MP Govt announces incentives for film, TV serial production

Madhya Pradesh is implementing several schemes for the promotion of film and  TV serial production post unlock of the lockdown due to the pandemic. The state government has put in place a  Standard Operating Guiding Principles to restart film shooting in a predominantly Hindi speaking state making it more viable and manageable for production of movies in Hindi and other languages. Availability of production facilities, Line Producers, Artists, Local Crew etc, makes it much more economical for shooting. Till now, more than 200 projects including feature films, TV Serial/Series, TVCs & Reality shows have been shot in Madhya Pradesh. These include  Stree, Sui-Dhaga, Kalank, Manikarnika, Luka Chhupi, Padman, Toilet ek Prem Katha, Bajirao Mastani, Paan Singh Tomar, Lion,  Aarakshan, Raajneeti.Currently, some renowned actors like Anupam Kher and Bhumi Phednekar have completed shooting in Madhya Pradesh for their movies. And few shootings with actors like Vidya Balan are in the pipeline around last week of November. Commenting on the restart of the shoot Anupam Kher said“ It is picture wrap for our movie The Last Show!! What an amazing, creatively satisfying and courageous journey it has been. We will miss this time together. But I think we have created something, the memories of which will last us for a lifetime. ‘Thank you’ is a small expression to express our gratitude. But we couldn’t have created this gem without the help of #MPGovt, local authorities and people of #Bhopal. Especially @mptourism dept. Jai Ho to you all.  #Film #PassionAndPaseenaFilms” . Among the facilities available in the state for film and serial production are hassle-free approval,  modern Infrastructure,  omnipresent hotels, favorable law and order condition, cost effective infrastructure, crew, local talent and another skilled workforce, Hindi speaking people, food/cuisine flexibility and ideal climate. A dedicated online film web portal will  be created to provide a single -point interface and time bound clearance mechanism for filmmakers intending to shoot in the state. All the applications will be received through online mode by the Film Facilitation Cell and action will be taken in coordination with the concerned department for permission. The Portal will also act as a platform for information dissemination related to film tourism policy and shall also act as a forum for the dissemination and the rules, regulations, also provide information on grants and other utility services. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is liable to coordinate with the different concerned departments for  permission on behalf of Filmmakers. To simplify the shoot permission and making Madhya Pradesh a shooting friendly state, Film Tourism Policy has been worked out. The vision of this Policy is to make Madhya Pradesh a major Film making hub & generate a number of employment opportunities in the state. Madhya Pradesh Tourism has come forward to provide facilities to  the producers and directors. Dedicated Film Facilitation cell has been created as a nodal agency to ease out the shooting permissions through single window clearance system.Identification of authentic shooting locations and ‘’ Film Friendly Authorities and strong Govt. support’’, remains our motto, says the MP Tourism authority.edited by PK Chakravarty