New Delhi, May 19: India rolled out the red carpet for foreign filmmakers to make movies in the country by offering incentives up to Rs 2.5 crore for co-production & hiring local manpower in such ventures. Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur made the announcement after inaugurating India Pavilion at Cannes Film Market - 'Marche du Film'.
Under this incentive scheme, Indian co-producer of an international film project can claim cash reimbursement of up to 30% of qualifying expenditure in India or up to 2.6 lakh dollars (Rs 2 cr), Thakur said. Foreign films shooting in India can claim an additional 5% bonus up to a maximum of 65,000 dollars (Rs 50 lakh) for employing 15% or more manpower locally, he said.
The schemes will provide an impetus to global collaborations with India, attract investment from foreign filmmakers and help promote India as a filming destination, Thakur said.
A project with 'co-production' status from the I&B Ministry and from a country that is signatory to bilateral co-production treaties will be eligible for the incentives. International film productions that have received permission for shooting will be eligible for availing the incentives for hiring local manpower.