February 27, 2014
Two integrated film cities to come up in West Bengal
While inaugurating the renovated Technicians` Studio, West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee had promised that the state government will set up two integrated film cities in the state through public private partnership model. One of those will come up on a 50-acre plot in Baruipur (South 24 Parganas) and another on around 85 acres at Dabgram in Jalpaiguri. The projects, for which expressions of interest have been invited, will be implemented by the Information and Cultural Affairs department.
The government wants to create sustainable infrastructure for state-of-the-art motion picture and television production along with post-production centres. The government aims to create such facilities in the film cities so that it could also develop as a tourist attraction, similar to Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. A reputable consultancy agency has been roped in to prepare the feasibility study and to provide project management services.
The two film cities will have a film studio complex with at least four sound stages, studios, film processing and equipment centres, theatres, film offices, computer imagery facilities, editing suites along with other necessary commercial infrastructure. There will also be a film school for budding actors and an institute of art and craft.
There will be logistical and infrastructural support like accommodation and revenue generating recreational facilities including tours to the film studios, museums, clubs and festivals to develop the film cities as major tourist attractions.
The Baruipur site – with 51.87 acres – lies off the Baruipur-Amtala Road and comes under Baruipur Municipality. The other site, on 84.81 acres, is at Dabgram mouza, around 15km from Siliguri town. The proposed site lies along Naukaghat Road that connects Bagdogra airport. The land is located along the river bank with minimal existing structures and relatively free of encroachment.
