#FilmPolicy || Clearance to shoot films only after filmmakers submits script to govt
Likewise in 2019, August 5 of 2021 was too a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir as the much awaited Film Policy with an aim to boost not only the local talent but also the tourist destinations across the Union Territory was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha amidst the presence of Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani at Srinagar.
“The Policy has been worked out to promote the overall growth of the film industry in the Union Territory, setting up of the Jammu and Kashmir Film Development Council and providing hands on access to websites for talent pool and all shooting destinations,” official sources said.
But, the sources said that before getting clearance to start with the shooting, the filmmakers will have to submit the script to the ‘script assessment expert committee’ framed by the administration.
“The panel framed by the administration will assess the script and if finds anything objectionable or controversial, can raise the objection before taking a final call requesting the filmmakers for some amendments,” sources revealed.
“The Film Policy will also facilitate the development of shooting locales, infrastructure for film screening, revival of closed cinema halls, upgrading existing cinema halls, encouraging setting up of multiplexes and cinema halls, destination marketing, organising the J&K film festival, and restoration and preservation of films from the region,” said an official.
“As per new Film Policy, any filmmaker from across the country and worldwide can visit scenic Jammu and Kashmir and shoot films. The government is also determined to extend full help to them including the financial incentives,” sources said and added that the script has to be cleared by the ‘Script Assessment Expert Committee’
“Even if the expert panel gives a nod to the filmmaker and on doubt, the committee will take the final call after watching the film before its release to see whether it is based on the script or not,” the official said.
“Before shooting in any government or non-government place or building, the approval of the script by the expert committee of the administration will be necessary and even if to shoot a scene or the complete film, full script has to be submitted,” they revealed.
“If a foreign company or person wants to shoot in Jammu and Kashmir for any film, documentary, serial or any other item or related activity, then they will have to take the services of a local film production organizations,” said an official adding that filmmakers, institutions wishing to shoot in Jammu and Kashmir, will get permission within three weeks after submitting all necessary documents.
“If in any case the permission of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs is required, then the wait may prolong for the applicants,” they said.
The government has also set up a single-window clearance mechanism, prepared equipment, location and talent directories, besides offering a host of incentives for filmmakers coming to the UT, the officials said.
Among one of the best in the country, the new Film Policy will transform Jammu and Kashmir and revive its halcyon days of being a cinematographer’s delight, he added.
