The Hindu Business Line : Get ready to watch: A joint feature film by India, Pakistan

AFTER cricket it is celluloid's turn to celebrate the new found impetus to Indo-Pak relations, a joint feature film by the two countries indicated on the cards. "Several MoUs are likely to be signed between the two sides," said Mr Sajjad Gul, CEO, Evernew Entertainment, among Pakistani delegates at the Frames 2004 conference here.

Mr Gul confirmed the project though details were reserved for the occasion of announcement. Senior Bollywood producers described the Pakistani film industry delegation's visit as the first in 38 years.

Most speakers at the inaugural session acknowledged their presence in the audience. Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, spoke of not only a MoU in commerce but also a `MoU of love and creativity' between the two countries. "If technology is India's strength, creativity is Pakistan's strength," Mr Gul said later on the sidelines of the conference.

An Indo-Pak union in the entertainment industry will augur well for the two countries, members of the Pakistani delegation said. According to them, the two countries can work together to combat piracy in the film and television industry as well.

Piracy was a major issue that came up in most of the speeches at the inaugural session, Ms Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State, Department of Culture, Media and Sports, UK, in particular dwelling on the subject at length. On his part, Mr Prasad said that there was a need for a collective campaign against piracy. Piracy takes away the earning potential of the entertainment business.

In Pakistan, most Indian films are distributed through the pirate network. "If we are able to work together we can then use our regular distribution network to showcase Indian and Pakistani products," Mr Gul said. The unauthorised availability of leading Indian satellite television channels in Pakistan also impacts the earnings potential of local Pakistani channels. According to Mr Mohammad Jerjees Seja, Executive Director, Evernew Entertainment, Star Plus is among leading channels on the ratings chart, though it is not officially available.

Mr Prasad also urged the industry to think global. "There is an increasing move towards globalisation. This is evident from the fact that sometime losses in the domestic market are negated by revenues from international releases," he observed. The government has started to liberalise the shooting of foreign films. "Since January 1, we have liberalised the shooting of foreign films and have received 10 applications since then," Mr Prasad said.

He said the government has set up a committee to look into venture capital participation in the media and entertainment industry.

Mr Ashok Amritraj, Chairman, Hyde Park Entertainment, said that Indian films need good screenplays to make an impact on the global market. "Indian films focus too much on actors and directors, not screenplay," he said. Noting the comment, Mr Prasad reiterated the need to make films on universal themes. He said the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) courses have been expanded to include one in film scripting.

While lauding the potential in radio, Mr Prasad indicated that the government is keen to usher in a radio revolution through its liberalised policy. He said decisions on the FM licence would be taken up after the elections.

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