Film in Georgia: India embraces Georgia’s top filming conditions

Georgia is striving to attract more international player to its film industry by offering filmmakers incentives to film their works in Georgia.

The latest players to show interest in the ‘Film in Georgia’ scheme are Indian film producers, who have revealed they want to work with the Government of Georgia to bring their Bollywood film ideas to life.

Today is the third day Georgia’s Deputy Economy Minister Ketevan Bochorishvili, together with cinema industry insiders, are holding negotiations with Indian producers in Mumbai, India.

Bochorishvili introduced the ‘Film in Georgia’ scheme to major production houses in India so they could learn about the benefits they would receive if they filmed in Georgia.

Today Bochorishvili met representatives from 25 Indian film producing companies that each make about five films per year with a combined budget of more than $100 million USD.

The ‘Film in Georgia’ scheme offered international producers a cash rebate of 20-25 percent of their expenses incurred in Georgia, as a way to encourage parties to film here and support the development of the local film industry.

As well as enjoying financial benefits, the Government of Georgia aimed to create a favourable working environment for producers by removing any bureaucratic obstacles that may occur during the production process.

At today’s meeting Indian filmmakers said they were glad Georgia had launched the ‘Film in Georgia’ initiative and they would gladly work in Georgia in the future.

After learning about the program, renowned Bollywood filmmaker RajKumar Hirani was "seriously considering” Georgia as the location of his new venture. He said he will visit the country soon to learn about the feasibility and potential Georgia offers as a filming location.