CII Pickle Location and Services Guide May 2013

Film Location Guide Meet us at Palais Level 01 Stand 22.02/24.01

Goa

Kutch, Gujarat

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Kolkata, West Bengal

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

New Delhi

The Confederation of Indian Industry’s handbook to film shooting locations and production services across India in association with Pickle attracting global filmmakers at Cannes

Dear Filmmakers Welcome to India

I

Chandrajit Banerjee

Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry

CII M&E Division Confederation of Indian Industry Mantosh Sondhi Centre 23, Institutional Area Lodi Road, New Delhi 110003 email: amita.sarkar@cii.in

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ndia’s treasured locations have been brought into the limelight to attract global filmmakers and producers. Thanks to the synergy and focused approach of India’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, our film locales are increasingly becoming visible to filmmakers around the world. The State Governments in India are more proactive than ever before and offer red carpet welcome to filmmakers, to position their film locales.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with Pickle has brought out this second edition of India Location and Services guide to reach out to global filmmakers at Cannes. We have on board with us five Indian States -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal as part of the CII booth.

For location and services, every State has its unique cultural elements attached to it. 2012 Oscar winner Ang Lee’s ‘Life of Pi’ was partly filmed in Puducherry and Munnar (State of Kerala). This has given a new fillip India’s vast unexplored locales.

Moreover, Government of India has created a single window mechanism - an Inter-Ministerial Committee for Promotion and Facilitation of Film Production in India.

India has its advantage at every filmmaking process. It has a strong domestic film industry across the country. There is abundance of talent in line production services. Aruna Harprasad of KAS Movies recently mentioned that replicating Mandarin China in Kolkata’s downtown, Taliban Afghanistan in the rugged mountains of Ladakh, Jamaica in feisty Goa, the Arabian nights in Jodhpur is now possible and can be shot to perfection by Indian line producers.

Imagine the opportunity in India. With 28 States, 67 languages, 850 million people under the age of 35, five hundred TV channels, three 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. And, there are no restrictions to dub and release the film in as many as five languages.

More than anything else, India has access to world class technicians and equipment and an amazing choice of locations to shoot any type of film. Skilled professionals are available across the country. Finally, the legal regime in India is supreme. Meet us at the CII booth, if you are serious, to discover the India locales that will suit your script and we will facilitate your reccee trip with the respective State.

It is time for you to grab this opportunity.

Welcome to India.

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incredible india The Government would make all possible efforts to make India a major International filming destination. The Ministry had taken certain concrete steps to put in place a mechanism which would facilitate International as well as domestic film producers. The single window mechanism constituted through the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Promotion and Facilitation of Film Production in India would ensure the removal of all possible hurdles and lay down a timeline for different agencies involved for granting clearances for film shooting in India. In order to encourage filmmakers from different streams, the filming of feature films, short films and TV programmes had been included in the ambit of the Inter-Ministerial Committee.

Shri Manish Tewari Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Government of India

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incredible india The Tourism Ministry has identified ‘Film Tourism’ as a niche tourism product. Understanding the importance of cinema as a powerful tool for the development and promotion of various tourist destinations, we have announced several initiatives through films shot in India.

A MoU has been signed between the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Ministry of Tourism to enhance the reach of ‘Incredible India’ through the medium of cinema, develop synergy between the tourism and film industry and provide a platform to enable partnerships between the Indian and global film industry.

We have also written to all the States/ Union Territories to recognise the potential of film tourism and constitute special bodies/cells to facilitate filming in their States/UTs.

(Shri Chiranjeevi is a leading Telugu actor and has acted in 149 films. His 150th movie is all about promoting tourism and he is inspired a lot by Ang Lee’s ‘Life of Pi’.)

Shri K. Chiranjeevi Union Minister for Tourism Government of India

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India is the most dramatic shooting location in the world: snowy mountains, pristine islands, plunging ravines, dusty plains--imagine the earth and get it.

Here are top Indian locales Film shooting in Varanasi Ghats 8

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Westeast Films Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai

FILMING IN INDIA

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Rajasthan is filmmakers’ paradise and a dream destination for film shooting - inspiring forts, majestic mansions, havelis of architectural splendour, heritage hotels, picturesque surroundings, wilderness of silence. The State has a film-friendly policy and encourages filmmakers both within and outside the country.

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.

Rajasthan

Goa

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.

Varanasi

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.

Kerala

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.

Gujarat offers beautiful landscapes of Busy bustling daytimes with bright lit nights that various natures, it is interspersed with blink and shimmer to a heady beat of people and culture, tradition and festivities. Gujarat machines, avant garde and artless, incessantly has a diverse portfolio of landscapes, on the move. from hills of Saputara, to White desert in

Gujarat

Kutch, from the jungles of Gir to virgin beaches. Such landscapes, coupled with some beautiful heritage structures, make Gujarat a unique destination for filmmakers. These locales cater to every mood for every canvas.

a r t h s a r a Mah

Himachal Pradesh

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.

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.

Kolkata

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.

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.

Karnataka

Puducherry Ang Lee’s Oscar winning film ‘Life of Pi’ was shot partly in Puducherry (In South India). That has transformed Puducherry as a paradise for filmmakers. A French colony until 1954, this coastal town retains a number of colonial buildings, churches, statues, and systematic town planning and dubbed as ‘The Europe of India’.

Delhi has been the capital of successive dynasties including ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of British Empire. The city has a continuous living history of more than 3000 years and has been one of the most important cities of India. This eternal city offers a sumptuous banquet of history and heritage seamlessly in tune with its transformation as one of the world’s fastest growing and largest metropolis today.

New Delhi

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.

Kashmir

Jharkhand

Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad is the world’s largest integrated film studio complex and one of Asia’s most popular tourism and recreation centers. Hyderabad features many heritage buildings constructed during Qutb shahi and Nizam eras, showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture influenced by Medieval, Mughal and European styles. Hyderabad houses Telugu film industry which produces over 200 films each year.

Hyderabad

Jharkhand is a nature lover’s paradise. It is home to countless waterfalls -- Hundru Falls, Lodh Falls and Johna Falls. The State’s locales include forests, hills, valleys, waterfalls, wildlife, history, culture, charming towns and vibrant cities. It is an unexplored paradise and will be filmmakers’ delight for new locales.

Madhya Pradesh is called the Heart of India because of its location in the centre of the country. The State has everything --spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers dotted with hills and lakes and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts & palaces are dotted all over the State.

Madhya Pradesh

Film Location: Gujarat junagadh

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s a p u ta r a

hills

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Meet Kirti Thakar at Palais Level 01 22.02 / 24.01 for a quick chat on what Gujarat offers for global filmmakers kirtithakar55@gmail.com e modhera sun templ

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Locale Gujarat shabnam

Gujarat: A State For Shoots

Vipul Mitra

Principal Secretary, Tourism State Government of Gujarat, India

Globally, Gujarat is well-known for its entrepreneurship and as an investment destination. What are the attractions for foreign filmmakers?

Gujarat offers beautiful landscapes of various natures, it is interspersed with culture, tradition and festivities. Gujarat has a diverse portfolio of landscapes, from hills of Saputara, to White desert in Kutch, from the jungles of Gir to virgin beaches. Such landscapes, coupled with some beautiful heritage structures, make Gujarat a unique destination for filmmakers. These locales cater to every mood for every canvas. Also, Gujarat is comparatively less expensive a place than the leading film-making states in the country. This would also give a financial advantage to film-makers.

What is your focus at Cannes Film Festival and Market this year?

Gujarat Tourism wants to showcase Gujarat as a potential destination for film making. Though we are relatively new, we are confident that Gujarat can offer numerous benefits for filmmakers. This is the message that we want spread at Cannes this year.

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Gujarat has a diverse portfolio and is a unique destination for filmmakers, says Vipul Mitra, Principal Secretary, Tourism, State Government Of Gujarat. Meet them at Palais Level 01 Stand 22.02 / 24.01 Indian film icon Amitab Bachchan is Gujarat’s brand ambassador. Do you see film shooting on the rise in the state?

There has been a positive trend in the number of films being shot in Gujarat. Domestic filmmakers are slowly beginning to realize the strategic advantages of shooting in Gujarat and the word is spreading. Quite a few filmmakers have been in Gujarat hunting for locations and have got in touch with us, and few movies like ‘Kai po Che’, ‘Saheb Biwi aur Gangster’ etc have been shot in Gujarat.

Can you list out some of the top film locales attractions in the state?

We have not yet categorized any location as such, as it is too early for us. However, every tourist location in Gujarat is a potential film locale. Be it the heritage structures, the temples, desert, hills, sea coast or for wild-life, there is a locale for every requirement.

When will the single window clearance become operational?

Currently, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) acts as a nodal point

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Top film locales in Gujarat ➥ Majestic monuments: Balaram palace (Palanpur), Darbargadh (Poshina), 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 ➥ 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.

for producers. Though a single window clearance system is not in place, TCGL acts as a coordinator with the various stakeholders and the producer, and try to smoothen the procedures for them.

Do you have any sops on offer to foreign film crews? Do they get concession in staying in hotels?

Yes, we are planning to offer some sops to foreign crew, and a comprehensive guide is being worked out. As of now, we would offer discounts at Tourism Corporation

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hotels, and also coordinate with other hotels/resorts for financial discounts.

Do you have a panel of line producers on board? Is there a redressal mechanism for a film producer to contact when they face problem during a film shoot As mentioned earlier, TCGL would act as a nodal agency for producers, and any requirement or complaint would be addressed the concerned officials of TCGL.

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Film Location: Delhi

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Delhi has a continuous living history of more than 3000 years

a P u r a n a Q il

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Locale Delhi

‘Capital’ise on Delhi Red Fort

Delhi, the capital city of India, offers filmmakers a sumptuous banquet of history and heritage seamlessly in tune with its transformation as one of the world’s fastest growing and largest metropolis, says G.G.Saxena, Mg. Director & CEO, Delhi Tourism & Tpt Dev. Corporation Delhi is one of the most beautiful Capital cities in the World. What steps are being taken to bring global filmmakers to the Indian capital?

Delhi is the National Capital of India and has been the capital of successive dynasties including British Empire.

The city has a continuous living history of more than 3000 years and has been one of the most important cities of India.

This eternal city offers a sumptuous banquet of history and heritage seamlessly in tune with its transformation as one of the world’s fastest growing and largest metropolis today.

Delhi has outstanding universal value and has three world Heritage monuments: Qutub Minar, Red Fort & Hum-

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ayun’s Tomb.

What do you think are the advantages of getting a film shot in Delhi?

Delhi has the requisite infrastructurehotels, transport, communication, film shooting equipment, film processing etc. Trained manpower in the field is available in Delhi. The international airport here 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 Delhi. The city is also well connected with Agra, Jaipur, Haridwar, Amrtisar and a number of hill stations.

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What kind of locales are in Delhi for film shoots?

Delhi can offer a wide range of picturesque locales and settings for film shoots. Some of them are River Yamuna, Forest areas, Lakes, Flora and Fauna, Forts, Palaces, Tombs, Gateways, Schools & Colleges etc.

Do you have a Film Cell in Delhi Tourism and when will Single Window Clearance become operational?

Yes, the Government of NCT of Delhi has nominated DTTDC as the nodal agency for seeking permissions and facilitating shooting of films in Delhi.

Keeping this in view, DTTDC has formed the Film Shooting Facilitation Cell to help filmmakers intending to shoot in Delhi and smoothen the whole permission seeking process. DTTDC acts as a single point with respect to any problems in the film shooting process faced by the producer or director, like obtaining clearances, permissions etc. Also, an informative publication titled ‘Film Shooting Manual’ has been prepared which provides details about Delhi, its locations, Stakeholders (Agencies) involved, their guidelines and application forms etc for easing the whole process.

It can be accessed on www.delhitourism.gov.in.

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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?

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, does extend financial support to State Governments / Union Territory Administrations for promotion of Film Tourism. 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.

Is there a redressal mechanism for a film producer to contact when they face problem – during a film shoot?

Since DTTDC is nominated as the nodal agency for obtaining permissions etc, we will be happy to assist the filmmaker through the course of shooting and would try and eliminate any problem or difficulty faced during the shoot.

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.

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Maharashtra, The Movie-Land

Meet Rajesh Joshi at Palais Level 01 22.02 / 24.01 for a quick chat on what Maharashtra offers for global filmmakers rajeshjoshi.mtdc@gmail.com

Locale Maharashtra shabnam

Make a Move to Maharashtra

Dr. Jagdish Patil

Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation

What is the magic of Mumbai to attract global film producers?

Mumbai is the financial as well as the entertainment capital of India. Mumbai Film Industry, popularly known as ‘Bollywood’, is one of the largest industries in the world in terms of numbers of films produced. Around 200 to 250 plus movies including feature films, ad films, television serials and documentaries are produced every year. Mumbai being the birth place of Indian cinema boasts maximum number of film studios. Some of them are legendary having excellent indoor and outdoor facilities for shooting. Greater accessibility of the city, great talent, nice sights to see and the vibrant culture makes it an ultimate juncture for the global film producers.

What is your focus at Cannes Film Festival and Market this year?

There are numerous unknown and unexplored virgin scenic locations that Maharashtra has to offer. Unexplored location Lonar is distinguished by the fact that it is the world’s third largest craterformed nearly 50,000 years ago, when a 2 million- ton meteorite impacted the

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Maharashtra has unlimited scenic destinations which are a perfect set up for film shootings says Dr. Jagdish Patil, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation earth to create a depression 1.83 kilometre in diameter and 150 metres deep.

A short walk from the crater is the Daitya Sudan temple with its panels, friezes and angled bracket figures.

Koyna Nagar remains a hidden jewel in the Sahyadri’s crown. It is synonymous with the Koyna river and Koyna dam which is the largest hydroelectric project in Maharashtra. Tapola is often referred to as Mini Kashmir because of the panoramic views which it provides.

Tarkarli is a paradise of tiny islands and hamlets, imposing Casuarinas trees, and rich blue skies. Like this, there are many more beautiful places.

Can you give a glimpse of attractions in Maharashtra beyond Mumbai?

What are the major shooting location attractions in the state?

Maharashtra has unlimited scenic destinations which has a perfect set up for shootings. Every location has unique features which can attract filmmakers.

While Panchgani, Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Khandala, Malshej Ghat, Toranmal and Chikhaldhara come under hill stations category, ancient Caves

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like Ajanta, Ellora, Karla, Bhajas, Elephanta, Bibi Ka Makbara, and Western Monuments of South Mumbai are some of the ancient areas where filmmakers can shoot their movies. And there are places earmarked as wildlife areas and scenic destinations. Last but not the least, there are beautiful beaches like Tarkarli, Ganapatipule.

When will the single window clearance become operational?

There is no single point contact as yet in the state of Maharashtra for getting shooting locales clearances. However the Government is in process of setting up single window clearance system for film shooting in Maharashtra which should be operational soon. Film City situated in Mumbai could help film producers to get the required permissions.

Do you have any sops on offer to foreign film crews? Do they get concession in staying in hotels?

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has numerous resorts at picturesque locations where concessions will certainly be given for foreign film crews. Destinations can be accessed from www.mahrashtratourism. gov.in. MTDC has also encouraged Bed & Breakfast and home stays at the tourist

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destinations as well as the interior parts of the states where accommodation at concessional rate can be availed. MTDC will also initiate dialogue with Hotel Association for granting concessions and incentives.

Do you have a panel of line producers on board?

MTDC will consider for the panel of line producers while setting up single window clearance. We are sending this requirement to Film city for further consideration.

Mumbai houses some of the best post production facilities in the country.

Also it has abundance of talent and technicians. Does this add to the state’s locale attraction?

Process of film making itself creates lot of curiosity among common individuals. MTDC is in a process to launch ‘Bollywood Tours’ where one can see shooting on locations.

What are the things they should expect from your end and what are the things they should not expect?

MTDC will function as a facilitation unit thereby making it easier for the global film producers to launch their projects in Maharashtra.

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Film Location: Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal

A charming legend relates how the queen would recline in a lotus barge that, on moonlit nights, would drift across the lake. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city, and are indeed its nucleus. Bordered along their shores stand silent sentinels that testify to the growth of the city and has offered a perfect backdrop for many movies.

The Scenic Destinations The scenic, exotic state of Madhya Pradesh is now set to capture the market of film tourism. MPT is trying in a big way to promote the state as an ideal destination for film shooting. The picturesque scenic beauty and the unparallel historic treasure provide ample places fit for shooting films, documentaries & ad-films.

khajuraho

The temples of Khajuraho are India’s unique gift to the world, Directors and Art filmmakers are always in search for a destination that are a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured here in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman’s artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed.

r M a h e s h w a y which stands on glorious cit s

This find er Narmada iv R f o k n a a the b of Ramayan s ic p e e th mention in mighty harata. The and Mahab quiet x stands in le p m o c rt oly fo red on the h ro ir m d n a beauty perfect a, provides d a rm a N r e films.

Riv ies and art v o m r fo p backdro

Mandu

and joy, stone of life in n o ti ra b cele Bahadur Mandu is a t-prince Baz e o p e th f o ati. The of the love Rani Roopm , rt so n o c l ce of tifu of the roman for his beau g n si l il st a fa f Malw n the crest o o p balladeers o u h ig h d vers, an n at Baz these royal lo ill gazes dow st n io il v a p of ti’s t expression n e hill, Roopma c ifi n g a m alace, a ect setup Bahadur’s p offers a perf h ic h w re tu itec e by.

Afghan arch f an era gon o s ie v o m g for shootin

Orchha

Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time; a rich legacy to the ages. For, on this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Orchha has been a well said favorite for many Hollywood & Bollywood movies.

Film Location: Madhya Pradesh Pa c h m a r h

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ost Pradesh’s m a y h d a M is und Pachmarhi cers have fo u d ro P l. e w nting verdant je yriad encha m in n io s s pre exquisite ex ce the ades embra h s n e re G ard the . ways where is he ry e v e d n a , r. Bridle mountains owing wate fl f o r u rm u gentle m rest glades; fo il u q n a tr to dense paths lead in and Jamun, o o b m a b d il een groves of w ovies have b m s u o m fa . Many boo thickets m a b te a c li e nd d uras. sal forests a l of the Satp e w e J t n a rd Ve shot in this

Film Location: West Bengal

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locale west bengal shabnam

Beautiful Bengal Nowhere can you find such a diverse mix of old world charm co-existing with modern state-ofthe-art amenities, says West Bengal Tourism Minister Shri Krishnendu Narayan Chowdhury

Reflection of Sunrise at Kanchanjunga

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he Government is encouraging the film shooting as well as development of new studios in the State with all modern sound recording system and other facilities, so that more shootings can be arranged within the State, which has diverse geography.

West Bengal has been the chosen destination for filmmakers down the years – from Shakti Samanta’s ‘Howrah Bridge’ to the recent blockbusters like ‘Kahaani’, ‘Parineeta’, ‘Vicky Donor’ or ‘Barfi’ shot in and around Kolkata and Darjeeling.

Bollywood silver screen is now thronging in every corner of the State, exploring newer, fresher shooting locations. Apart from the Bengali and Hindi genres, Academy award winning German director Florien Gallenberger shot his first feature-length film ‘Shadows of Time’ in Kolkata. Even before, ‘La Nuit Bengali’ was shot in Kolkata by Nicolas Klotz. And of course we must mention

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‘City of Joy’, shot by Roland Joffe in the heart of Kolkata.

But why should you choose West Bengal as your Film shooting Destination?

Simply because of the vast diversity in shooting locations. Starting from the majestic Himalayas in Darjeeling, Kalimpong to the dense forests and lush tea-gardens in Dooars to sandy beaches in Mandarmani or mysterious mangrove creeks in the Sundarbans – West Bengal’s natural beauty is truly incomparable.

Nowhere can you find such a diverse mix of old world charm co-existing with modern state-of-the-art amenities – you can find trams, hand-pulled rickshaws, double-decker bus, heritage palaces together with upscale high-rise office buildings, swank shopping malls, luxurious river cruises- all inside one city.

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Victoria Memorial, Kolkata As historian SMM Ausaja says, a story based in the cultural Capital of India has a special flavour. “A Kolkata-based film has a novelty value. Also, it’s a vibrant city when it comes to art and culture”.

There are contrasting locations from rustic villages to modern cities, slums to world heritage sites & numerous other locations for you to explore.

In Kolkata, there is a cosmopolitan blend of traditional, regional and modern culture which is manifested in music, dance, literature & various art forms.

We have a saying “Baro Mashe Tero Parbon” which literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. West Bengal celebrates a variety of colorful festivals- from the well-known Durga Puja to Dol Utsav or Holi to Gangasagar Mela to Christmas celebrations- these festivals of Bengal have been captured in numerous films over the years. ‘Adda’ a word you all know.. But the essence of the word is essentially Bengali and synonymous with Bengali culture and tradition. The most remarkable coffee house of recent times, is the one at College Street. Another one at Chittaranjan Avenue (misleadingly termed as the ‘Chowringhee Coffee House’) was favourite haunt of the film-maestro Satyajit Ray. At Rabindra Sarobar the veterans, mostly the retired persons meet here for prolonged adda sessions at dawn and at dusk, many young men and women are found here throughout the day especially after twilight, to enjoy the natural ec-

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stasies and a few precious moments of solitude, so rare in the busy mechanical urban life of today.

Bestowed with intellect, emotion, culture ,heritage and tradition Bengal has plethora of reasons to be one of the better and colourful places to shoot. Bengal has left every soul that touched its ground, enchanted.

We also have a large pool of talented world-class actors and crew members with national and international levels of experience. Films like ‘Kahaani’ have utilized the talent pool with much aplomb.

Nowadays multiple movies from all over India are coming to shoot in Bengal. We are equipped with modern infrastructure. We have RED (MX, scarlet, Epic), ARRI 35 mm, Alexa canon 5 D. 1D C is also available with all lenses. All kinds of light. all range of props. excellent post production studios are not a problem. Dubbing was done for ‘No one killed Jessica’, ‘Michel’ along with many other non-regional films.

And last but not the least, multiple Government initiatives are in place to provide best-in-class facilities, incentives and infrastructure to filmmakers. The State Government is working on the Single Window Clearances for the purposes of obtaining permissions for Shooting in West Bengal, where the I&CA Department is the nodal Department.

We are planning to facilitate you from pre-production to post-production.

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Roadmap for single window clearance shabnam

The Road Ahead Indian movies have enchanted audiences for a century and the industry is now on the cusp of momentous growth. India has inherent advantages relating to its scenic locations, incredible cultural diversity, trained film crews and low production costs. However, due to multiple clearances required for shooting in India and the stringent laws of our land, the film industry has not achieved its true potential. Collaboration between India and other countries will aid in optimizing and the country realizing its true potential in terms of its natural and man-made resources. For the same, the Government could consider the following three-pronged approach: Excerpts from Roadmap for single window clearance for film production in India: A prelude.

Report by LA India Film Council and Ernst & Young 34

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Simplify

The greatest hurdle in the way of India being an attractive shooting location for overseas film- makers is the widespread “red tapism” prevalent in the country.

Several countries such as New York, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and the Czech Republic offer a “one-stop shop” for film crews to obtain all approvals to shoot movies anywhere in their countries.

However, in India, depending on the script of a film and the location of the film shoot, a film-maker has to run from pillar to post to obtain on-the-ground clearances, even for a short shooting schedule. The approval process is complex and difficult, and deters film-makers from shooting in various locations, and thereby leading to unnecessary delays in the production schedule of films and also shoots up their budgets.

It is imperative for the Government to simplify the incentive regime. To achieve this, single window clearance is the need of the hour. The process of establishing single window clearance could be initiated with small steps, with agencies being set up across all Indian states to facilitate approvals for filmmakers.

While these agencies would not have regulatory powers, they would be able to assist film-makers in scouting for locations, provide them logistics support and liaise between them and the various approval-granting authorities.

economic benefits such as generation of employment, additional tax revenues and upgrading of skill levels.

The skill-development process needs to be facilitated for Indian films to cross the technological and language barriers. Furthermore, today it is more important than ever before that films made in Bollywood have a universal appeal, since large numbers of the new generation of Indians consider English to be their first language.

Promote

Films such as Slumdog Millionaire, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and recently, Life of Pi, have been driving tourism to India and have achieved what would otherwise have cost millions of dollars in advertisement campaigns abroad. These films have reached global audiences and motivated them to visit India.

An early and in-time effort could have worked wonders for India’s tourism and film industries, significantly enhanced the country’s popularity abroad as a filming and tourism destination, and greatly increased its exposure to the West. Therefore, it is doubly important that the Government promotes Indian culture and tourism through films and provides an opportunity to local talent to showcase their competence on international platforms.

Incentivize

The West is following eastern ways and our young people are exposed to enhanced western influence, as compared to the previous generation. It is also evident that our films, which are considered a reflection of our society and culture, have evolved over the years. There is no second guessing the fact that our film industry has now come of age and that it is now time to conquer new frontiers. History indicates that cultures that have collaborated have exerted the greatest influence and flourished the most. Therefore, with our prolific film industry, it is important that we attract film-makers from around the world, and help our movie producers achieve a high level of expertise in their production, showcase the Indian culture, increase inbound tourism, and thereby, help to place India more firmly on the global map.

In this context, it is important for the Government to consider introducing fiscal incentives for international filmmakers to shoot their films in India, as a means of facilitating cross-cultural promotion and giving a boost to our film industry, and in the process, also reaping

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Films such as Slumdog Millionaire, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and recently, Life of Pi, have been driving tourism to India and have achieved what would otherwise have cost millions of dollars in advertisement campaigns abroad. www.cii.in

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Indian services 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 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-itskind 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

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 preproduction 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.

Ramoji Film City

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

production services

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

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. The Ramoji Film city has been declared as the world’s largest film studio by Guinness World Records.

WESTEAST FILMS 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.

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KAS MOVIE MAKERS 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.

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NOMAD FILMS 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.

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