Timely action by the state government has given a fillip to filming activities in Uttarakhand since the lockdown was lifted. According to official sources, since the lockdown was lifted, permission was granted for shooting of more than 100 movies, serials, documentaries and music videos in the state. The shooting for about 75 of these has already been done. This activity has also generated revenue of more than Rs 60 crore for the state.
According to the Uttarakhand Film Development Council (UFDC) nodal officer KS Chauhan, Uttarakhand was the first state to issue standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the shooting of films and other similar activities way back in June. While Anupam Kher is currently shooting for a movie in Dehradun, portions of movies like Jersey starring Ananya Pande and Shahid Kapoor have been filmed in Dehradun and Mussoorie. Other titles including Tadap, Vish and Dark Jungle among others have also been filmed in the state since the lockdown was lifted.
Chauhan said that the filming activity since the lockdown was lifted has generated a revenue of more than Rs 60 crore for the State. In addition to this, local artistes have gained opportunities in these productions. Further, various businesses ranging from hotels, taxi services, catering and other enterprises have also earned revenue from the filming activities that have been undertaken in the state in the post-lockdown period.
Apart from the scenic locations and conducive atmosphere provided for such activities in the state, the early issuance of SOPs for such activities also helped boost filming in the state. It is learnt that other states also followed suit after Uttarakhand issued the SOPs.
Friday, 18 December 2020 | PNS |Dehradun
