29/11/2012 - Mayor meets Indian filmmakers in Mumbai

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, announced today in Mumbai that two Bollywood films would be shot in London in summer 2013. Bollywood producer Sajid Nadiadwala, who shot Housefull 1 and 2 in London, will shoot the third instalment in the franchise in the city along with his directorial debut Kick. The two films have a combined budget of £35 million and post-production will be in London.

Johnson is on a five-day visit to India to try and steer some of cash-rich India’s wealth London’s way. Several of Bollywood’s top executives from Balaji Motion Pictures, Reliance Entertainment and Yash Raj Films were also present to meet the UK delegation. Sharing the stage with Johnson was British producer and Chair of Film London David Parfitt (Shakespeare In Love). Johnson and Parfitt outlined the benefits of shooting in London, not the least of which is a 20% tax rebate, and urged Indian filmmakers to consider the city as a location of choice.

Johnson said, “London and Mumbai are major players on the international stage for creativity and the arts. Filmmaking is massively important to both our cities and we need to build on the momentum that already exists. 2012 has been another bumper year for movie-making in London and I want to make it as easy as possible to film in the city, whether you want to feature an iconic landmark as a backdrop, take advantage of our second to none post-production facilities, or be amongst the first to use our incredible Olympic Park as a location.”

Parfitt said, “We have a fantastic track record of successfully facilitating Indian productions which have shot in London and we want to build on this work for the benefit of both of our industries.”