Online approvals for filming in India may soon be a reality

NEW DELHI: Foreign directors can now look forward to getting online approvals for filming in India as the Information & Broadcasting Ministry is working towards developing a website that will serve as a 'single window clearance system' for film shooting permissions.


The ministry has also drafted a standard operating procedure (SOP) for system which aims at providing film-making permissions within a period of 30 to 45 days, officials told PTI.

As per the ministry's plans, the website for filmmakers would include data on requirements like for visas, custom clearances, railways, cultural sensibilities especially for the use of foreign directors. The website would have a production resource guide and a digital library of potential filming spots.

The I&B ministry is trying to create the single window clearance system in a bid to promote India as an international filming destination. A major hurdle that filmmakers currently face is that there are multiple authorities from whom they need permission for shooting in the country.

Even big foreign names who have attempted to shoot movies in India had to face problems to get permission for shooting in India. James Bond series movie 'Skyfall' shifted to another country after it failed to get permission in India.

The single window system that the I&B ministry is trying to implement would bring all authorities from the local to the national level at one platform and all approvals would be processed simultaneously, officials said.

While the ministry had conceived the idea keeping in mind the inconveniences faced by foreign filmmakers, officials said Indian directors could also benefit from the establishment of such a system.

They said efforts were being made not just to attract foreign filmmakers but also to make things easier for the domestic producers as well.

Indian filmmakers often shoot abroad which not only generate employment for those countries but also boosts tourism. Bollywood movie "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" has increased the inflow of tourists in Spain, an official said.

To implement the single window system, an inter- ministerial committee on Promotion and Facilitation of Film Production in India has been formed, which would be holding its first national workshop tomorrow.

The workshop would discuss a range of issues including the implementation of SOPs for film shooting in India by both foreign and Indian film producers, a government statement said.