AP offers freebies to woo Telugu filmmakers?

Telugu Film Producers Council is sending messages to 800-odd producers to utilize the sops offered by Andhra Pradesh government to shoot films in its State. "We are happy with the announcement made by the AP government to encourage Telugu film shootings in key locations free of cost," says Vijayender Reddy, Treasurer, Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, who claims that actor-producer Vijayachandar of 'Karunamayudu' and 'Shirdi Sai' fame has been pursuing on behalf of Telugu film fraternity for quite some time.

"Actually, single window system, facilitates a smooth process for filmmakers to seek permissions for shooting in various locations across AP. With the implementation of the new G.O., filmmakers need to pay a refundable caution deposit and the money will be refunded soon after the completion of the shooting," he adds.

It looks like Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy seems to have resolved to attract Telugu filmmakers to shoot their movies in picturesque Andhra Pradesh. On Tuesday, the state government announced a list of freebies in terms of location expenses which will be a huge relief to all the filmmakers who are already reeling under the after-effects of the 2-month long lockdown. The government followed the list of directives proposed by the Andhra Pradesh State Film, TV and Theatre Development Corporation (APSFTVTDC) and amended the 2006 G.O.

The government has categorised the public locations under the corporation and municipality limits into 3 categories. While the producers pay a caution deposit of Rs 15,000 per day in category 1, they will be paying Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively to shoot in 2nd and 3rd categories respectively. The above freebies can be availed once the permissions for shooting are given after the lockdown period ends.