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Come to Yorkshire, Indian film producers urged
By Prasun Sonwalkar, 

Leeds, June 7 Keen to tap into the lucrative business opportunities offered by the Indian film industry, local officials have planned several initiatives to showcase the sylvan locations of Yorkshire to film producers who have arrived here for the four-day IIFA Weekend.

The only major Indian film so far shot in Yorkshire has been "Provoked" (2005), starring Aishwarya Rai, which was filmed in the former Scarborough prison. The region has been the location for several British and Hollywood films such as "Little Voice" and "Wuthering Heights".


   

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Leading the initiative to attract Indian films to the region is Screen Yorkshire, a regional screen agency established in 2005. It is considered the gateway to the best in film, broadcast and digital media in the Yorkshire and Humber region, and is responsible for inspiring, promoting and supporting a successful and sustainable film, broadcast and interactive media sector for the region.

Screen Yorkshire officials have established links with leading Indian film personnel. In March, a delegation showcased the Yorkshire region at the 'FICCI Frames' exhibition in Mumbai and interacted with producers.

On Sunday, following the awards ceremony on Saturday night, Indian film personnel will get an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely familiarisation visit to a whole series of prime locations concerned with film making in Yorkshire.

IIFA guests will be given guided tours of the region's post-production facilities, where they can meet local technical talent and chat with representatives of Screen Yorkshire. Officials say that Yorkshire has more hours of independent TV production than any other region in Britain, except London.

Yorkshire boasts more National Parks than any other English region. Yorkshire encompasses the stunning Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and a sizeable chunk of the Peak District. Local officials hope these locations will provide the backdrop for future Indian films.

Sally Joynson, chief executive at Screen Yorkshire, said: "We are delighted that Yorkshire has been chosen as the destination for the IIFAs this year and look forward to showcasing our fantastic region to the Indian filmmaking community.

"We have already seen a huge increase in enquiries from filmmakers since the announcement was made last year and hope that our relationship with the Indian film industry continues to go from strength to strength."

As the official bid document prepared by various local agencies stated: "To ensure a long-term legacy for IIFA 2007, active links will be established between the film industry in Bollywood and Yorkshire.

"These links will see a constant cross-fertilisation of ideas and influences between the two, with close co-operation opening up new possibilities for the creation of movies. Whether it's Bollywood epics shot on location in Yorkshire or Yorkshire films set against the backdrop of modern India, the opportunities are endless.

"And as well as sponsoring annual exchange visits for young film makers and students, grants will be awarded to those with talent to pursue a career in film."

The Yorkshire Tourist Board, one of the key agencies behind the bid to bring the IIFA Weekend to Yorkshire, hopes to witness a major boost to tourism in the region.

The board has listed the 'Top 10 Indian Gems in Yorkshire' to attract tourists from the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere:

* Enjoy a world class meal at Mumtaz in Bradford - widely regarded as Britain's top Kashmiri restaurant.

* Watch an entrancing dance performance inspired by Indian myths and legends by the Halifax-based Annapurna Dance company.

* Lose yourself amidst 15,000 square feet of beautiful Indian fabrics and fashions at the Bombay Stores in Bradford - Britain's largest Asian fashion retailer.

* Get star treatment with traditional Indian therapies at the luxurious Lotus AyurVeda Spa in Wetherby.

* Give your home a stylish Indian makeover with contemporary furniture from Asia Dragon in Leeds.

* Encounter peace and tranquillity at Bradford's Moghul Water Garden - a multi-sensory water garden celebrating the cultural fusion between east and west.

* Sample Yorkshire tea made from the finest Indian blends at Betty's Tea Rooms in Harrogate.

* See a painting of Captain Cook dressed in Indian clothes at the York Castle Museum.

* Devour a curry in the comfort of your own home by ordering online from the Bradford Curry Company.

* Feast your eyes on magnificent sculptures from top Indian artists, including Anish Kapoor and Dhruva Mistry, at Cartwright Hall in Bradford.

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IANS