Developing shooting destinations will help Bengal economy

Certain locations in the state could be developed as shooting destinations which will in turn help the economy of Bengal, speakers at a seminar on film and entertainment industry said today.

Popular Bengali film maker Sudeshna Roy said there are many spots near or far from the city endowed with natural resources which could be harnessed as shooting destinations.

Roy, who had made a string of films from 'Benche Thakar Gaan' to 'Cross Connection' and its sequel 'Cross Connection 2', addressing a meet 'Business Opportunities in the Film and Entertainment Industry in Bengal' at the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry here said there are places in Malda and North Dinajpur, in North and South 24 Parganas districts which have natural resources apart from having a lot of historical significance.
 

"These could be shooting locations. Many of these places are within driveable distances from Kolkata," Roy said adding the state had good road connectivity.

If industry bodies like BNCCI approach the government with specific proposals on developing these spots, it could help in the growth of the entertainment industry and in turn propel the economy, she said.

To the comment of a chambers member about Bengali films faring poorer than soaps, Roy said there were instances of films doing well on screen but evoking poor response when premiered on TC later. There were also films which fared poorly in theatres after release but got overwhelming response when premiered on TV.

Priya Entertainment owner-director Arijit Dutta, who too spoke, said a majority of the single screen theatres are in poor condition. "Bengal was a front runner in the film industry, now we are trying to hold on to that spot."

He said a combination of growth of new media vehicles and experimenting with content and marketing, is required to make the industry viable.

Dutta, also a well known distributor, said GST has dealt a blow to regional film industry like in Bengal despite the cushion 12 per cent rebate given by the state government on its share of 14 per cent entertainment tax.