It is not a secret that most of the top Indian films have been fully or partially shot abroad making Indian Film Industry a highly attractive client for countries who strive to develop their film industry by offering incentives like VAT refunds, cash back on qualified expenses, tax rebates and much more to international productions. Georgia is not an exception. This April, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Ms. Ketevan Bochorishvili and Film in Georgia Cash Rebate Project Coordinator at Enterprise Georgia, Tatia Bidzinashvili are visiting Mumbai to present to the major production houses the newly launched film incentive scheme “Film in Georgia”. Initiated by the Government of Georgia the scheme offers to international producers 20-25 % cash rebate of qualified expenses incurred in Georgia and aims to support the film industry development in the country.  Besides offering financial benefits the Government of Georgia tries to create the favourable environment for producers and remove any bureaucratic obstacles that may occur during the production process. To accommodate the above mentioned “One – Stop-Shop” principle was implemented in the frames of the scheme which offers services like location scouting, assistance in procurement of permits and coordination with various stakeholders.

“With all the enthusiasm and experience we have, we are at our clients’ disposal to show them the very best of Georgia and beyond. We offer up to 25 % cash back to filmmakers on their payments (to both individuals and companies) incurred in Georgia. Our commitment to quality, personalized service, thorough research, creative ideas and care for the details enable us to be confident that our country will meet our clients’ requirements and they will stay happy and content. I am glad to meet up with Reliance Entertainment, Viacom 18, Disney, UTV, Phantom Films, Dharma Production, Wizcraft, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Krishika Lulla, Rakesh Upadhyay. “said Ms. Ketevan Bochorishvili

Interest from the Indian part is rather high, which is evident from the eagerness of many production companies to benefit from the incentives offered by Georgia. Renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani claimed that he is seriously considering Georgia to be the location of his new venture and said that he will be visiting the country soon to observe the possibilities it offers. Bhushan Kumar of  T-Series stated  that he is really glad that Georgia launched the incentive scheme and he will surely work there in the future.

Satish Reddy from World News Network said, “It’s going to be a rocking affair between the two countries.”

Ms. Tatia Bidzinashvili said, “Bollywood movies shot in Georgia will not only benefit the film industry but will also increase the inflow of tourists in the country.”

David Pipinashvili Ambassador of Georgia was happy with bonding between the two countries, he said. “I am happy Georgia and India are coming on one platform to have something big for them.”

The Film & Television Producers Guild of India Limited CEO Kulmeet Makkar was seen welcoming Ketevan Bochorishvili and was quite interested in the schemes and said, “It’s really a great opportunity for Bollywood to explore in Georgia”.

Ms. Botchorishvili also met with Mukesh Bhatt and represent the overview of Georgia as Eastern European Filming Destination to him. Mr. Bhatt was impressed by the opportunities the country offers to international producers and said, “Georgia is really a lovely place and I look forward to shooting there.”

Sanjay Pratap said, “It’s really a great opportunity to deepen economic, political and social relation between the two countries”

Nilofer Ansari