Film fraternity seeks new policy to bail out industry

Representation to CM requesting cut in service charge from Rs 39.50 to Rs 10

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Aug 29: Pointing out that the film industry in Assam is going through a "deep crisis", the film fraternity has sought a comprehensive revision of the State's current film policy.

In a representation to the Chief Minister, the film fraternity - including producers, directors, artists, exhibitors and technicians - has sought a cut in the service charges which is a "phenomel" Rs 39.50.

Giving a break-up of a Rs 100 priced cinema ticket, noted producer Shankar Lal Goenka said the fixed service charge is Rs 39.50, 13 per cent service charge on service tax is Rs 5.10 and entertainment tax Rs 16.60, which brings the admission charge to Rs 38.80. The exhibitors share is Rs 39.50 and 50 per cent of the admission charge (Rs 19.40) which totals to Rs 58.90. The producers share, which also includes the distributors commission, is a pathetic Rs 19.40.

Suggesting a new break-up, Goenka said the fraternity has pleaded the State government to bring down the service charge to Rs 10. "In the new break-up, we suggested, the exhibitors share will be Rs 41.04 and the producers Rs 31.04," Goenka said.

Besides, the film fraternity has also sought a policy to encourage setting up of more cinema halls, making Assamese films top priority releases in all cinema halls and multiplexes of the State and action against exhibitors refusing films made in Assam.

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