ID :
216665
Fri, 11/25/2011 - 11:30
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Australia should learn audience connect from Bollywood: Aussie producer

Panaji (Goa, India), Nov 25 (PTI) Australian distributors are of the opinion that the Indian film industry connects brilliantly with its local audience, something filmmakers Down Under are yet to learn. "Australia has a small audience for its local cinema whereas India has an enormous and enthusiastic audience for its local cinema," said Julia Marlow from Screen Producers Association of Australia at the Film Bazaar in the ongoing 42nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here in the western Indian coastal state Goa. Representatives from the association are in India as a part of the three-day business to business event to facilitate co-productions between India and Australia. Marlow, who has been a regular at the film bazaar in Goa, feels that Indian movies have been wrongly stereotyped as song and dance dramas. "There are misconceptions about Bollywood that its all about song, dance and romance. But Bollywood, with its complex multi-layered narrative have managed to cut right through the heart of the local audience. We need to learn how to connect to our local audience from them," Marlow added. The Australian government is in discussion with its Indian counterparts for the past two years to sign a pact to enable Indian filmmakers to enter into a co-production with Australia. "The pact is under discussion for the past two years, which is not a very long time for such a thing. We are hoping that it will be signed by next year," said Marlow. Once the agreement is in place, the Indian filmmakers will have access to finances from the Australian government and be eligible for tax rebate if their film is an official co-production. It will also facilitate shooting of the films in the country. "When the treaty is finalized, Indian filmmakers will be counted as Australian filmmakers, and vice versa. It would be immensely beneficial for both," said Kathleen Drumm from Screen Australia. A number of Bollywood films in Hindi language, including 'Salaam Namaste', 'Chak De' and 'Heyy Babyy' have been extensively shot in Australia. "Currently 'From Sydney with Love' is being shot in Australia," said Drumm. TV serial 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain" was also shot in Sydney recently. PTI

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