Ficci to launch Frames South

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci)'s Andhra Pradesh state council is launching Ficci-Frames South on the lines of similar initiative for the Mumbai film industry to create a distinct brand for the South Indian films.

Disclosing this here on Monday, AS Geetha Krishna, convener of the newly constituted entertainment task force by Ficci, said the Frames South would act as a single platform to bring all the four language industries "" Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam "" together for greater exposure to the world market as well as to promote them under the brand 'South India'.

He said the task force would plan international seminars and conventions to promote the South Indian film industry while making use of new technological innovations like digital format.

"We want to actively propagate and facilitate the new digital medium for making films, which allows people to create products at lowest cost."

According to him, the trade body is also planning to set up a film institute with short-term courses in all areas of expertise required for film production. It has also sought land from the state government for the purpose, he said.