British mission in India to lure Indian film makers  

The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry's 13th trade mission which will be in Mumbai between November 13 and November 17, 2000, is interested in entering into a commercial tie-up with Indian film producers The mission's will focus on benefits derived from shooting at scenic locations in United Kingdom (UK). It's main task is to market UK to the Indian film production industry. A large number of the members of this mission comprise of key personalities of the film commissions throughout UK who represent one of the highly dynamic sectors- the creative industries.

There are totally nine film commissions formed out of ties established between the Mid Yorkshire Chamber and Industry and the British Council in UK, to facilitate the growth of creative industries in UK. Representatives of the nine commissions will be a part of this Mission to India.

The Mission aims to establish a long-lasting bond between the UK film commission and their Indian counterparts. In addition to focusing on building durable bridges between the UK film industry and Bollywood, the mission is keen on promoting other facilities and products including business consultancy, design courses, aircraft fasteners, office consumables, freight forwarding and petroleum dyes.

Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) president Shakti Samantha, welcomes the Mission's offer of invitation to the Indian film industry to shoot at locations in the UK . `` It is too early to comment on the proposed offer. Unless one reviews thread bare the offer, it is premature to comment on it. Of course, UK trade acknowledging the Indian film industry's potentialities, is not only a welcome sign but even a pat on the back of Bollywood which has contributed to the success of the Indian film industry in a big way", said Samantha.

``We hope that union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sushma Swaraj, seriously pursues her own decision and assurance that the film sector is a recognised industry so that seeking assistance from financial institutions in the country will become easy for the industry. If Swaraj's decision turns into reality, Bollywood will actually feel the shot in the arm. When foreign trade missions recognise the potentialites of the Indian film industry, why is our own government dragging its feet over according full fledged industry status to Bollywood ?'' questions Samantha.

Author: Mani D'Mello

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