FOREIGN FILM PRODUCER TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA To The Secretary, adcasting Ministry of Information and Bro Government of India, New Delhi. Sub: Sir, asting’s letter y of Information and Broadc With reference to the Ministr ertakings: und g ……. we hereby give the followin No…………………. dated ………… nce with the e in locations in India in accorda i. Shooting of the film will be don material ment of India. If we consider any script as approved by the Govern roval of the pt, we shall obtain, the prior app changes are necessary in the scri nges. Government of India for such cha oting team ticulars of the members of the sho ii. We shall furnish the detailed par ia at least one shooting would take place in Ind and the exact locations where the r approval prio t tha e of the team in India. We not month in advance of the arrival oting in sho for essary for the fixing of locations of the Government of India is nec certain areas. er Ministries assistance to be obtained from oth iii. We note that in the case of ted by these ula stip separate agreements as such as Defence, Education etc. ed with them. Ministries, are required to be sign re attached the presence of a Liaison Officer whe iv. We shall shoot the film only in rmation and Broadcasting. to the team by the Ministry of Info that nothing son Officer’s duty will be to ensure v. We accept that part of the Liai t or includia or the Indian people shall be sho detrimental in the depiction of Ind team and the disagreement arising between the ed in the film. In the event of any referred to the the matter will be immediately Liaison Officer in this respect, final. We shall be adcasting whose decision will Ministry of Information and Bro ner. s are not compromised in any man ensure that India’s security interest tive of the completed film to the representa vi. We undertake to show our if recomsion in*_______________ for scrutiny Government of India/the Indian Mis roy the dest and we further undertake to delete mended by the Ministry of I&B and tiny by the found objectionable on such scru portions of the film that may be anywhere in film is utilized for public exhibition Government of India, before the the world.
vide, in dupliis completed in India we shall pro vii. After the shooting of the film ve report about tion and Broadcasting a narrati cate, to the Ministry of Informa ia. the details of shooting done in Ind Yours truly
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SEND YOUR APPLICATIONS FOR SHOOTING FEATURE FILMS/ TELEFILMS IN INDIA TO: THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ‘A’ WING, SHASTRI BHAVAN NEW DELHI - 110 001 INDIA
SEND YOUR APPLICATIONS FOR SHOOTING DOCUMENTARIES IN INDIA TO: THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (EXTERNAL PUBLICITY DIVISION) GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ROOM NO.137, ‘A’ WING, SHASTRI BHAVAN NEW DELHI - 110 001, INDIA
WHAT THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COMPANY WILL DO FOR YOU Do your homework before picking your facilitator for your project.
all sorts of boarding and lodging facilities.
They will be able to assist you with
Legal procedures Government permissions:
Locations: Locations across the country Talent: Actors, models, extras, singers, dancers, etc. Technicians: Art directors, cameramen, costume designers, directors, editors, lyricists, make up stylists, music directors, photographers, script writers, sound recordists, etc. Equipment: 35mm/16mm cameras (ARRI and PANAVISION), HD camera, jibs and cranes, dollys and panthers, steadycams, lenses and filters, lighting equipment and lights, motion control rigs and gribs, generators, follow cars, DVD hard disk based sound recorders, mikes and booms, etc. Post production facilities: Digital Intermediate (D.I.), editing (linear and non-linear), grading at telecines, processing and printing, visual effects, computer graphics, animation (2D, 3D, Claymation), sound mixing (rerecording).
1. Legal contracts and agreements 2. Clearing and forwarding/customs 3. Film finance and insurances Please provide the Information and Broadcasting Ministry with the following information while making your enquiry: ✔ Name of the Company ✔ Applicant’s name and designation ✔ Your contact address, email, telephone nos ✔ Project title and language ✔ Nature of project (Film/TV/ Docu/Ad Film) ✔ Synopsis in English ✔ Duration of filming in India ✔ No. of crew travelling to India ✔ Equipment and gear to be brought into India.
Travel and Accommodation: Access to any part of the country with 13
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SERVICE PROVIDERS
INDIA’S RECOGNISED PRODUCTION SERVICE COMPANIES Pickle presents India's well-known production services companies which have executed global projects and earned credits. Always present on the top of the radar for production work, these companies ensure that their clients get best of their services and attention all the time WESTEAST FILMS PIERRE ASSOULINE email: info@westeastfilms.com, website: www.westeastfilms.com Westeast Films, based in Bombay, with desks in Los Angeles and in Europe, can certainly help you fully benefit from the savings and advantages India has to offer in these times of global film budget crunch. Westeast Films not only provides you with full services in India dealing with production and post-production, but also with the sensitive consultancy you are looking for while preparing your project and facing your budget challenges. Westeast Films is the only production and services company in INDIA owned and managed by both Europeans and Indians, with a unique understanding of Western filmmaking needs. Westeast Films believes in tranparency and does not hide profit in every budget item but quotes negotiated items only and charges a clear overall flat fee. ``Why systematically fall into the recurrent: “Who has done Slumdog Millionaire?” when as our tremendously satisfied clients (testimonials on our website) one can be curious of advantageous creative alternatives.’’ For a meeting in Cannes, email us at cannes@westeastfilms.com or call us at +33(0)613215900
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NOMAD FILMS
KAS MOVIE MAKERS ARUNA HARPRASAD, KALYAN MUKHERJEE email: kasmovie@kasmovie.com
JUNAID MENON email: info@nomadfilmsindia.com
KAS Movie Makers, a production company, was established in 1988 by Aruna Har Prasad and Kalyan Mukherjee. For more than two decades now, it has been producing documentaries, feature films and commercials with the best international crews in the business. It has worked with top global production Companies and committed to practical creative solutions and strong work ethics.
Mumbai-based Nomad Films is an established production services company in India. Known for its international standard production quality, Nomad is today almost 100 commercials and two feature films old. It has produced television commercials for countries like South Africa, USA, Singapore, New Zealand and UK among others.
HIGHLIGHT FILMS
STRATUM FILMS
SRILA CHATTERJEE email: info@highlightfilms.com
AVINASH SHANKAR email: avinash@stratumfilms.com
Highlight has set the standards of film making in India since 1986. Started by Mahesh Mathai, it is managed today by a board comprising Mahesh Mathai, Srila Chatterjee and Sunhil Sippy (who is also a director at Highlight). The company has created a support team of the best available professional talent in film production, which is thoroughly trained in international system, for their projects. It offers end to end solutions from entry visas to film stock export.
Stratum Films assists in production and production services right across the board for film shooting needs. This include everything- from location and talent scouting, permissions for shooting anywhere in India, through to casting, crew filming and equipment. It has provided services for directors like David Denneen, Paul Street and Thed Lenssen etc.
ELEMENTS PRODUCTION SERVICES ACHAL SINHA email: info@elements.asia A production service company based out of New Delhi and Mumbai, Element handles photo shoots and commercials. The company has executed seamless productions for companies, agencies, photographers and directors from all over the world.
ON THE ROAD DILEEP SINGH RATHORE email: dileep@kpics.net Founded by veteran Producer Line producer Dileep Singh Rathore, since 1996 it has earned the trust of Hollywood studios, international filmmakers and production companies. “We understand the challenges and risks of shooting abroad and the added complexity and diversity of shooting in India and South Asia. We have years of experience and we are there to guide, share and support you at every stage. While there is no question India offers a wealth of opportunities to filmmakers, the challenges that face productions can prove daunting, even to the most experienced producer� explains their website.
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INDIA TAKE ONE PRODUCTIONS TABREZ NOORANI email:info@indiatakeone.com India Take One has done some of the biggest projects for global producers They have done Slumdog Millionaire for Danny Boyle. For all your production requirements in India, they provide complete support and services for your shoot. From scouting locations to organizing complex set ups in beautiful, mysterious and untouched areas of remotest India, or building sets and shooting in the midst of the Indian Jungle.
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LOCALE MAHARASHTRA
THE MOTHERLAND OF BOLLYWOOD For foriegn filmmakers, Maharashtra presents a palette of locations that provides all the shades of a given era, lifestyle and mindset. Ramesh Tekwani captures what you could do in the State
Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire was shot in Mumbai
aharashtra, literally means “the great nation” and it really is, in more ways than one. For the filmgoer and cinephile Maharashtra is where Bollywood is, the land where mainstream Hindi films are produced; and in that dazzle and blink many miss out the fact that Maharashtra also offers film makers a banquet of backdrops for films of all genres To a discerning Art Director, Maharashtra is not just a paradise waiting to be discovered, it is a stage that can metamorphose to the need of a story; be it set in 10,000 BC, yesterday, today or centuries ahead in the future. Many a location, here, comes with its own history and legends which, by themselves, can be the source for a myriad celluloid tales. Did you know that a 2-million-ton meteorite landed here nearly 50,000 years ago to create the world’s third largest crater. It is here that Lord Shri Rama took the pledge to destroy all the demons harassing the saints.
M
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Between science fiction and mythology Maharashtra presents a palette of locations that provides all the shades of a given era, lifestyle and mindset. Scattered across the state amidst scenic reservoirs and lakes are innumerable temples dedicated to a panoply of gods. Amidst hill and dale linked with rivulets and waterfalls that present varying faces around the year in sync with the seasons. If you can think it and write it, Maharashtra, probably will give you a live location to match. Barring, perhaps, the Alpine snowfall, the London fog or Winter in Leningrad; and these can be created for you in one of the studios as a set or through a combination of Green Screens and Computer Imagery. Maharashtra, also offers a film maker some excellent self contained production centres complete with total production, post production infrastructure, in Mumbai, Nagpur, Karjat with two more slated to come up in Kolhapur and Kolhapur not too far from Mumbai.
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INDIA ADVANTAGE
India provides two great advantages. The favourable exchange rate allows high quality Dollar-Euro Productions at Rupee prices. And, of course, a population that ensures a ready audience eager to see their own location in foreign films 17
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MAHA LOCALES
Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
Some of the known locations in Maharashtra are: BEACHES
CAVES OF MAHARASHTRA Ajanta, Elephanta, Ellora, Pitalkhora FORTS OF MAHARASHTRA Murud-Janjira, Raigarh, Rajgarh, Pratapgarh, Lohagarh-Visapur, Sindhudurg, Kulaba-Alibag, KondanaSinhagarh, Shivaneri, Purandar, Vijayadurg, Panhala, AjinkyataraSamara, Suvarnadurg, Vasai, DevagiriDaulatabad, Ballalpur, Chandrapur and Manikgarh, Balapur, Gavilgarh, Tryambak and Chakans, Narnala, Akola and Achalpurs, Ahmadnagar, Mahur, Pauni and Nagardhan SHRINES & TEMPLES Bhimashankar, Ghrishneshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Ashta Vinayak, Mahalaxmi (Kolhapur), Mumbai Shrines, Nashik, Nanded, Shirdi, Anwar Temple, Tuljapur, Khuldabad, Sindkhed Raja, Alandi, Dehu, Meherabad, Jejuri, Khopoli, Titwala, Wardha, Shegaon
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Dahanu, Bordi, Ganapatipule, Mandwa, Kihim, Marve, Manori, Gorai, Shriwardhan, Harihareshwar, Tarkarli, Velneshwar, Vengula, Malvan HILL STATIONS Amboli, Bhandardara, Chikhaldara Hills, Jawhar, Khandala, Lonavala, Karla, Mahabaleshwar, Malshej Ghat, Matheran, Panchgani, Panhala, Toranmal SANCTURIES Bhamragarh Sancturaies, Bor Dam, Chaprala, Chikhaldara, Dajipur, Nagzira, Navegaon National Park, Pench National Park, Tadoba National Park, Tipeshwer LEISURE SPOTS Bhatye, Igatpuri, Lonar, Nawegaon Bandh, Panshet
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SHOT IN INDIA
Films Shot in India and Ready for Release Roland Joffe’s Singularity shot in India with Bipasha Basu, Abhay Deol, Atul Kulkarni and Milind Gunaji to name a few is being showcased at Cannes 2012
A scene from John Madden’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Ang Lee’s Life of Pi, shot in India, set for release in December 2012
Even as you read this there are over a dozen and a half films that are ready to come and shoot in this part of the world. Some of the films shot here, completed and ready for release are Roland Joffe’s Singularity with India’s Bipasha Basu, Abhay Deol, Atul Kulkarni and Milind Gunaji is being showcased at Cannes 2012. Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Rises will follow in July. Later in the year in December will be The Life of Pi Ang Lee’s 3D fantasy film. John Madden’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is already brightening screens across the world since April. Among the recent high profile release was Mission Impossible IV that had Tom Cruise zipping across in his BMW in and out of the bylanes in Mumbai. Films shot in India and on India have featured quite successfully at the Oscars; notably, Gandhi and Slumdog Millionaire.
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Grand Film Locales at Gujarat
Mandvi Beach
Girnar
Kutch Porbandar
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Sabarmati Ashram
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Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
Meet Gujarat Film location officials at Palais Level 01 22.02 / 24.01 for a quick chat on what Gujarat offers for global filmmakers
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GRAND GUJARAT
Gujarat Welcomes Global Filmmakers
Vipul Mittra Principal Secretary, Tourism State Government of Gujarat, India
Gujarat figures top in the list of film shoots for foreign filmmakers. What are the major attractions in the state? Gujarat is blessed with a varied topography and cultural diversity. Here you will find religious monuments, white desert, virgin beaches, forests and wildlife, hill station, rivers, more than 20 heritage sites, dams, cultural celebrations, urban infrastructure etc. With one of the best infrastructures in India and ease of accessibility for these locations, Gujarat is being discovered as a major attraction for film makers. List out some of the top film locales in the State? It is very recent that Gujarat has been recognized as a location for film destination and its discovery is still a continuing process. Every location has its unique signature which would appeal to the filmmakers differently.We have tried to identify a few places which will be fit for shoots, categorized as below: ➥ Majestic monuments: Balaram palace (Palanpur),Darbargadh (Poshina),
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Gujarat is aggressively showcasing itself as a filmmaker's dream destination. “We want to make sure that anyone who wants to use Gujarat for shooting films will be given all possible support from us.” says Vipul Mittra Principal Secretary, Tourism, Gujarat Nilambagh palace (Bhavnagar), Rajwant Palace (Rajpipla), House of Mangaldas Girdhardas (Ahmedabad), Adalaj Step Wells (Ahmedabad), Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad), Gujarat University (Ahmedabad), Maharaja Sayajirao University (Baroda) ➥ Wildlife: The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary(Junagadh),Rann of Kutch, exotic marine life and corals at Narara and Pirotan Islands, bird sanctuary of Khijadia and Nalsarovar ➥ Exotic scenery: Virgin beaches spanning 1600 kms, locations near Sardar Sarovar dam, Saputara hill station ➥ Spiritual structures: Modhera Sun Temple, Shiva Temple (Vijaynagar Polo), Toran Gate (Vadnagar), Akshardham (Gandhinagar), Shamlaji temple (Himmatnagar), The Jami Mosque (Champaner), Sarkhej Roza (Ahmedabad), The Dutch and English Cemetary (Surat), Gandhi Ashram (Ahmedabad), Jain temples of Palitana and Taranga, Huteesinh Temple (Ahmedabad), Buddhist imprints at
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WE ARE AGGRESSIVELY SHOWCASING GUJARAT AS A FILMMAKER'S DREAM DESTINATION Devnimori (Shamlaji) and Siyot Caves (Kutch) ➼ Ethnic backdrops and festivals: Navratri, Kite festival, Modhera dance festival, Kutch festival,Tarnetar fair, Shamlaji fair ➼ Urban Gujarat: Cosmo culture and environment of Ahmedabad , Surat and Baroda, complete with modern infrastructures like multiplexes, golf courses, and luxury hotels. Gujarat is very well connected with other States as well as internally. Gujarat is connected by four lane highways with its neighbouring States, as well as by air with one international airport and 11 domestic airports. We have one of the best road infrastructures in the country, which connects even the remotes corners of Gujarat. We have adequate hotels for accommodation in urban areas with classified hotels. In rural and semi urban areas, discounts will be provided at government owned hotels. Mumbai, which is the hub of Indian cinema is very well connected with Gujarat and because of its proximity, technicians and artists can be hired with ease.
foreign film crews? Do they get concession in staying in hotels? Yes, concession may be given at State run Hotels. Tourism Corporation is also trying to negotiate with private hoteliers for arriving at a discounted rate for film crews.
Do you offer single window clearance for shooting in the State once the producer concerned obtains permission from the Ministry concerned at the Centre? Yes, the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited currently acts as a nodal agency for any film shoot across Gujarat. We are also in the process of setting up a film cell which will help in identifying locations as well as getting necessary clearances for the shoot.
Can people contact you over an email or call you directly if they come across any problem during the film shoot? Yes. We are aggressively showcasing Gujarat as a filmmaker's dream destination. We want to make sure that anyone who wants to use Gujarat for shooting films will be given all possible support from us. In the case of any problem, anyone can contact us by calling us directly or through email, or by contacting the film cell.
What are your major concerns from filmmakers? What are the clear `Nos' from your end that film producers should know? Gujarat is open for film-makers of all kind, and all sorts of help will be extended to them. The only thing that has to be borne in the mind is for them to respect the law of the land, and making sure that sentiments of locals are not hurt. Do you have panel of location executive producers on board? The government is in the process of setting up a panel of experts who will guide producers with selection of locations for shoots. Currently this is being handled by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited.
Do you have any sops on offer to
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CAPITAL DELHI
150 Documentries Were Shot in Last 2 Years
Manish Chatrath Chairman, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation
Delhi has emerged as a new global destination for foreign film producers. What do you think are the advantages of getting a film shot in Delhi? Delhi is the National Capital of India. Delhi has been the capital of successive dynasties including ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of British Empire. Delhi has a continuous living history of more than 3000 years and has been one of the most important cities of India. Delhi has outstanding universal value and has following three world heritage monuments: Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb Delhi has the requisite infrastructure by way of hotels , transport , communication, film shooting equipments, film processing etc. Trained man power in the field of film facilitating shooting is available in Delhi. The international airport of Delhi is among the top four airports in the world and is capable of handling chartered flights. National School of Drama with an abundance of talent and expertise in the field of films and theatres functions from
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Even as Delhi, the capital city of India, emerges an international destination for film shoots, Manish Chatrath, Chairman, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation explains the facilities available in the city for global movie makers Delhi. The city is also well connected with the cities of Agra, Jaipur, Haridwar, Amrtisar and a number of hill stations. What kind of locales are in Delhi for film shoots? Delhi can offer a wide range of locales and settings for film shoots as listed below 1. Natural Heritage ➤ River Yamuna ➤ Forest areas ➤ Lakes ➤ Flora and Fauna Forts, palaces, 2. Heritage Sites tombs, gateways, etc belonging to ➤ Slave Dynasty – Qutb Minar, ➤ Tughlaq period – Tughlaqabad Fort, Hauz Khas ➤ Lodi /Sayyid Period – Lodi Garden Tombs, ➤ Mughal Period – Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb ➤ British – New Delhi
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Mughal Gardens, Delhi
3. Different Building Typologies ➤ Schools & Colleges ➤ Institutional Buildings India Habitat Centre, etc ➤ Hotels – backpacker motels to super deluxe seven star hotels ➤ Restaurants Outdoor, indoor, poolside, etc ➤ Places of Worship sufi dargahs, temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, ashrams, etc ➤ Gates– India Gate, etc 4. Green Spaces ➤ Gardens Mughal Gardens, Garden of Five Senses, Lodi Gardens, Nehru Park, etc ➤ Golf courses 5. Markets ➤ Traditional Markets Silverware, clothes, trinkets, copperware, etc ➤ Malls and Departmental Stores 6. Vistas ➤ Central Vista (Rashtrapathi Bhavan India Gate) ➤ Lutyens Delhi Is there a single point contact in the State of Delhi for getting shooting locale clearances? There is no single point contact as yet in the state of Delhi for getting shooting locales clearances. However, the government of Delhi is in the process of setting up single window clearance system for film shooting in Delhi through DTTDC, which should be operational soon.
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Does the tourism board offer sops for film shoots? Do you give discount for hotels that comes under the ambit of the state? As on date, there is no concession / incentive for film shooting in the Indian Capital, however, along with setting up of single point contact system in Delhi, the system of concession / incentive is also being worked out. As regard to accommodation, Delhi Tourism offers moderate accommodation through its Bed & Breakfast service which can be accessed through our website www.delhitourism.gov.in Will you be forthcoming if any of the foreign film producers want to project Delhi as a background city for a feature film? Will you interfere in the content of the film shot? DTTDC will be glad to facilitate foreign film production if they want to project Delhi as a background city for feature film. DTTDC would like to see the script of the film before getting associated with it. Do you have a panel of line producers on board? Yes, DTTDC has a panel of four agencies for facilitation of film shooting in Delhi. How many foreign films or documentaries were shot in the last one or two years? Approximately over 150 documentaries have been shot on Delhi in the past two years.
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Film Locales in Delhi
ting Delhi is the best locale for green shoo
Backdrop of Yamuna River
India Gate
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Hauz Khas
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Purana
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Unusual Garden locales
a Qila
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LOCATION GOA
One Stop Destination for Filmmakers Goa has witnessed a huge growth in terms of shooting schedules, courtesy its friendly government, great locales. No doubt it's time for foreign filmmakers to pack their bags off to Goa, as all the above things would make them feel at home By Sachin Chatte t can be said without any doubt that when it comes to film-shooting locations in India, Goa is second to none. Over the years, it has remained a favorite destination for filmmakers and given its recent track record, it is only fair to say that Goa’s popularity is increasing day by day. A glance at some of the films released since the last year tells its own story – Rajnikant’s Robot, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish (he also shot Khamoshi here), Golmaal , Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Khelen hum jee jaan se (whose Lagaan was nominated for an Oscar), Rohan Sippy’s Dum maro dum, Murder 2 and Rohit Shetty’s blockbuster Singham and Shah Rukh Khan’s Ra One, all were shot here and, significantly, many had storylines where Goa was central to the narrative. And there are some very big films in the pipe-line due for release soon, like the Yash Chopra production Ladies vs Ricky Behl directed by Manish Sharma of Baand Bajaa Baraat fame and Abbas Mastan’s Players. Goa also made it to the world map of cinema when portions of The Sea Wolves (1980) starring big names like Roger Moore, Gregory Peck and David Niven were shot in the State. Based on a true story in which Goa played a vital part, it was about a team of British ex-soldiers who are sent to destroy a German ship harbored in Goa. In 2004 came the next big international film, The Bourne Supremacy starring Matt Damon, the story of which starts off in Goa where Jason Bourne is living incognito with his
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girlfriend, who is later killed in a stunt that was staged on the Nerul bridge. Ever since the International Film Festival of India was shifted to Goa in 2004, the State has witnessed a huge growth in terms of shooting schedules. In fact, in terms of percentage, the amount of films that are shot in Goa have quadrupled over the last couple of years. With almost 2000 days of shootings taking place in the State last year, In terms of revenue, the contribution is anywhere from Rs 200 crore onwards. So what makes Goa such a popular film destination? Shiva Baba Naik, a well known Line Producer with more than 250 films to his credit, says “there is more than one reason. First of all – and this goes without saying -- you have wonderful locales here; secondly, the film schedule in Goa can happen uninterrupted and one can actually wrap up a film in a 30-45 days shoot. “ It also helps that in a place like Goa, the cast and crew is totally dedicated to one project and the whole deal works out better for the film makers. From an international point of view, it is well connected by air, besides, the proximity of Mumbai also helps. In terms of locations, Goa has just about everything to offer. The beaches are popular all over the world but there is so much more to Goa than just the beaches. There are monuments, beautiful houses, churches, temples, scenic beauty and so much more. It is no surprise then that it is the preferred choice for so many A- list directors in the country. Even if you leave out the last few years, when there has been a slew of films shot in
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GOA Proximity to Mumbai. Fifty minutes by Air
LOCALE
Green forests, rivers, waterfalls, rice fields Goa, every few years there has been a film or two that has put Goa in the limelight. Among the first mainstream hit films to be shot here was Gumnaam (1965) starring Manoj Kumar, Nanda and Pran which was based on the Agatha Christie novel, And then there were none. Khwaja Ahmed Abbas’ Saat Hindustani (1969), which marked the debut of the Indian legend Amitabh Bachchan, based on the story of Goa’s liberation from the Portuguese, was also shot here. Over the years Goa’s brand value has also gone up considerably, so much so, that many film makers have their stories based in Goa now. Apart from the two big international films (Sea Wolves and Bourne Supremacy), Goa is still waiting to be tapped by the international market. The new Bond film also had Goa on its radar but eventually they moved out of India. There are also some big opportunities waiting to be explored in terms of setting up film studios and post-production facilities in the State. After the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to Goa, there has been a remarkable awareness of and interest in the State among the film fraternity. There are talks of setting up a film school and state-of-the-art film studio in the State, even though nothing concrete has materialized so far. The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) to its credit has been working to improve and streamline facilities for granting permissions for film shooting – they even have a single window clearance system for film shoots where permissions are issued within a couple of days. With so many films being shot in Goa, the resources have also increased gradually. There are professional Line
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Producers to handle everything from hotel bookings to local technicians. Presently, film makers hire most of their equipment from Mumbai which is a 10 hour drive and that adds to the cost. If these facilities, along with a decent studio for post production could be set up and promoted, then Goa could become a major hub not only in India but perhaps even the international market. Nitin Chandrakant Desai, India’s best known art director who has worked with the likes of Oscar winner Jane Campion and Danny Boyle of Slumdog Millionaire fame, says that Goa has all it takes to bring out the best in film-makers. Desai, who has a state-of-the-art film studio in Karjat on the outskirts of Mumbai, has said that he is more than willing to offer his expertise to the government. Over the years, some of the locations in Goa have become so popular that many tourism operators have a special tour called Filmy Chakkar that takes you to locations where well known movies were shot. For instance, the Chapora fort, which was dead and dusty, has become a sought after place to visit for tourists, thanks to Dil Chahata Hain. Currently, the Goa government is studying a tax relief proposal scheme which will benefit filmmakers. Internationally, there are many States in the US and Canada that give considerable tax breaks to filmmakers. This would be a welcome step and a first of its kind in India. It could well catapult Goa as a favorite film shooting destination in Asia. The author is a film critic based in Goa and have been writing about films for the past 18 years.
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GOAN TRAIL
A Dream Locale to Shoot The blue-water beaches in the midst of a sprawling lush-green vegetation offer an ideal milieu for filmmakers of all hues, with the Entertainment Society of Goa buffeting a single-window clearance. Manoj Srivatsava, CEO, ESG says this small State on the western coast offers a variety of colours and shades to choose from The architecture ranges from ancient to f you want to shoot your film in a hassle medieval to modern. A string of forts, free manner, at a place where the actors temples, churches, are not bothered, where chapels, monuments, herall facilities for a modern itage structures, typically day shoot are easily availGoan streets and mosques able, a place which is well offer a huge variety. Goa connected by air, rail and has modern airports, road, at a place which has malls, ports, jetties of exotic locations wherever various types, bridges, you place your camera, go hotels, and world class to Goa, India. roads. Floating casinos, By the picturesque Arabian world class boats, jet skies Sea, with a coast line of 105 and other water sports kilometres is the lush gear is easily available in heaven called Goa in India. Manoj Srivastava Goa to support film shoots The average temperature is along with the expertise. 30 degrees throughout the CEO, ESG The Entertainment year. This small State on Society of Goa offers a the western coast offers a THE ENTERTAINMENT SOCIETY OF single window clearance variety of colours and for all film shoots in Goa shades to choose from. GOA HAS BROKEN ALL RECORDS within 72 hours of the Come Monsoon, the entire application generally. The land turns lush green. BY ORGANIZING OVER 1,000 DAYS charge per day for shootDecember to March see a OF SHOOT IN JUST 360 DAYS, I.E. ing in Goa is Rs.10,000 or different shade of amber USD 200 approximately. throughout the region, HANDLING SIMULTANEOUS MULProfessional Line much like Arizona landTIPLE SHOOTS IN GOA IN THE PAST Producers empanelled scape. Blue is the with the Society take care omnipresent shade with ONE YEAR. WITH ITS USER FRIENDof locations, permissions rivers like Mondovi, Sal and other arrangements and Zuari flowing through LY APPROACH AND FAVORABLE like hotel bookings, car the State. Waterfalls like GOVERNMENT POLICIES, GOA IS and equipment rentals. Doodhsagar add to the The Society, in fact goes an variety of the landscape. THE LATEST AND HOTTEST DESTINAextra mile to support and The beaches range from TION FOR FILM SHOOTS TODAY help producers and visitrocky to soft fins sand ones. ing film crews with all posThe hills, vales, dense sible assistance. forests, lakes, rice and spice Enquiries can be sent on e mails: plantations enrich the landscape and add ceo@iffigoa.org to location options.
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TIC TAC mouth freshner commercial shot on Arri Alexa in Goa in September 2011 by KAS Movie Makers. The director is Patrick Hughes of Moonwalk Films Paris.
Start camera, Action, Goa : Goa has become a synonym to film shoots. The local government there even has a single window clearance system for film shoots where permissions are issued within a couple of days.
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LOCATION JHARKHAND
Attractions From the State of Jharkhand
JONHA FALL, RANCHI, JHARKHAND JHARKHAND (INDIA) Major attractions: Betla, Netarhaat and other nature locations e.g. Falls , Lakes etc. Spiritual and Religious Destination. Biodiversity Destination. Rural @ Tribal Experience Film locale guide Prabal Mahato (+91-9868537324) Email: jharkhandtourism@yahoo.co.in, mdjtdc@gmail.com Website: www.jharkhandtourism.in Asiatic Elephant at Palamau Tiger Resort
Kanke Dam, Ranchi, Jharkhand
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River Damodar near Rajrappa (Ramgarh)
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CONTACT POINT
Key Contacts For Shooting Locales in Indian States JHARKHAND
KERALA
Sidharth Tripathi Director – Tourism jharkhandtourism@yahoo.co.in mdjtdc@gmail.com
Rani George Director – Tourism ranigeorge@keralatourism.org
BIHAR
TAMIL NADU
D K Shrivastava Director – Tourism directortourismbihar@gmail.com
WEST BENGAL Dilip Chattopadhyay Director – Films Ministry of Information & Culture Affairs +91 33 22544349 / 22145943
RAJASTHAN Usha Sharma Principal Secretary, Tourism 0141 2227889, 2227142
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V K Jeyakodi Secretary – Tourism & Culture toursec@tn.gov.in
PUNJAB Karmjeet Singh Sra Director – Tourism 0172 - 2699140
GOA Manoj Srivastava CEO Entertainment Society of Goa ceo@iffigoa.org
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PUDUCHERRY S B Deepak Kumar Collector dcrev.pon@nic.in
KARNATAKA C Nagaraju Deputy Director director@karnatakatourism.org
DELHI Manish Chatrath Chairman, Delhi Tourism Development Corporation tourism@delhitourism.gov.in
GUJARAT Kirti Thaker Gujarat Tourism kirtithakar55@gmail.com
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REALITY CHECK
Things India should do to Attract Global Filmmakers
Srini Vasan President, World Studio Group He can be reached at svasan@worldstudiogroup.com
uring my last 20 years of living in the US, I have seen an amazing transformation of perception of India and the story is still unfolding. With all its glory and contradictions, India continues to amaze the Americans. The film fraternity in the US is open to the idea to shoot films overseas more than ever in the current financial challenges. Budgets have shrunk, money is hard to find and big studios are doing lesser and lesser films each year. The independent film making and mid-size budget movies in the range of $10m to $30m have been hit very hard in the current economic turmoil. In this fiercely competitive environment, States within the US are fighting back to retain the production in their respective States while competitors like Canada, England, New Zealand and of late Fiji are luring the US production companies by offering a slew of generous packages to woo the producers. Smaller players like Ireland, Romania and Hungary are throwing red carpet to receive the producers. So, India has to think globally when it comes
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India has beautiful locales, world class talents and brilliant filmmakers. But the norms foreigners should follow to shoot their films in India are tough, feels Srini Vasan, President, World Studio Group urging that the Indian government should step in and ease them to attracting film producers. While in India, we continue to talk about attracting producers to come to India. Unfortunately, producers today come to India only for films which require Indian or Middle Eastern back drop. With a rigid and centralized visa and shooting approval schemes, it is quite a bit of challenge to convince the producers to come to India. US producers are amused to find that the Indian approvals require submission of 15 copies of anything for approval. Such approval processes must be streamlined and simplified. Indian Missions in the US must be well trained to handle the prospective producers. At present, only those producers who can handle multiple challenges at different levels come to India and produce films. This has to change. India has an amazing potential. In my opinion, India desperately needs a well-oiled State Film Commission set-up to promote film industry both in India and abroad. Permissions and approvals for films should be decentralized and handed
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Khimsar, Rajasthan. India has amazing film locations that attract US producers in the United States feels Srini Vasan
over to State Film Commissions. Members of State Film Commission must be deputed to important Indian missions abroad to provide on- going support at the Indian missions. India should initially focus on countries like US, Canada, Italy, France and UK. Being the world’s large film production market, Indian government must take efforts to reduce customs duties on film production equipments so that the availability of equipments and infrastructure will make it easier both for the foreign and Indian producers. Indian filmmakers are masters in managing with little. We cannot expect foreign producers to imbibe jugaad. Non-availability of world class equipment in the area of production expendables, electrical, grip, lighting and camera departments is the major complaint from producers. Unless the Customs duty is reduced, no local vendor will be incentivized to import these equipments. Overseas production staff will not compromise on this very issue. Of all, the most important element missing in India is production incentive. If there are no financial incentives, producers do not have a motive to come to India and face all challenges. Let us look at some of the examples: ❖ Fiji offers a staggering 47 per cent incentive for qualifying local spend with caps for feature films and television shows. ❖ Quebec offers a tax rebate on 25 per cent of production expenditures. Qualifying green-screen shooting,
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visual effects and digital animation is eligible for an additional 20 per cent tax credit, bringing the total rebate to 44 percent. Currently, there are no minimum spend and no caps in Quebec. ❖ Alaska is offering a transferable credit up to 44 per cent. Alaska does not have state income tax and no sales tax. Louisiana offers 30 per cent plus five per cent on local labor. Specific parts of Louisiana also offer some perks: For instance, a production can receive an additional three per cent cash rebate on all qualified spending in Jefferson Parish as long as studio or office space is leased in Jefferson Parish. Lafayette also offers a cash rebate of the city sales tax. ❖ Louisiana has 30 per cent investor credit, five per cent labor credit, 25 per cent production credit, 25 per cent infrastructure credit, 25 per cent digital media credit, 25 per cent live media credit. ❖ According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 44 States in the US offer incentives such as tax rebates and sales tax exemptions to film companies. Transferable tax credit allow the out-ofstate companies to sell their tax credit to local resident who have taxable income. It is a win-win for both the out-of-state production companies and individual tax payers. There are companies who specialize in selling these tax credits.
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AT PRESENT, ONLY THOSE PRODUCERS WHO CAN HANDLE MULTIPLE CHALLENGES AT DIFFERENT LEVELS COME TO INDIA AND PRODUCE FILMS. THIS HAS TO CHANGE. INDIA HAS AN AMAZING POTENTIAL By 2010, 46 US states and territories had introduced individual tax credit and rebate programs and saw an estimated $60 billion in television, movie and video production revenue. Let us look at some of the revenues generated by each state due to transferable tax credits. ✔ California is expected to bring $2.8 billion dollars in direct spending to the state including $1billion in wages to below-the-line crew members. In 2011, California was host to 200 films. This year’s total estimated spending for all types of production including film and television is expected to touch $30 billion. ✔ Due to the recently introduced incentive program in California, productions do shift from one state to the other. For example, ABC’s prime time drama ‘Body of Proof ’ shifted from Providence, Rhode Island to California. ✔ Since 2002, Louisiana has paid over $500 million in tax credits to production companies and total impact from film production companies in Louisiana have been in excess of $2 billion. India can implement following highimpact measures to benefit its local industry and at the same time attract foreign production companies into India: ■ Reduce customs duty on film production equipments, expendables and supplies to a maximum of 10 per cent to encourage India to upgrade its tool set which is awfully inadequate. ■ Explore the US model of tax credit and bring it at State level and at the federal level, legislate new tax program for film industry or amend tax rebate programs like 35 (1) (1) (2) which gives 125 per cent of tax write off to encourage individuals and corporate companies to invest in special purpose film ventures ■ Set up a national level skill upgradation program to bring highly talented Indian technicians on par with the US technicians. ■ Set up national level film industry
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database with location data, talent data and production infrastructure data to be run by a body like CII. ■ Set up film commissions at State levels and provide single window clearance for locations which are under Archeological Survey of India. Every state in the US has film commission and California alone has over 60 film commission offices within the state headed by a local Film Commissioner. ■ States should incorporate State-run Film Funds in a public-private partnership model and tax free Film Infrastructure bonds in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta and Chennai to invest and participate in building the film industry. Providing financial incentives is a sure shot way to attract US production companies. Take the example of Indian Premier League . No foreign player is complaining of Delhi Belly or scorching heat during IPL. Once financial incentives are provided, it is a powerful motivation. In summary if India has to succeed, it needs to offer the most attractive combination of tax incentives, crew base, talent pool, infrastructure, accessibility, significant production revenue and overall popularity among filmmakers. Indian technicians and filmmakers are brilliant when it comes to adapting to constant changes. It is in the hands of the government to ease the regulations, provide incentives for building infrastructure and help the amazing entrepreneurship that exists in the Indian film fraternity. Srini Vasan is a serial entrepreneur and currently the President of World Studio Group Inc, USA and particularly focuses on Media, Films, Corporate Strategies, Finance and Technology. Srini has a degree in Math from the University of Madras in India. He also passed professional cost accountancy exams [ICWA India] and Management degree from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, as well as several short-term management-training courses at the Harvard Business School and MIT.
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BRAND INDIA
There was a 42 per cent rise in the number of Hollywood movies shot in India between 2010 and 2011 according to Ernst & Young. While in 2010, 19 Hollywood films were shot here, in 2011 it rose to 27. In China, the number rose to four in 2011 from two in 2010, and in Japan one English movie was shot in 2011 against nil in 2010, it said. The Indian domestic film industry is on the brink of a transformation as its trying to break across the barriers of language, revenue and technology. At the same time, it has become an attractive destination for shooting, visual effects and animation. 37
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INDIAN SERVICE GIANTS
World Class Studio and Production Services
Reliance MediaWorks Studios Reliance MediaWorks (RMW) Studios comprise of 8 sound stages spread across a 7 acre area within Filmcity, Mumbai with a total built-up area of 200,000 sq.ft. The RMW Studios is a comprehensive resource for Feature Films, Television, Commercials, Music Videos, New Media, Gaming, Special Effects and Special Events. RMW has created processes that connect dots across the world. As a film maker or a client, you can walk with a script and walk out with a master at RMW. The RMW Studios have been built as per strict Hollywood compliant design specifications by Wylie Carter & Associates, who are Studio Specialist Architects from Los Angeles and have worked with Walt Disney Studios, Raleigh Studios, and DreamWorks SKG's Playa Vista Studio. They were supported by LA based specialist consultants like Nadel Commercial Architects, John A. Martin Assoc. Structural Engineers, Levine
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& Seegel Mechanical Engineers and KSG Electrical Engineers. The RMW Studios are the first studios in India to have advanced technological features like super silent ‘sync sound’, 55 feet height, enormous ‘live load’ bearing capacities and elephant doors which allow full truck access on to the stages. The fire safety and security measures at the studios are as per Los Angeles County Fire Department regulations. Along with the Studio Infrastructure, Reliance MediaWorks also offers end to end pre-production services like Film Cameras, Multicam Equipment, Automated Lights and LED walls for Broadcast shows and Events and expertise of a technically qualified team along with the equipments, and also has state of art post production facilities for Feature Films, Broadcast Shows and Television Commercials, making it a one stop solution for film makers.
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Yash Raj Films Studio Yash Raj Films Studio has its own state-of-the-art fully integrated Studio and a new Corporate Office at one of Mumbai’s prime properties where the heart of the entertainment business beats. This one-of-its-kind Studio houses three Sound Stages and is the only complete soundproof and air-conditioned Studio in India. The Audio Wing houses the most advanced audio and video recording and post-production facilities. This Studio is just another step towards the dream of consolidating YRF as the most complete Entertainment Conglomerate of India.
Real Image Technologies Real Image Media Technologies is India’s leading provider of technology in the film, video and audio domains and has pioneered several technology revolutions over the last 25 years. Established in 1986, the company was instrumental in bringing computer-based digital nonlinear editing to India with Avid Technology, transforming the industry and forever changing the way Indian film and television programs were edited. Real Image subsequently brought digital cinema sound to India with DTS and helped Indian cinema leapfrog a generation, form mono sound directly to digital. With its Qube Cinema end-to-end digital cinema product line, Real Image has made an impact worldwide. It is the only Indian company – and amongst a handful worldwide – with DCI compliant digital cinema technology.
Prime Focus Prime Focus is a global visual entertainment services group. Visual entertainment services is a new definition for an industry where technology, visual delivery platforms and content are converging and evolving. Employing over 3,500 professionals worldwide, working in 16 facilities across three continents, Prime Focus provides creative and technical services to the film, broadcast, advertising and media industries. It offers a genuine end-to-end solution from pre-production to final delivery including visual effects, creative 3D conversion, video and audio post-production, digital content management and distribution, digital Intermediate, versioning and adaptation, and equipment rental.
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Ramoji Film City Ramoji Film City is the world’s largest integrated film studio in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is spread at over 2,000 acres of lands and it includes amusement parks, recreation centers, film sets and contains both natural and artificial attractions. Ramoji Film City is located just 25 km drive towards SouthEast of the Hyderabad city, near the under construction outer ring road, it has the entrance of this privately held company. The Ramoji Film city has been declared as the world’s largest film studio by Guinness World Records. Ramoji Rao the film producer is the head of Ramoji Group who is the founder of Ramoji Film City. It is one stop solution for film makers which provides then with comprehensive infrastructures and more than 500 different sets locations. With infrastructures including customdesigned locations, mock-ups, set constructions, costumes, shooting stages, locations, cameras, equipments, sound mixing, audio post productions and film
processing. Every year over a million of tourists all across the globe and especially from India. The film city also includes 3 star hotel Tara and a 5 star hotel Sitara for film production units and also open for the tourists. Ramoji Film City (RFC) offers comprehensive production Services facilities for film and television productions. RFC is known for catering to more than twenty film productions simultaneously. At Ramoji Film City, nature’s grandeur woods, hills and lakes – frames the stunning human conceptions such as studios, gardens, hotels, multi-storied buildings and flexible mock-ups. Every RFC location, whether it is an exquisitely landscaped garden or a vividly real mock-up, has been specially conceptualised to serve filmmaking purposes. For instance, the façade and orientation of every film city edifice – airport, apartment block or a medieval castle – can be manipulated in accordance with the imperatives of a shoot.
Rajtaru Studios Rajtaru studios is a one stop shop for production, high-definition post production, visual effects, DI, animation and graphics for film and video industry in India and the Middle East. It has a team of 70 professionals (compositors, visualisers and animators) and offer high end technology services. The company believes that its commitment to quality is the key reason for their growing market share evident with several national and international awards to its credit.
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India: Film Locations & Services Guide www.cii.in
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