Newcastle emerges as top location for Bollywood films

Prasun Sonwalkar

London, Dec 29 (PTI) Bollywood's affection with
Britain is growing with the coal mining city of Newcastle in
north-east England becoming a hot favourite location to shoot
films.

Three Bollywood films were shot in the city this year
and at least four more scheduled for 2009, local officials
say.

Indian films are shot in various locations across
Britain throughout the year, as regional development
authorities vie with each other to invite producers by
offering local support and incentives.

Newcastle is the latest location that is featuring
prominently in Bollywood films. The three films shot in the
city this year were 'Kaun Bola', 'Apni Boli Apna Des' and
'Phhir'.

Lee Aliston, location manager for 'Kuan Bola' and a
producer of 'Phhir', said confidence in the region as a place
to shoot Bollywood films among producers had grown.

He said: "I've got about four Bollywood producers
wanting to produce films in Newcastle. Logistically, it is a
very easy place to film. People are so helpful and here you
can turn things around rather quickly.

"It's a beautiful city with the Edwardian streets and
all the bridges are lovely."

James Hails, communications manager at Northern Film
and Media, told the local media: "We're in talks around future
Bollywood films coming to the region and I know that the
filmmakers enjoyed a productive time here, but nothing is ever
100 per cent guaranteed in the film world.

"One thing I do know is that if we can bring more
production to the region we will be willing and able to make
that production a success," he added.

As interest as grown, Mark Jackson, corporate project
manager at Newcastle City Council, has acted as a go-between
for location managers and the council.

He said they would continue to balance the needs of
the filmmakers with those of city centre residents.

"The increased interest is something we definitely
want to keep happening though. It's estimated that between
half a billion and one billion people see a Bollywood
blockbuster so the potential impact on tourism is huge."

A recent report by the UK Film Council revealed that
tourists from India and other countries who visit locations of
popular films contribute nearly two billion pounds to the
British economy annually.

"Effect of film tourism was long lasting. British
films and television programmes play a powerful role in
showcasing the UK to the rest of the world and increased
tourism," said John Woodward, chief executive, UK Film
Council.

Hailing the phenomena, Minister for Film and Tourism
Margaret Hodge said: "We have beautiful scenery and awesome
buildings across the length and breadth of Britain. The film
and television industries provide a platform to show the rest
of the world just how much we have to offer."

"It is a terrific benefit that not only are our films
successful, but their locations are becoming destinations in
their own right as people seek to relive their favourite movie
moments," the minister added.

Local officials in Yorkshire estimate that during the
IIFA weekend alone in June 2007, the region's economy gained
by nearly 10 million pounds. PTI CORR
AM