Mumbai, June 21: After a delay of more than a year, the Maharashtra government will finally introduce a single-window clearance system for film shootings across the state beginning August 15.
Producers of feature films, commercials, TV serials, documentaries, short films, music albums and corporate films can apply for the clearance online. A website— www.maharashtrafilmcell.com —has been specifically developed for this purpose, according to Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Ltd (MFSCDC) sources.
At present film makers need to obtain 42 different permissions from 36 government departments for shooting films in public areas.
Under the plan finalized by MFSCDC, film makers will have to log on to the website where they can book locations in public spaces for the shooting.
The clearance will be given within 15 days, according to officials.
If filmmakers do not receive a reply from the authorities —such as those raising objections to the shoot— within seven days of applying for the clearance, they are free to commence shooting.
Filmmakers will also be allowed to shoot in all the 36 districts in the state, said MFSCDC sources.
The decision is part of the Ease of Doing Business scheme introduced by the Devendra Fadnavis government.
Earlier this week, the Maharashtra government also decided to allow film-makers to apply for police protection via this portal.
This was done following an attack on a crew which was shooting a web series in Thane a few days ago.
Following the incident, Fadnavis said provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) would be invoked against local goons who attack film crews.
Addressing the Maharashtra assembly, Fadnavis said that several locations in the state had become popular among film makers from across the country and local goons would often try to play the role of facilitators to money from film crews.
