Shillong: The Society of A’chik Film and Entertainment (SAFE), which is based in Tura, has come up with suggestions for the draft film policy that is currently being studied by the state government.

Recently, the Meghalaya Filmmakers’ Association submitted a draft policy to the government. However, SAFE feels that the draft is too Shillong-centric and needs to be inclusive. Keeping this in mind, the society has come up with suggestions that encompass the funding process, revenue channels and administrative procedures, among others.

As a mode of the state’s revenue earning, SAFE said advertisers, both private and government, can buy screening space before a showcase and the money earned can go to the government. It also suggested that the ticket sale revenue can be shared between the government and the filmmakers/producers under an agreed ratio.

SAFE is also batting for a funding institute for supporting filmmakers. It has categorised the funding as Development Fund, Production Fund and Post-Production Fund, pointing out that each category will have a set of rules and criteria for application.

The society wants recognition and financial support for national award winners.

Like the earlier draft policy, SAFE’s suggestions also include film tourism that the state government has envisioned in its draft tourism policy.

SAFE has suggested opening post-production suits that can be rented out to filmmakers across the country. Meghalaya loses out on revenue owing to the absence of state-of-the-art editing suits. By developing this infrastructure, the government can attract filmmakers from outside the state and the revenue earned can be used in promoting local talent.
The list of suggestions is being studied by the Department of Mass Media at St Anthony’s College which is coordinating for the development of a comprehensive film policy.

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