(a) whether the Government has recently entered into an agreement with some
countries particularly with Italy to promote cooperation in the field of film
production;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with names of such countries;
(c) the extent to which it will be helpful for the film industry;
(d) whether the Government has considered to appoint a joint commission for
implementing these agreements; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF
LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.259 FOR ANSWER ON
18.12.2003.
(a) to (e): This Ministry has received a proposal from the Government of Canada
to enter into an Audio-visual Co-production Agreement with that country. Similar
interest has also been shown by the Government of the Italian Republic. Letters
of Intent have been signed with both these countries expressing the intention of
the Government to enter into Audio-visual Co-production Agreements with both
the countries. The Agreements are still at the draft stage. Therefore
appointment of a Joint Commission does not arise at present.
Entering into Government–to-Government Co Production Agreements with other
countries will enable producers of both countries to pool their financial, creative,
technical and marketing resources, thus providing access to a wider audience
base. Such projects are expected to promote higher visibility in international
markets for Indian films and increased opportunities for the animation sector.