Lights, Camera, Madhya Pradesh: Filmmaker's Dream Destination

Madhya Pradesh Wows Filmmakers at IFFI 2024

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board participated in the 55^th IFFI (International Film Festival of India) in Goa from 20^th - 25^th November 2024, promoting the state’s film shooting facilities and the Film Tourism Policy. A knowledge series was also organised on 21^st November 2024 by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board featuring discussions on boosting film production in state.

The series on ‘Lights, Camera, Collaboration: Government and Industry Partnership for Filming in Madhya Pradesh’ included insights from Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Film Director Mr. Amar Kaushik, CEO Aamir Khan Productions Ms Aparna Purohit, Actor Mr Abhishek Banarjee, Actor Ms. Nitanshi Goel, Actor Mr. Sparsh Shrivastava & Actor and Producer Ms Vani Tikoo Tripathi. Principal Secretary Mr. Shukla informed about the various aspects of the MP Film Tourism Policy intending to promote film shooting in the state, how government initiatives can help streamline processes, foster collaboration between different industry stakeholders, and establish the state as a significant film-making destination. Filmmakers appreciated the Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy and showed interest in future projects in the state.

Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla said “Madhya Pradesh is proudly two times national award winner of most film friendly state 2017 & 2020. The state is undoubtedly a must-visit state for film shooting. The state government has created the Film Facilitation Cell to promote filmmaking and shooting within the state. Madhya Pradesh is undeniably a naturally stunning offbeat multispecialty destination and paradise for filmmakers seeking picturesque locations. The state's diverse locations, from rich cultural heritage, vibrant wildlife and sacred spiritual destinations, provide a visually stunning film set, making it a perennial favourite among filmmakers. Madhya Pradesh boasts excellent connectivity by road and air. Recognizing the industry's needs and the state's stunning locales, the government has implemented a film policy offering lucrative incentives to filmmakers. All these factors have solidified Madhya Pradesh's position as a premier film shooting destination.”

Hints about multiple sequels of ‘Stree’ ahead in MP - Amar Kaushik

Director Amar Kaushik has confirmed that the popular horror-comedy franchise ‘Stree’ is set to continue with multiple sequels. The announcement was made during a Knowledge Series seminar at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

Kaushik revealed that the upcoming sequels will be filmed primarily in Madhya Pradesh, a state that has become a popular filming destination due to its diverse landscapes and generous incentives. Interestingly, the original Stree was initially planned to be set in Goa but was eventually shifted to Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh. Kaushik explained that he wanted to avoid horror clichés and opted for a city setting rather than a traditional haunted house or beach location.

The Stree franchise, which includes the 2018 hit and its recent sequel, Stree 2, has been a massive commercial success. The films, starring Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi, have garnered critical acclaim for their blend of humour, horror, and social commentary.

Film Tourism Policy 2.0 Soon - Principal Secretary Shri Shukla

Principal Secretary Shri Shukla said during the sessions that based on the suggestions received from filmmakers across the country, experts associated with the film industry, and stakeholders, changes are being made to the Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy. Film Tourism Policy 2.0 will be released soon. This new and comprehensive policy is designed to promote film shooting in the state further. Its objective is to provide additional facilities and incentives to filmmakers so that Madhya Pradesh can be the top film-making destination in India. Changes are being made to the policy to attract international filmmakers, promote the state's unexplored tourist destinations, and create employment opportunities for the local community and youth.

Cine Tourism & Film Production in Madhya Pradesh 

Film Facilitation Cell to Promote Film Shooting

The state government has established a Film Facilitation Cell to encourage the film industry and film shooting. This cell will coordinate with film production companies and producers, understand their needs, and suggest necessary changes in the policy. The Film Facilitation Cell will be overseen by a committee composed of the Managing Director of the MP Tourism Board, the Advisor for Archaeology, the Deputy Director of Finance, a film industry expert, and heads of relevant government departments. This cell will review all applications for film production and grant necessary approvals. It will also evaluate grant proposals submitted by producers. Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to integrate film shooting into its Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA). This innovative approach ensures that film shooting permissions are granted within 15 working days, streamlining the process for filmmakers.

Single Window System

A streamlined one-stop-shop system exists for filmmakers wishing to shoot in the state. All necessary permits are issued through this centralized system. The state government is boosting its economy by supporting the entertainment industry through the Film Tourism Fund. The goal is to create more opportunities for those involved in filmmaking. There are also plans to conduct tours for prominent Indian filmmakers.

Financial Incentives for Film Production in Madhya Pradesh

The state's film production incentive policy offers financial incentives to filmmakers who shoot in Madhya Pradesh. The grant amount depends on the film's budget and the percentage of shooting days spent in the state.

For the first film:

• Up to 1 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1 crore, if at least 50% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

• 1-1.5 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1.5 crore, if at least 75% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

For the second film:

• Up to 1.25 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1.25 crore, if at least 50% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

• 1.25-1.75 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1.75 crore, if at least 75% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

For the third and subsequent films:

• Up to 1.5 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1.5 crore, if at least 50% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

• 1.5-2 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 2 crore, if at least 75% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.