Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Information & Public Relations Sanjay Kundu said that the state government was endeavouring to make Himachal Pradesh a favourite destination for the film industry which would also go a long way in popularising the tourism potential of the state.
He was interacting with the Chief Executive Officer of Producers Guild of India, Kulmeet Makkar, who met him here today regarding the film policy of the state government.
Sanjay Kundu said that the state government had released its new comprehensive film policy in June, 2019. Deputy Director (Technical) of I&PR department briefed about the main features of the film policy of Himachal Pradesh. A film facilitation office would be opened soon in the Directorate of Information and Public Relations with email, web page and presence on social media for ensuring proper liaison and interaction with the film industry.
Kulmeet Makkar invited the Chief Minister to visit Mumbai and interact with the Bollywood producers and cinema builders (like PVR, INOX etc). He said the Chief Minister may discuss the film policy of the state with the producers and invite the cinema builders to establish modern cinema halls in the state. Besides, the producers could also be invited to shoot films in the state and suggested for familiarization visit of film producers to virgin destinations of the state like Chanshal, Pong Dam, Bir Billing and Janjehli etc. which were being developed as tourist hubs by the state government under Nai Rahein Nai Manzilein scheme.
Shri Makkar said that since Himachal offers offer natural grandeur and splendid environment, the state government should also invite Hollywood, Netflix, Amazon Prime and other channels to shoot films in Himachal Pradesh.
He informed the Principal Secretary that leading producers like Ramesh Sippy and Subhash Ghai have established centres for media and entertainment education in Mumbai for instance, Ramesh Sippy has established in collaboration with Mumbai University, Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema & Entertainment. On similar lines, the Himachal Government may think of establishing such institutes for skill development of its youth so that they can pursue their careers in film and entertainment industry.