The pandemic has completely shattered the travel logistics in the last four months, worldwide. The world of cinema too has been very adversely affected as virtually no shooting of films or television commercials (TVC) took place during this time. However, post lifting of lockdown and people were ‘prepared to live with this virus’, and the cinema industry is also looking forward to say “Lights, Cameras, Action.”
Yes, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) is ready to provide a comfortable platform for film makers to shoot in Goa during the COVID-19 pandemic. ESG commenced shooting in the month of June 2020 after releasing guidelines and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed while carrying out film shooting in Goa during the pandemic.
So far, shooting has been carried out comfortably and no complaints have been received.
Goa offers the ease of carrying out shooting in the State by providing shooting permission within a maximum of five days; through a single window system. At present, ESG is in the process of developing an online web application for providing film shooting permissions online and also formulating a film shooting policy to further simplify the process. Goa has a pool of talent with regards to cinematographers, artists, technicians and production resources etc, required to carry out shooting in the State.
“We have received approximately 35 requests/queries out of which, 20 shooting permissions have already been issued in the State since June 2020. Clapper boys films, Mumbai; Good Morning films, Mumbai; Faria Nabi Production, New Delhi; Global Sports Entertainment and Media Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai; Corcoise Films, Mumbai; etc are few production houses that can be named who had their film shoots in Goa. Considering, a lot more shooting used to take place in States like Maharashtra, who are highly affected by the pandemic currently. Therefore, many production houses are opting to shoot in Goa, as the situation is better as compared to other States at present,” highly placed sources in ESG told Herald.
The sources further added that considering the serene landscape of Goa and the unique heritage that it has to offer, they do not really consider any state as a competitor. They added that they truly believe that every State has its own lineage and uniqueness to showcase.
“We as a body entrusted by the State to issue permissions, have tried to make it convenient for film producers to shoot in the State of Goa under such circumstances. We can only request that in order to ensure smooth and safe continuation of the same, the production houses, cast and crew that are involved in the shoot, may follow all the guidelines and SOPs issued for film shooting from time to time,” the sources added.
Also, as a lot of production houses are looking to shoot with the cast available in Goa in order to reduce the requirement of bringing cast and crew from out of Goa. Therefore, this could be used as a great opportunity by the Goan artists and technicians.
Vice Chairman of ESG, Subhash Phaldessai said that very soon, ESG is coming up with a policy, which will be uploaded on their website. “This policy has already been drafted and is awaiting the Chief Minister’s clearance. It will help the line producers to coordinate with the film producers and directors and it will be like a single window. We are also very soon starting a training course for line producers. With Goa being a shooting destination people look for help and the line producers will do their major jobs of getting clearances from various departments in the State,” said Phaldessai.
He further added that they are already in the process of identifying locations in Goa, which will also include property that can be used for shooting.
“We will advertise those locations and we would expect the property owners concerned to come forward with their applications for allowing it to be used for shooting purposes. We will get associated with them and advertise their property on our website. If possible if they allow us to display the rates then it will be easier for film producers to plan their budget well in advance,” Phaldessai added
Celebrated Bollywood Producer and Film, Pahlaj Nihalani who is also the immediate past Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification in India, is of the opinion that Goa is a wonderful place for shooting. “It is not only close to Mumbai but it also has all locations and background, which is required for any film. This includes heritage buildings. However, many States like UP, Uttarakhand and even Jharkhand are giving a lot of rebates in shooting a film in their state. I wish Goa can also consider this, so that many producers and directors will want to do their shooting in this beautiful State of Goa,” said Nihalani.
He, however, added that a 100 member crew is already in United Kingdom despite COVID-19 for the shooting of ‘Bellbottom’.
“I understand that the entire crews were quarantined for 15 days before the 70-day-long shoot began. In fact they can plan their budget well in advance if they are shooting in such locations. In fact, UK too is giving a 25% subsidy for using their locations. I think Goa should have a policy and everything should be laid on the table to make it easier for the producers and directors to plan their budget and decide for shoot,” Nihalani added.
Leading Director of Photography and Cinematographer in India, Aseem Mishra, rose from a small town of Dhanbad in Jharkhand, has shot Dabang II, Bajrangi Bhaijan, Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, Band Baja Barat, Phantom, Pan Singh Tomar, Phantom, Ek Tha Tiger, New York etc. He also believes that Goa is one of his favourite destinations for a shoot.
Aseem Mishra said, “I have had a 40-day-long shoot in Goa for ‘Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl’. The person, who was a line producer there, was very supportive and the State has so many natural beautiful locations, which is apt for any film shoot. If we get a good location and we get good support in the location, then there is no point going anywhere else. Yes, we also go out of country to shoot but it is just because the script of the film demands it. I feel that if we get good support from the State especially during COVID-19 times, Goa can be a very good shooting destination for many filmmakers.”
Noted TVC producer Anand Kumar of Full Moon Production has shot over 750 TVCs some of which includes commercials for Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kajaria Tiles etc. He feels that that there are many web series, which are coming up these days and Goa can a good location for those as well.
“Goa has good roads, scenic beauty, beautiful bridges, which are normally used in car commercial. If the basic equipments to shoot a film are available in the State, Goa can become an even bigger attractive destination for shooting. At the moment, we have to carry everything from Mumbai or other different locations to Goa, which adds up to the production cost. It would be much easier to hire the equipments in Goa, if it is made available,” Kumar added.
Komal Nahta is a film trade analyst and is the publisher of “Film Information” along with hosting a television show. He is an anchor of the trade show ETC Bollywood Business on the Bollywood TV channels ETC and Zee Cinema. He is also in the advisory board of Cinema Capital and other top companies. He is of the opinion that —whatever is available in Goa is also present in Mumbai.
“What is special that Goa will offer to film producers? It does not offer anything, which Mumbai can’t offer. Mumbai has all what Goa has. As of now, Goa is also not safe from the COVID-19 infection and hence I do not see anything special there, which will attract the producers and directors. They might as well shoot a film in Mumbai. As of now, the big stars in Bollywood, are not inclined to shoot and they have all remained indoors to keep themselves safe. There is a lack of confidence and it will only build when the vaccines for this corona virus are made available. I do not see people rushing to Goa as of now,” Nahta added.
Line producer in Goa, Dilip Borkar is upbeat but he too has quarantined himself after the spike in number of COVID-19 positive cases in Goa. “During this lockdown period about 35 TVC were shot in the State and out of which I have done about 22 of them. There are lot many Director of Photography already in Goa and instead of some travelling from Mumbai, they helped us here in the State. From September 15, a big budget Dharma Production film is slated to be shot in Goa for about 45 days. Initially it was planned to shot in Sri Lanka but due to COVID-19, they decided to shoot in Goa. We are also getting lot of inquiries from those who are showing interest in Goa,” said Borkar.
