Filming in Nepal | Why does Nepal need a film studio?

Establishing a film studio in Nepal has been a prolonged topic of discussion, yet despite ongoing talks and considerations, there hasn't been any concrete progress or realization of this ambition to date. However, in July, the Council of Ministers granted approval for the allocation of 2.5 hectares of land in Banepa to establish a state-of-the-art film studio. The budget for the fiscal year 2023/24 also included a proposal for constructing this studio. Notably, this isn't the government's first significant plan for the film industry. A decade ago, they had earmarked land in Dangdunge Danda, Dolakha, for a film city project.

The initial enthusiasm sparked by the announcement of a film city in Dolakha has diminished over time. Despite substantial budget allocations, minimal progress has been made in realizing the film studio. Several factors contribute to this stagnation, with observers highlighting the state's perceived lack of interest and indifference towards the film industry as a primary cause. According to Samipya Timalsena, a film critic, "The government seems to have limited knowledge about the film sector and remains unaware of its potential benefits in terms of revenue generation and employment opportunities."

Filming in Nepal

Recognizing the necessity for a film studio in the Nepali film industry, another significant concern revolves around the consequences of this absence. Filmmakers and industry enthusiasts consistently argue that it's time for the Nepali film industry to establish its dedicated film studio. As film production continues to increase, there's a growing demand for suitable shooting locations and settings, a need that can only be fulfilled through the establishment of a fully equipped film studio.

Director and choreographer Renasha Bantawa Rai emphasizes that film studios have become crucial in producing quality movies in the present context. The absence of a studio imposes numerous constraints on filmmakers, forcing them to operate within various limitations. Currently, Nepali filmmakers are constrained to renting personal spaces for their shoots, which come with limitations like restricted timeframes, putting undue pressure on the filmmaking process. Moreover, shooting in these spaces, especially during nighttime, can cause disturbances for neighbors.

"Having a dedicated and comfortable space for shooting could significantly enhance filmmakers’ productivity and creativity. Renting spaces often compromises camera positioning, prop arrangements, and timings," says Timalsena. "Sometimes, due to time constraints, filmmakers are forced to compromise on shots or scenes that don’t meet their desired standards." In contrast, filmmakers argue that a film studio provides the flexibility for seamless set changes according to the script’s requirements, a feat that can be quite challenging in other settings.

Source : https://english.onlinekhabar.com/film-studio-nepal.html