A Quick 7 Steps Guide to register yourself as a Movie Producer in India

As toddlers, we can’t wait to stand up on our feet, and the day we do, instead of holding on and letting our bodies get used to the idea of the sheer weight and the balance that’s required to hold a head that’s bigger than an ‘adult’ average and our frail body, we try to reach, run, grab and experience life around us. As filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, and cinematographers, fresh out of film school or freshly coming into some money, and much like a toddler with wide eyes and endless curiosity, we want to get that film on the floor and our names on that screen already! However, we need to get the red tape out of the way before we go on to producing, directing, acting, or filming our first movie.

So, before you run away trying to get your film on the silver screen, here are a few steps to cross off your to-do list to walk the tightrope of filmmaking gracefully and successfully.

The Red Tape: The paperwork and the leg work;

1. You’ll need a general business established under the Registrar’s office in the State where you intend to produce your film, at least a proprietorship (or partnership if more of you are coming together to make this film), under which you’ll go on to register an exclusive ‘film production banner’– your unique banner that will herald your first film project. Approach a Chartered Accountant for this part of the process.

2. A Banking Account is necessary before you move on to the next step.

3. Next, you’ll head to the Film Chamber of Commerce of your State and register this banner. While a proprietorship registration doesn’t cost much, the banner enrollment will set you back by over a hundred thousand Indian rupees (one lakh). The process involves a simple walk-in with all necessary documents in order.

4. You’ll also need to register yourself (and partners, if more than one) at the Producers Association. While this Association is not as expensive as the Film Chamber of Commerce enrollment fee, it will set you back by about seventy-five thousand Indian rupees.

5. If you are directing a film for the first time or for the second time, you’re okay to forego enrolling in the Directors Association. However, you’ll need a Director’s Card (after joining the Association) to direct your third.

6. The Film Chamber of Commerce will also have numbers, addresses, and other contact details of Unions registered with them. Be sure to ask for a list before deciding to work with people, light units, or others, as associating with and employing people not registered with Industry-recognised unions may incur penalties and, sometimes, bring your film production to a halt.

7. Register your film’s title and names of the primary technicians (Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, story writer, Dialogues Writer, Film Unit, etc.) involved in its making with the Film Chamber of Commerce before it goes on the floor. Most film chambers circulate a monthly film magazine among film industry peers, film circles, and the press and media that will carry your name, your film’s title, and your production banner– this is a first (little) step towards free publicity.

Tips:

1. Prefer working with registered professionals so the advances you hand out remain refundable in case of issues like delivery dates or quality of services.

2. People you hire should always carry their membership cards on their person when on your film set in case a squad from one of the unions comes inspecting.

If you’ve managed to stay with me thus far, you are serious about producing or directing a film. After registering yourself, your firm, your production banner, and your film’s title, there are several more steps to follow. The only mantra to a successful film is to take it seriously and produce it professionally. Stay away from tropes that make filmmaking look easy. Hire me (www.hkhan.in) or another experienced professional to help guide you in your first project as Director or Producer. I will help you walk safely and confidently with the right balance and frame of mind to create a flourishing film product.

Welcome to the “Indian Film Industry,” See you at the movies.