Gujarat government, on Friday revised its three-year-old policy to encourage production of Gujarati films. Incentives will be determined on the basis of score achieved as per laid out parameters.
Accordingly, maximum incentive has been raised from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 75 lakh. The base incentive of Rs five lakh will be available for a score of 21 or more compared to 41 as per old provisions.
The films will be rated on various parameters on a scale of 100 points. Story-screenplay-dialogue, direction . and acting are given 10 points each.
Lyrics- music, sound, film editing, cinematography – visual effects, choreography, art direction, sound recording, action, location and costumes – makeup are given a weightage of five points each. Response on box – office is given the highest 20 points.
A committee consisting of government officials and experts will evaluate the movie and based on the score, financial incentive will be provided. Only films that are certified as 'U' or 'UA' by Central Board of Film Certification, will be eligible for incentives, while those certified as 'A' will not be eligible. Moreover, at least 30 per cent of duration of film should be shot in Gujarat.
Films that 'misguide' the audience by depicting social vices, blind faith, are against national unity or are not in the interest of the society, the state or the country will also not be eligible for incentives. "This will result in more Gujarati films being made. Whatever changes have been made in the policy, will benefit Gujarati film industry," said Vandan Shah, distributor and MD, Rupam Entertainment
Incentives will be given in two phases. In the first phase, the film will be evaluated on 80 marks and given first installment of incentive, while the rest 20 points will be based on the response, the film gets on box office. Films that bag international film awards will get total incentive of Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore, including the amount received as a part of normal incentive.
Vaishal Shah, film maker said, "Whatever changes are made in the previous policy, all offer a better package to film makers. It is now upto film makers to create quality content and make better movies."