MUMBAI: Over the past two years the Goa has grown phenomenally as a film shooting destination. The business volume of film shoots only adds over Rs 1 billion (Rs 100 crore) to the Goan economy. As many as 600 actors and technicians have mushroomed all over the state.

The Entertainment Society of Goa headed by CEO Manoj Srivastava, takes care of film shooting permissions and develops Goa as a film destination. The reason for increasing film shootings is due to its single window clearance policy and huge networking initiated by Srivastava who is connected with the Indian and foreign film industries ever since his stint with Directorate of Film Festivals.

In March, Goa has 20 film shootings going on at various places. Goa began with having only about 100 days of film shooting only two years back. The state has now risen to having a 6 times growth in the sector.  Despite having a handicap with equipment availability, Goa has managed to attract film makers.
Also on the anvil is the Tax Reimbursement Policy, which Goa is contemplating. Srivastava said, “The policy envisages return of percentage of state taxes paid by the film producers during their film shootings."

The policy is likely to benefit film producers and attract them in hordes to Goa.

Another step that may solve equipment availability problems is the setting up of a film school by the Entertainment Society of Goa. The discussions have been going on with several players and are likely to reach a conclusion stage soon. The shifting of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to Goa was a major step in waking up this sleeping giant state.  With Goan landscape offering every locational possibility except for snow; it’s already the most favored film destination.

Films like Golmaal, Golmaal Returns, Golmaal 3, Endhiran – the Robot, All The Best, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se, Kaminay, Players, Game, Guzaarish, Peter Gaya Kama Se amongst others across Indian languages have been shot in Goa.