PANAJI: Entertainment Society of Goa Chief Executive Officer Manoj Srivastava today said the Goa government is considering offering tax reimbursement to the filmmakers shooting here.

Referring to an earlier announcement made by Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Srivastava told indiantelevision.com that this was one way to promote Goa as a film destination.

Earlier taking part in the day-long ‘Big Picture’ meet by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), he said: “Tax reimbursement scheme for the filmmakers shooting in the state is being worked out. We are considering an arrangement wherein half of the tax amount would be reimbursed to the filmmaker after he produces the bills and the film is ready.”

Srivastava said the state is in the process of formulating a scheme to attract more filmmakers to come here to shoot their films.
Answering a question relating to remarks made by eminent filmmaker Yash Chopra, he said filmmakers would be largely benefited if central taxes are relaxed. “I am echoing the sentiments of Yash Chopra who has also expressed a need of relaxation of taxes." Srivastava said.

In his initial remarks, CII’s Goa State Council Chairman Naveen Kapoor said the film industry should be made aware about the new shooting locations. He also added that though Indian film industry has captive audience, there is a need for new market penetrations.

The one day CII seminar had Rajesh Sharma, Director General, Services Export Promotion council, Junaid Menon, Nomad Films, Kalyan Mukherjee, KAS Movie Makers making their presentations.