At the end of April, the first tour of international filmmakers took place as part of the new
project “Filming Locations in Russia”. Indian producers visited Moscow, Sochi, and the
Moscow Region, including a large-scale film cluster under construction.
From April 19 to April 29, a group of Indian producers explored potential filming locations in
Russia. The visit was organized by ROSKINO, a Russian film promotion body, with the support
of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The Moscow Tourism Committee acted as
the official hospitality partner. The Indian delegation included six producers: Producers Guild of
India Executive Director Nitin Tej Ahuja, and producers Keyursinh Parmar (Roy Kapur
Films), Ankur Garg (Luv Films), Yash Katira (Applause Entertainment), Mukesh Jain
(Junglee Pictures), and Bonnie Jain (Red Chillies Entertainment). The Indian delegation studied
natural and architectural locations and film production infrastructure.
In Moscow, the guests took part in the business section of the 45th Moscow International Film
Festival. CEO of the Producers Guild of India Nitin Tej Ahuja held a seminar under the
ROSKINO Academy brand titled “Financial Aspects of Film Production and Peculiarities of
Doing Business in India”. The Indian producers also took part in a round table “Russia-India.
Opportunities for cooperation in the film industry” and pitching “Russia-India” co-production
projects.
In Sochi, a Russian city on the Black Sea coast, a presentation of regional film locations was
held. Today, good conditions have been created for filming in Krasnodar region, and there are a
large number of companies providing services for renting equipment and providing professional
staff. An additional incentive for foreign filmmakers is financial support. Since 2021, a
mechanism has been introduced in the region to reimburse part of the costs associated with the
production of national films (including co-production projects) in Krasnodar Region: the rebate
is currently 30 %.
ROSKINO Marketing Director Vladimir Labutin said the project “Filming Locations in
Russia” will attract more international film groups to Russian regions, contributing to the
development of local industries, and strengthening the image of Russia as a tourist destination.
In Moscow Region, as part of a meeting with representatives of the film commission, the
potential of the region was also presented. Moscow Region is a unique location combining
incredible natural landscapes and architectural monuments. It also has a growing industrial
infrastructure, as the Indian guests could see for themselves during their visit to the Glavkino
film and television complex.
The program of the location tour also included the territory of the film cluster under construction
in Moscow near the village of Yurovo, where the first part of the project has already been
implemented, several multifunctional film sets have been built. It is also planned to build scenery
for the railway station and airport terminal, numerous pavilions, a hotel complex, and warehouse
buildings.
Summing up the results of the location tour, Nitin Tej Ahuja, CEO of the Producers Guild of
India, noted: “Every location that we saw was relevant and unique in its own way and I think
each of them has immense potential as a shooting location. What I particularly liked was that in
Sochi one can shoot in snow and on beaches in the same city and at the same time which is great
as it gives you two very different diverse landscapes in a very production efficient way. The
grandeur and scale of central Moscow, especially the Red Square, also makes for very striking
visuals as do many of the estates and manors we visited. Further, the modern skyscrapers of
Moscow City are also perfect for a modern or futuristic story. I can imagine all sorts of Indian
films being shot there especially action, thrillers, romantic and family films”.
The only thing that needs improvement, as Nitin Tej Ahuja said, is a federal government rebate
or incentives. “This is something we discussed extensively with the authorities during our trip”,
he underlined.
Describing the film production infrastructure, Nitin Tej Ahuja said he was surprised by how
advanced and accessible production facilities are, especially in Moscow. Mosfilm film studio in
particular was an eye-opener given the range of shooting floors and technical facilities, as also
the vast catalogues of vintage vehicles, costumes, props and more that can be accessed. “It
would be no exaggeration to say that one can literally go to Mosfilm with a crew and a script
and come out with a finished film!” he said.
Nitin Tej Ahuja also expressed admiration for the ambitious plans for the film cluster in
Moscow. “I am sure it will be very producer-friendly facility once fully operational” he said.
To the question about further prospects for cooperation, Nitin Tej Ahuja answered “India and
Russia already have an official co-production treaty that offers many advantages to filmmakers
in both countries. I think the most important requirement for this cooperation to achieve its full potential is regular interactions between working professionals of both countries and both
industries. The biggest Indian film of the year so far, Pathaan, shot some portions in Russia as
did the upcoming Tiger 3 I am sure that as a result of our tour and our learnings, Indian
producers are looking at Russia even more actively as a possible shooting destination. I am very
optimistic about the future of our film ties and collaborations but it is important that we keep
this dialogue ongoing on a regular basis”.
project “Filming Locations in Russia”. Indian producers visited Moscow, Sochi, and the
Moscow Region, including a large-scale film cluster under construction.
From April 19 to April 29, a group of Indian producers explored potential filming locations in
Russia. The visit was organized by ROSKINO, a Russian film promotion body, with the support
of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The Moscow Tourism Committee acted as
the official hospitality partner. The Indian delegation included six producers: Producers Guild of
India Executive Director Nitin Tej Ahuja, and producers Keyursinh Parmar (Roy Kapur
Films), Ankur Garg (Luv Films), Yash Katira (Applause Entertainment), Mukesh Jain
(Junglee Pictures), and Bonnie Jain (Red Chillies Entertainment). The Indian delegation studied
natural and architectural locations and film production infrastructure.
In Moscow, the guests took part in the business section of the 45th Moscow International Film
Festival. CEO of the Producers Guild of India Nitin Tej Ahuja held a seminar under the
ROSKINO Academy brand titled “Financial Aspects of Film Production and Peculiarities of
Doing Business in India”. The Indian producers also took part in a round table “Russia-India.
Opportunities for cooperation in the film industry” and pitching “Russia-India” co-production
projects.
In Sochi, a Russian city on the Black Sea coast, a presentation of regional film locations was
held. Today, good conditions have been created for filming in Krasnodar region, and there are a
large number of companies providing services for renting equipment and providing professional
staff. An additional incentive for foreign filmmakers is financial support. Since 2021, a
mechanism has been introduced in the region to reimburse part of the costs associated with the
production of national films (including co-production projects) in Krasnodar Region: the rebate
is currently 30 %.
ROSKINO Marketing Director Vladimir Labutin said the project “Filming Locations in
Russia” will attract more international film groups to Russian regions, contributing to the
development of local industries, and strengthening the image of Russia as a tourist destination.
In Moscow Region, as part of a meeting with representatives of the film commission, the
potential of the region was also presented. Moscow Region is a unique location combining
incredible natural landscapes and architectural monuments. It also has a growing industrial
infrastructure, as the Indian guests could see for themselves during their visit to the Glavkino
film and television complex.
The program of the location tour also included the territory of the film cluster under construction
in Moscow near the village of Yurovo, where the first part of the project has already been
implemented, several multifunctional film sets have been built. It is also planned to build scenery
for the railway station and airport terminal, numerous pavilions, a hotel complex, and warehouse
buildings.
Summing up the results of the location tour, Nitin Tej Ahuja, CEO of the Producers Guild of
India, noted: “Every location that we saw was relevant and unique in its own way and I think
each of them has immense potential as a shooting location. What I particularly liked was that in
Sochi one can shoot in snow and on beaches in the same city and at the same time which is great
as it gives you two very different diverse landscapes in a very production efficient way. The
grandeur and scale of central Moscow, especially the Red Square, also makes for very striking
visuals as do many of the estates and manors we visited. Further, the modern skyscrapers of
Moscow City are also perfect for a modern or futuristic story. I can imagine all sorts of Indian
films being shot there especially action, thrillers, romantic and family films”.
The only thing that needs improvement, as Nitin Tej Ahuja said, is a federal government rebate
or incentives. “This is something we discussed extensively with the authorities during our trip”,
he underlined.
Describing the film production infrastructure, Nitin Tej Ahuja said he was surprised by how
advanced and accessible production facilities are, especially in Moscow. Mosfilm film studio in
particular was an eye-opener given the range of shooting floors and technical facilities, as also
the vast catalogues of vintage vehicles, costumes, props and more that can be accessed. “It
would be no exaggeration to say that one can literally go to Mosfilm with a crew and a script
and come out with a finished film!” he said.
Nitin Tej Ahuja also expressed admiration for the ambitious plans for the film cluster in
Moscow. “I am sure it will be very producer-friendly facility once fully operational” he said.
To the question about further prospects for cooperation, Nitin Tej Ahuja answered “India and
Russia already have an official co-production treaty that offers many advantages to filmmakers
in both countries. I think the most important requirement for this cooperation to achieve its full potential is regular interactions between working professionals of both countries and both
industries. The biggest Indian film of the year so far, Pathaan, shot some portions in Russia as
did the upcoming Tiger 3 I am sure that as a result of our tour and our learnings, Indian
producers are looking at Russia even more actively as a possible shooting destination. I am very
optimistic about the future of our film ties and collaborations but it is important that we keep
this dialogue ongoing on a regular basis”.