The Hindu Business Line : `Reforms in TV, theatre sectors soon'

THE Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation is likely to take up reforms in the television and theatre sectors to rev up activity.

Mr G. Adiseshagiri Rao, who assumed charge as Chairman of the Corporation, said these two sectors have got a raw deal. "They just got some awards. Nothing else happened to promote these sectors," he said.

Addressing a gathering here on Saturday, he said there was need to set up a facility in each district on the lines of Ravindra Bharati.

He also felt that efforts should be made to encourage television production in the State. "A major part of TV production is being done in Chennai, hampering the prospects of the domestic industry. We need to encourage local production," he said.

While asking the State Government to act on piracy and bring in an industry-friendly tax structure, he had a word of caution for the film industry. "The industry should cut down on cost of production. It should also strive to bring down theatre rentals," he said.

Mr Adiseshagiri Rao is a senior film producer and President of Film Federation of India and AP Film Chamber of Commerce.

Mr D. Ramanaidu, chief of Suresh Productions, appealed to the Government to emulate the Tamil Nadu Act to curb piracy. "The Tamil industry is relatively freed of piracy because of the implementation of the Act," he said.

Mr Dasari Narayana Rao, producer-director and Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, asked the State Government to partake seven per cent of entertainment tax to the Corporation. "This will help it encourage good films," he said.

Mr K. Rosaiah, Finance Minister, promised that the Government would do the needful for the industry in the upcoming Budget.

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