UK tempts Bollywood

Bollywood films have millions of fans worldwide

British officials are visiting India's movie capital, Bombay, in a bid to woo Indian film-makers to Britain.

A nine-strong team from the British Film Commission (BFC) is on a fact-finding tour of Bollywood, the huge Bombay Hindi movie industry which produces hundreds of films a year .

During their six-day visit they will tour film studios, sets and post-production units, talking to producers, directors and ad-makers.

"We are here to learn how the Indian film industry operates and how we can best help them, and what services we can provide them when they come to the UK," said Susan Craig of the BFC.

Longleat House is the setting for Mohabbatein

The BFC team is also keen to hear about the experiences of those Indian film-makers who have already shot their movies in Britain.

Around 15 such films were made in the UK last year, including the highly successful Mohabbatein (Affections), released in October this year.

The BFC helped renowned Bollywood producer-director Yash Chopra to settle on Longleat House in Wiltshire - stately home of the Marquis of Bath - as the perfect setting for his romantic musical.

Ironically, when Chopra needed rain for his movie, he called on the BFC again.

The Commission was able to advise him on which special effects experts could best provide the weather.

Regional rivalry

The BFC team visiting Bombay is made up of representatives from Wales, Scotland and the English regions.

Each area of the UK has its own charms with which to attract the attention of the Bollywood movie moguls.

As well as the film-makers, it hopes Bollywood fans - in Britain, India and beyond - will be tempted to visit the locations themselves, boosting tourism figures.

"We are competing with each other," admits Susan Craig. "But it's a friendly competition."