Interaction held at Press Club
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 21 Apr: Thanks to the provisions under the new Film Policy 2024, Uttarakhand is rapidly gaining popularity as a preferred destination for film production. Filmmakers are not only benefitting from various facilities offered by the state but are also availing multiple levels of subsidies.
Speaking at a ‘Meet the Press’ programme organised at the Press Club here, today, Banshidhar Tiwari, CEO of the Uttarakhand Film Development Council, and Director General, Information Department, highlighted the key incentives being offered. He stated that for films produced in Hindi and languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the policy offers a subsidy of up to 30% of the amount spent in the state or a maximum of Rs 3 crore.
Tiwari added that the subsidy for regional films in Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari languages has been significantly increased from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs 2 crore. Additionally, children’s films shot in the state are eligible for an extra 10% grant.
For foreign films and those with budgets exceeding Rs 50 crore, a subsidy of up to 30% or Rs 3 crore is being provided. Web series and TV serials filmed in Uttarakhand are also covered under this subsidy scheme, as are documentaries, short films, travelogues, vlogs, and music videos.
Highlighting incentives for unexplored locations, Tiwari mentioned that films shot in new or lesser-known locations in the hill regions will receive an additional 5% subsidy. Moreover, productions that involve local artists and technicians are eligible for up to Rs 10 lakh as an incentive.
He also shared that students pursuing film education from reputed national institutions are being supported through scholarships under the new film policy. The government is also planning the establishment of a dedicated Film City in the state.
Renowned film actor Hemant Pandey praised the state government’s efforts, stating that several productions are now being filmed in Uttarakhand, providing ample opportunities for local talent and boosting the regional film industry.
Press Club President Bhupendra Singh Kandari proposed the vote of thanks and presented mementos to the dignitaries. The event was conducted by General Secretary Surendra Singh Daseela, and was attended by Treasurer Anil Chandola, Senior Vice President Abhishek Mishra, Executive Members Shoorveer Bhandari, Deepak Barthwal, Manwar Rawat, Sandeep Barola, Mohd Asad, other office bearers and members.
