'London Dreams' is first film under India UK Film treaty

London, Oct 21 (IANS) Indian and British filmmakers are expected to co-produce 10 new movies over the next two years as a bilateral film treaty kicks in, officials said Tuesday.”London Dreams”, a film starring Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan, will be the first title under the co-production treaty that was approved by the Indian cabinet in April after months of delay.

British culture department officials said the treaty gives financial incentives, including tax-breaks and funding for Indian filmmakers.

“It’s good for cinema and positive for cultural ties between India and the UK,” said Simon Oliver of the department of culture.

Culture Minister Barbara Follet is to meet with Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Asin and director Vipul Shah on the sets of “London Dreams” at Trafalgar Square in central London Wednesday in a symbolic start to the treaty, Oliver said.

“Indian film producers are very keen to promote this treaty, which has suffered from the usual bureaucratic delays in India,” said Pervez Alam, director of India-EU Film Initiative, an organisation that promotes links between Indian and European filmmakers.

“There is a recognition in Britain that the Indian film industry today has muscle - and money-power. People don’t want to miss out on that opportunity,” Alam added.

A 2007 report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the professional services firm, said India and China are expected to drive the global entertainment and media industry to $2 trillion by 2011.

Backgrounder:

The agreement provides an economic incentive for filmmakers to work together because it provides access to benefits of national status for the film. As a direct result of the treaty it is expected that 10 UK-Indian co-productions will be made within the first two years.

The four UKTI workshops will aim to provide all stakeholders – the national bodies, trade associations, individual production companies and professional advisers – with a better understanding of how the treaty will work and how potential co-producers can benefit from the same.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham said:

“India and Britain both have vibrant film industries and bringing them together in this way opens the door to some exciting new collaborations. Our countries have close cultural and historical connections and it is great that our film industries will be able to work more closely together to develop this further."

John Woodward Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council said:

“The UK and Indian film industries are among the most influential in the world and the aim of the treaty is to build on the existing cultural ties and encourage greater collaboration.

“Aside from the clear economic benefits to filmmakers the treaty also aims to increase the diversity of filmmaking giving filmmakers the opportunity to tell new stories that reflect our shared history and culture.”  

Lord Digby Jones, UK Minister for Trade & Investment said:

“The UK and India have truly remarkable heritages in filmmaking and the UKTI workshops will bring together expertise from both. They will help forge relationships that will maximise the creative talent of UK and Indian filmmakers and give them the tools to enter into production partnerships.

“I am pleased that UKTI is taking practical steps to help kick start the UK-India film co-production agreement. The workshops will be the catalysts for the new financial and artistic opportunities that the agreement brings. Both countries can look forward to reaping the rewards – and l can’t wait to see the results on the big screen.”

In addition the treaty will also contribute significantly to the strengthening of the skills base in both India and the UK.