Kolkata:
Hollywood studios are showinginterest in developing the two state-of-the-art film citiesplanned in West Bengal, Finance Minister Amit Mitra todaysaid.
The state government had earlier announced plans ofmaking at least two film cities, one each in Uttarpara, a fewkm from Kolkata and the other one in north Bengal.
"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had identified thespots and accordingly land has already been allocated for thetwo film cities. Expression of interest are flowing in fromvarious quarters," Mitra said at FICCI's media andentertainment business conclave.
Recently, executives of company who had developed afilm city in Manchester told him that they are interested indeveloping the ones coming up in Bengal.
"Another major studio in the US has also expressedinterest. The film industry has tremendous national andinternational potential," the minister said.
The film cities being planned will not only work forthe film and television industry but will also be a hub foranimation, gaming and special effects, he said.
Stating that infrastructure is very critical for theindustry, Mitra said Bengal is already a hub of creativity andwith the film cities, the entire eco-system will be complete.
On a number of occasions, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeehas said that Tollywood must reach out to Bollywood andHollywood to bridge the gap between the film industries.
During a meeting with US secretary of state HillaryClinton, she had sought a joint endeavour to work together forthe development of Bengal's entertainment industry.
The state government had earlier announced plans ofmaking at least two film cities, one each in Uttarpara, a fewkm from Kolkata and the other one in north Bengal.
"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had identified thespots and accordingly land has already been allocated for thetwo film cities. Expression of interest are flowing in fromvarious quarters," Mitra said at FICCI's media andentertainment business conclave.
Recently, executives of company who had developed afilm city in Manchester told him that they are interested indeveloping the ones coming up in Bengal.
"Another major studio in the US has also expressedinterest. The film industry has tremendous national andinternational potential," the minister said.
The film cities being planned will not only work forthe film and television industry but will also be a hub foranimation, gaming and special effects, he said.
Stating that infrastructure is very critical for theindustry, Mitra said Bengal is already a hub of creativity andwith the film cities, the entire eco-system will be complete.
On a number of occasions, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeehas said that Tollywood must reach out to Bollywood andHollywood to bridge the gap between the film industries.
During a meeting with US secretary of state HillaryClinton, she had sought a joint endeavour to work together forthe development of Bengal's entertainment industry.
