do you need a permit to film in india?
India, the land of Bollywood, is a global hotspot for filmmakers. Its diversity, from the majestic Himalayas to bustling cityscapes, has made it a favourite backdrop for films and TV shows worldwide. But navigating the filming process in India requires more than inspiration—it demands preparation. So, do you need a permit to film in India?
Yes, you’ll need a permit, among other things, to start filming in India. A film shooting permit can be applied online and issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Your cast and crew will also need a film visa to work on your project if they’re travelling internationally. If you’re looking to film around important monuments, for example, you may also need to apply for additional location permits. Finally, you might also want to consider buying insurance for your equipment or workers.
Read on to learn more about film production in India and the permits you’ll need to get started on your project.
how do I get permits to start filming in india?
Obtaining the right permits to start filming in India is a multistep process and is facilitated by The India Cine Hub (ICH). The ICH, set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is a hub for producers and production companies. It hopes to assist them with getting the necessary permissions, whilst providing information on possible shooting locations and production facilities in India.
what does a production company do?
Through the ICH’s online portal, you can apply for all necessary permits to start filming in India. Here is a summary of the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Register: The process begins with registering with the ICH, in order to start your application.
- Application form: You’ll then need to fill in an application form, which seeks permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for film production in India.
- Location permits: After the ICH provides you with permission to film in the country, you can then apply for specific location permits. This can be done through the online dashboard and will be sent to the relevant jurisdictions. You’ll also need permission to film at important sites or monuments.
- Visa application: The next step in the process is to apply for your visa. You’ll do this through the relevant Indian Mission; a diplomatic representative. This could also refer to an embassy or consulate.
- Incentives: The final step you may need to complete is applying for incentives, including financial reimbursement. International filmmakers can claim up to 40% of qualifying production costs in India. You may also be provided with 5% bonuses for 15% or more of your staff being Indian employees or integrating Significant Indian Content (SIC).
what else do I need to know about filming in india?
According to the ICH, there are a few further things you need to know about the permit process for film production in India. We’ll summarise them below, so you can be clear on any further steps you might need to take.
processing time:
After you’ve submitted all of your required documents, you’ll receive permission to begin production, typically, in no more than three weeks. You might need to allow more time for your application to be processed if it requires consultation from the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Ministry of External Affairs.
The letter of permission you’ll receive from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will then allow you to gain permission from local authorities. In some cases, this will need to be obtained directly from those authorities.
script evaluation:
As part of your application, your script will be evaluated by an expert from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A liaison officer will be attached to your project if considered necessary, and their expenses will be covered by the government.
You may also need to show the completed film to a government representative, either in India or a mission abroad, but this is only in exceptional cases. This will need to happen before the project can be released anywhere in the world. The aim of this process is to make sure the film aligns with the evaluated script, whilst providing a correct and balanced view of the topic.
material changes:
If you’d like to change any material or deviate from the evaluated script at any point during production, you must get permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This can be done through ICH.
feedback:
When you’ve finished filming in India, the ICH will collect feedback from applicants regarding their experience. This will include a request for related data and is compulsory for the producer.
trailers and images
The ICH will also ask for any trailers or high resolution images that relate to the final product. These will be displayed on the ICH web portal and any other marketing materials that promote filming in India, all after the project’s release.
credits
Your final project is required to include a ‘Filmed in India’ credit and the ICH logo in the rolling credits. The official logo can be obtained from the ICH themselves.
case studies of icon films shot in shot in India
India has hosted some incredible international productions:
the dark knight rises:
Scenes were filmed at Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan. The production required special permissions due to the site’s heritage status.
slumdog millionaire:
With scenes shot in Mumbai’s vibrant streets, local production companies streamlined the process for Danny Boyle’s team.
The Bourne Supremacy:
With scenes shot in Mumbai’s vibrant streets, local production companies streamlined the process for Danny Boyle’s team.
Goa provided the perfect setting for action-packed sequences, made possible through collaboration with local authorities.
These examples highlight the importance of preparation and local expertise in making a project successful.
how can dot films help?
Here at Dot Films, we offer across the board production services and support, with local expertise included. We can help you out with initial estimates, location scouting, studios and so much more. If you need a bigger helping hand, Dot Films also offers complete management of your international filming.
Are you looking to start filming in India and use this beautiful country as a backdrop for your project? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you!
FAQs
do I need insurance for film production in india?
You won’t need insurance while applying to film in India, but it’s recommended to purchase it once you’ve received permission. Typically, international productions buy insurance, for their specific project, from their own country.
In India, a production service provider, like Dot Films, may provide Comprehensive General Liability (CGL) insurance for the entire production with the help of local insurance issuers. They may also facilitate Group Personnel Accident (GPA) insurance for any Indian cast and crew.
can I get blanket permission to start filming in india?
If you don’t know where in India you’d like to film your project, you cannot apply for a blanket permit. Permits are based on location and date, meaning you must tell the ICH when and where you’d like to film. Requests can’t be submitted without this information.
can get permission for an advertising production through the ICH?
No, the ICH only accepts applications for films and TV shows. They do this on behalf of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. If you’re looking to film a documentary, commercial, or music video, in India, you’ll need permission from the Ministry of External Affairs.
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