The Embassy presents Lithuania to Bollywood filmmakers
Lithuanian film industry and shooting opportunities in the country were showcased to the representatives of India’s “dream factory,” as Bollywood is sometimes called, this Friday (February 12).
At a meeting with the leading Bollywood production houses in Mumbai’s five-star hotel JW Marriott Juhu, Lithuanian Ambassador to India Laimonas Talat-Kelpša portrayed Lithuania as both a fast-growing economy with dynamic and business conducive environment, and a country of friendly people and spectacular shooting locations.
“The combination of Lithuania’s well developed film infrastructure, local professionals, lower-than-average shooting costs and attractive tax incentives, offer a really good deal for foreign production companies,” said the Ambassador.
India’s Honorary Consul in Lithuania Rajinder Chaudhary, who was also present at the meeting, urged the participants to follow the footsteps of Irrfan Khan and discover Lithuania as their next shooting destination.
Milda Leiputė, producer from Nordic Productions, a leading production house in Lithuania, shared her experience as to why Vilnius and Lithuania is an attractive place for foreign filmmakers.
“Our company works predominately with foreign production houses, and I can say with full confidence that choosing Lithuania as your shooting destination is a risk-free option. Your Lithuanian partners will always provide you the best filming location, the best professional crew and impeccable local support,” said Ms. Leiputė.
More than 50 Bollywood representatives attended the first specialized country promotion event organized jointly by the Lithuanian Embassy in New Delhi and Lithuania’s Honorary Consul in Mumbai.
The Indian filmmakers also shared experience about arranging shooting stints abroad.
They also noted that Bollywood and Indian tourism follow each other closely: “After a popular Indian movie in shot in your country, a massive influx of Indian visitors should be anticipated.”
The Bollywood filmmakers suggested a study trip to Lithuania in order to better evaluate the local infrastructure there.