The significance for Telugu film industry to explore the various filming opportunities and rebate schemes that the Mauritius government offered for Indian film industry was highlighted at a meeting organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The Mauritius government has a scheme under which 30-40% rebate was available for shooting in the country. This is by way of the form of reimbursement on audited Qualified Production Expenditure in Mauritius. The scope of the rebate scheme covers pre-production, production and post-production stages of film making. The qualified production expenditure includes – remuneration for cast and crew, accommodation, catering, travel, hiring equipment, location fees, ground transport & logistics, besides others.
Stating this, Head – Film Industry, Board of Investment of Mauritius – Nanda Narrainen said Mauritius also provided incentives to create an export-oriented film industry. Among other things, it offered 15% VAT refund on production of films for export, corporate tax incentive, besides encouraging copyright registration and protection of IPR. It allowed 100% foreign ownership with no minimum capital in company incorporated in Mauritius, he told the session on ‘Filming opportunities in Mauritius’ that CII Telangana organised here recently in partnership with the BOI of Mauritius.
Chairman of CII Telangana V.Rajanna said Telugu film industry should explore leveraging the film production opportunities in Mauritius to optimise cost. Tollywood accounts for 15% of the number of films released every year in the country.
The meeting was attended by around 60 stakeholders in the Telugu film Industry, including Kodali Venkateswara Rao, President of Telugu Film Producers Council and senior representatives from Annapoorna Studios, Sarathi Studios, Geetha Arts, Suresh Productions, a release from CII-TS said.