Govt sets up study group under Prasoon Joshi to boost Indian cinema

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced two major decisions to boost the Indian film industry. A high-level study group chaired by Prasoon Joshi has been formed, and model state cinema regulations have been prepared.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw chaired a high-level meeting today with senior ministry officials and gave directions for immediate structural measures to bolster film production, distribution, and technological integration.

Two Major Decisions to Boost Film Industry

In a significant decision, the Ministry has set up a high-level Study Group, chaired by Prasar Bharati chairperson Prasoon Joshi, which will study the opportunities and challenges before Indian cinema. The Group will include industry experts and technology partners. In another move, the Ministry has prepared model state cinema regulations for adoption by states. "The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken two major decisions today. These steps will help Indian fil industry grow. They will also help increase the number of cinema screens across the country. The decisions have been taken in a high-level review meeting chaired by the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw," a release said.

Mandate of the Study Group

The Study Group, headed by Prasoon Joshi, will submit its report to the ministry in three weeks. It will look into steps to make Indian films more competitive in world markets and the impact of new technologies on cinema. These include Artificial Intelligence and virtual production. The Group will suggest how Indian filmmakers can use these tools.

The Group will also examine how filmmakers can access institutional finance from the market and new funding options for film production and the problems filmmakers face in raising money for production and distribution.

The Group will look at working with State Governments and other stakeholders and identify best practices. It will also recommend a complete policy framework for the long-term growth of Indian cinema. The Study Group will consult all relevant stakeholders across the country.

Model State Cinema Regulations

The release noted that regulation of cinemas and theatres are under the State list. "Different states follow different rules for various permissions required for cinema and theatres. This has been a major roadblock to growth of cinema infrastructure especially in small towns and rural areas," it said.

To speed up cinema infrastructure, the Ministry has prepared a set of model rules. These rules were drafted after talking to all stakeholders. The Ministry has now sent these Model State Cinema Regulations to all State Governments and they have been requested to adopt the rules. The Ministry will also help States put these rules into practice, the release said.

"Together, these decisions will build a strong, modern and globally competitive Indian film industry. Indian cinema will continue to be a powerful medium for creativity, culture and innovation," it said. (ANI)

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