In this episode of the Vitrina Podcast, Mr. Prithul Kumar, serving as Joint Secretary (Films) & Managing Director at NFDC under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India discusses initiatives undertaken by the ministry to aid international film production projects and services in India (including live shoots, Animation projects, post-production and visual effects services) and official co-productions under the bilateral Audio Visual Coproduction Agreements that India has with other countries.
The incentive cap has been significantly increased, now standing at approximately $3.6 million USD, a remarkable twelve-fold increase. This cap is among the most competitive globally and, coupled with India’s inherent cost competitiveness, presents a substantial incentive for foreign productions.
Podcast Chapters
01:31 | Initiatives by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting for the promotion of the Incentive Program. |
04:49 | AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics) sector’s importance for content creation, considering metaverse and gamification. |
09:09 | States rapidly adopting policies to boost AVGC sector. |
14:22 | Coordination between central and state governments on film production incentives. |
16:35 | Response from local industry and the growing trend of co-productions between Indian and foreign filmmakers. |
21:40 | Accessibility of information about Indian film industry incentives. |
23:20 | Exploring avenues for international participation in prominent Indian film industry. |
25:20 | Success Metrics: Attracting diverse projects with appealing incentives. |
Additionally, various state governments have implemented their own incentive policies, with some offering up to half a million USD. When combined with the Central Govt’s incentive of $3.6 million USD, the total incentive can reach up to $4 million USD.
About National Film Development Corporation (NFDC):
For more information on the incentive scheme and eligibility criteria, please check the link below:
Latest from National Film Development Corporation (NFDC):









- Significant Incentive Packages: The Indian government offers incentives up to $3.6 million USD for foreign film productions, with potential state bonuses increasing this to $4 million USD. This makes India one of the most attractive locations globally in terms of financial incentives .
- Special Focus on AVGC-XR Industry: The Ministry has identified the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector as a sunrise industry, likening its potential growth to the IT boom of the 90s. With the metaverse and 5G technologies expanding, the demand for AVGC content is expected to surge .
- Robust Infrastructure and Talent Pool: India boasts a vast and skilled talent pool, particularly in major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. The infrastructure for both production and post-production, including state-of-the-art AVGC facilities, is highly developed and cost-effective, often three times cheaper than other countries .
- Streamlined Processes and Single-Window Clearance: The Film Facilitation Office (FFO) offers a streamlined process for obtaining incentives and clearances, with an average processing time of less than two months. The FFO is also enhancing its online portal to include comprehensive resources and GIS mapping of film locations, making it easier for producers to plan and execute their projects .
- Comprehensive Government Support: The government has implemented significant reforms, such as updating the Cinematograph Act to combat piracy and improve content classification. Additionally, a national policy and a center of excellence for the AVGC sector are in the works to further support education, skilling, and industry infrastructure .