Georgia launches film incentive scheme

With the launch of a "Film in Georgia" initiative by the country's government, several Bollywood filmmakers are planning to explore the Eurpoean nation as a destination for shooting films, a minister said.

Ketevan Bochorishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and Tatia Bidzinashvili, Film in Georgia cash rebate project coordinator at Enterprise Georgia, visited Mumbai to present the scheme to major production houses here.

The scheme offers to international producers 20-25 percent cash rebate of qualified expenses incurred in Georgia and aims to support the film industry development in the country, read a statement.

Besides offering financial benefits, the government of Georgia is trying to create a favourable environment for producers by removing any bureaucratic obstacles that may occur during the production process.

"With all the enthusiasm and experience we have, we are at our clients' disposal to show them the very best of Georgia and beyond. We offer up to 25 percent cash back to filmmakers on their payments (to both individuals and companies) incurred in Georgia," Bochorishvili said.

"Our commitment to quality, personalised service, thorough research, creative ideas and care for the details enable us to be confident that our country will meet our clients' requirements and they will stay happy and content. I am glad to meet up with Reliance Entertainment, Viacom 18, Disney, UTV, Phantom Films, Dharma Productions, Wizcraft, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Krishika Lulla, Rakesh Upadhyay," she added.

The statement further says that renowned Bollywood filmmaker RajKumar Hirani claimed that he is seriously considering Georgia to be the location of his new venture and said that he will be visiting the country soon to observe the possibilities it offers.

Bhushan Kumar of T-Series stated that he is really glad that Georgia launched the incentive scheme and he will surely work there in the future.

Botchorishvili also met with filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt to represent the overview of Georgia as an eastern European filming destination to him. Bhatt said that "Georgia is really a lovely place" and he looks forward to shooting there.

Film & Television Producers Guild of India Limited CEO Kulmeet Makkar said: "It's really a great opportunity for Bollywood to explore in Georgia".

Bidzinashvili asserted that Bollywood movies shot in Georgia will not only benefit the film industry "but will also increase the inflow of tourists in the country" whereas David Pipinashvili, ambassador of Georgia, was happy with bonding between the two countries.

"I am happy Georgia and India are coming on one platform to have something big for them," he said.

Copyright  IANS

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