Hindi
Film Facilitation Guide issued for permission to shoot in India
NEW DELHI: A Film Facilitation Guide has been prepared by the Information and Broadcasting ministry as part of its single single-window Film Facilitation Unit for persons wanting permissions to shoot in India.
The guide is for both shooting of feature films/reality TV show and / or commercial TV serials by foreign film makers in India. The guide also has an application form and has detailed documents that should accompany the form. A demand draft of $ 225 (equivalent Indian Rupees) has also to be submitted.
The Film Facilitation Office (FFO) was set up with a view to promote and facilitate film shootings by foreign film makers in India. The functions of the Office would include acting as a facilitation point for the film producers in assisting them to get requisite permission, disseminate information on shooting locations and the facilities available with the Indian film industry for production/post production and work closely with state governments in assisting them to set up similar facilities. The FFO is housed in and operated by National Film Development Corporation office in Delhi.
The permission to shoot will normally not take more than three weeks to process. The permission letter issued by the government will facilitate permission from other local authorities, which may, in some cases, need to be obtained directly from these authorities.
In case any living personality is portrayed in the film as a character, the script has to be shared with that personality or his/her legal heirs, before beginning the shooting, and obtain a ‘No Objection’ to prevent any legal hassles or suits.
If the film is a co-production, a copy of the agreement between the company and the Indian party indicating the role of each party, its responsibilities and liabilities, must accompany the application.
If a film requires shooting in the scenic but sensitive areas of Jammu & Kashmir, the North Eastern India or border belts, and/ or Restricted/Protected Areas etc., the application will be considered for specific approval in consultation with the Home ministry. In such cases, more time may take for processing the application.
The details can be submitted also to the Indian missions in the country from where the filmmaker is applying, indicating intention to shoot in India. The mission will issue visas in the normal course.
An expert from a panel constituted by the FFO will scrutinize the script. If considered necessary, to facilitate the shooting, a liaison officer may be attached to a film shooting team. Where a liaison officer is so attached to the shooting team, the government will bear his expenses.
In exceptional cases, the filmmaker may need to show the completed film to a representative of the government, in India or in an Indian mission abroad, before its release anywhere in the world with a view to ensure that the film has been shot in accordance with the scrutinized script and that the film has nothing objectionable from the point of view of presentation of a correct and balanced perspective on the topic covered.
During the shooting of the film if it is felt that any material changes or deviation from the approved script are necessary, permission may be taken from FFO before shooting these scenes.
At the time of receiving permission for shooting in India from the FFO, an undertaking will also have to be submitted, the text of which is on the website mib.nic.in
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
