Aug 09, 2024 01:14 PM IST
Amid the ongoing discussion over escalating film production costs, we speak to industry insiders on effective strategies for curbing these expenses.
Bollywood is grappling with escalating budgets and disappointing returns, with many films failing to turn a profit. While organisations like the Producers Guild of India and Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) are working towards solutions, we speak to filmmakers and directors about key strategies to reduce the soaring production costs.
Anil Sharma, Filmmaker
Producers bechare dabb jaate hai actors ke costs ke chakkar mein. To bring down production expenses, actors should consider minimising their support staff. For instance, having just one hair and makeup artist, instead of a team of five or six, could significantly cut costs. Producers and directors happily give actors whatever’s necessary but unreasonable and unjustified demands, jaise multiple vanity vans, nahi chahiye. And if they still need all of these extra people, then they should cover the costs themselves.
Suparn S Varma, Writer-director
The cost of securing and maintaining permissions for shooting a Hindi film or series in India is exorbitant. The governments in Hindi-speaking states should consider reducing these costs, similar to the subsidies provided for Telugu and Tamil films.
Sudhanshu Saria, Filmmaker
Pre-production is crucial for managing budgets effectively. Spending more time planning with actors before shooting can streamline the process, This in turn will allow for efficient execution of complex scenes, reducing shooting days, particularly beneficial in expensive locations like London. Additionally, being decisive during pre-production—such as finalising clothing choices and other details—can prevent budget wastage and improve cost management.
Ramesh Taurani, Producer
A clear script and director vision can help control costs. Jab ek script well-defined hoti hai and it is locked before shooting begins, it reduces the need for last-minute changes and rewrites. This can help reduce production expenses.
Srijit Mukherjee
One practical approach to reducing costs is to adjust actors’ remuneration based on the average earnings of their last three box office films. This method could address the financial imbalance seen with the underperformance of high-profile films.
