Govt to step up support of film industry, animation institute, NFDC on radar

MUMBAI: In order to give a lift to the film industry, the government is taking several measures. It will set aside Rs 200 million to encourage documentary filmmakers. It will also revive NFDC by offering financial support.

“We are enhancing the capital base of NFDC. We are going to the Cabinet on this,” said information and broadcasting secretary Asha Swarup while not stating how much of fund infusion is going to be made.

The government is setting up an animation institute in Pune. “We have land in Pune and it will take three years to set it up. We are looking at other players coming in,” Swarup said.

The government will also have tie-ups with ITIs, clearly indicating that the animation industry has growth potential and needs infrastructure support. Swarup said that it is important for the government to take a role in HRD in the animation and visual effects industries.

Speaking at the inaugural session of Ficci-Frames 2008 here today, Swarup also said that the government is also setting up a National Museum of Moving Image in Mumbai. The investment towards this will be Rs 600 million. “We will have it by the end of this year,” she added.

Swarup also raised the concern of piracy but said that the proposed optical disc legislation that was drafted by Ficci is creating a regime of inspectors that is not in accordance with
liberalisation.

“To fight this menace, the supply side has to be regulated. Releasing films on multiple delivery platforms will help fight this menace. Digital release will also counter piracy,” said Swarup.

The government has also initiated talks with state governments to see if they can come up with their own laws to fight piracy. “Tamil Nadu has a Goonda Act which is effective in tackling piracy,” Swarup said.

Noted filmmaker and chairman of the Ficci entertainment committee Yash Chopra also raised the piracy issue which is pinching the industry of billions of rupees. He said that the main challenge for the film industry is to conquer more territories.

“Our films are growing in popularity in countries like China, Japan and Russia. So distribution channels have to be strengthened,” Chopra added.