BFC DELEGATION RETURN FROM INDIA

A DELEGATION of regional officials representing the British Film Commission (BFC) have recently returned from a visit to Bombay.
The visit, made in a bid to attract Indian filmmakers to Britain, saw the delegates make a six-day tour of the huge ‘Bollywood’ movie industry’s film studios, sets and post-production units.
The delegation was made up of representatives from Wales, Scotland and the English regions, each promoting the benefits of their particular areas. The party included Kevin Cowle of Scottish Screen, Susan Craig of the South West Film Commission, Laurie Hayward of the Central England Film Commision, Phil Nodding from the East Midlands and Liz Rymer from the Yorkshire Film Commission. Wales was represented by Mike Wallwark from Mid-Wales, Hugh Edwyn-Jones from North Wales, and Yvonne Cheal from South Wales.
The regional film delegation was accompanied by Alison Sawkill, the BFC’s Head of Information, and freelance filmmaker Mindi Jassar.
During the visit the representatives talked to producers, directors and ad-makers. The BFC team also heard about the experiences of those Indian filmmakers who have already shot their movies in Britain.
Producer and Director Yash Chopra was particularly impressed with the support of the BFC while filming in England, and called upon the Commission to help with locations and special effects.
Commenting on the visit, Kevin Cowle, Scottish Screen’s Locations Manager, said he was very impressed by the tour, and believed it would reap benefits for the industry in Scotland and elsewhere.
(GB)