New policies on shooting abroad and participation of foreign artistes
Information and Broadcasting Ministry published new policies on their website on May 31, stating that without the government's permission, shooting in foreign countries will be prohibited from now on. According to the policies, participation of foreign actors, crew members, and music experts in advertisements (2021), as well as usage of foreign shooting equipment by any Bangladeshi cast and crew members must be approved by the government of Bangladesh.
One committee will verify, decide, and recommend the need for shooting abroad, along with the financial capability to conduct the shoot, before approval. The Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (Administration & Film), will be the Chairman of the committee. The Joint Secretary (Film), a representative from the Public Safety department, Director General of BFDC, a representative of the National Revenue Board, and the President of Bangladesh Film Producer's Association will be the members of the committee among others. The Deputy Secretary (Film-1) will also be present as a member secretary of the committee.
The policy also states that if any foreign artistes want to work on a project in Bangladesh, they have to take permission from the government beforehand.
There are multiple guidelines on foreign artiste's participation in any project. If any foreigner works on an advertisement, the remuneration has to be BDT 2 lakh per artiste, excluding VAT and income tax. If the advertisement runs on any TV channel, they must pay the channel a one-time fee of 20,000 taka, for every advertisement.
Foreign artistes cannot be in a contractual project without any remuneration policy. The remuneration amount and payment procedure must be included in the contract. For foreign artistes, their remuneration must be according to state law, abiding by the income tax and VAT policies.
"I support the government's decision on this policy," shares actor and director Tariq Anam Khan. I would like to add that native industries must be allowed to survive first, and we must increase incentives for our artistes."
"I agree with the government and I believe everyone must adhere to rules and regulations," says actor Ferdous. "Many foreigners come to our country for shooting and leave without any trace or official documentation. When going abroad, an artiste's capabilities and expertise should be verified, or else our country's reputation can be ruined in many instances. Everyone must cooperate with the government."
Translated by Rasheek Tabassum Mondira