By FARISHA AHMED
With more film productions expected to come to Fiji, South Pacific Recordings Limited (SPR) is taking the opportunity to extend its business.
SPR confirmed its $1.4 million investment in new production equipment which it will be giving for hire.
Director,Ravindra Patel, said the company has brought in some lighting equipment that will assist during movie productions.
“We got in a lot of new lights as more opportunities for film productions are coming to Fiji,” he said.
“We thought it is a great opportunity to invest and lights are something that lasts long and can be used in variety of ways.”
New equipment uses
The $1.4 million investment has been for lights, transport and generators.
“These are a few of the things that we have brought in from Germany this year and we hope to invest in other things in the future as well,” Mr Patel said.
The company also has new cameras that can be mounted on vehicles and shoot scenes while a vehicle is moving.
“The new equipment is supposed to boost the quality of production because camera and lighting quality is one of main ingredients for a good movie,” he said.
“We want to cater for all the requirement needs of film producers that come in the country either from Bollywood, Hollywood and even for local film production.”
Movies in line
After 3G and Table No 21, Fiji is emerging as a hot spot for Indian Films.
“We are grateful for the Government to be able to get in Bollywood movies to the country, however more works are needed so that more opportunities come in,” Mr Patel said.
“We have a few movies this year, one will begin in September and another one around November and December.
“Currently we were supposed to be shooting movies with the famous Sudhakar Bokade, producer of ‘Saajan,’but sadly he passed away yesterday (Monday).
“We had three movies in line with Mr Bokade unfortunately it is a sad loss for the film industry as well as Fiji.
“The Fijian Government provides a 47 percent tax rebate to fully fund overseas film productions as a means to encourage film producers to use the enormous potential of the islands, with that it is also boosting local talents and employments.”
South Pacific Recordings Limited technical crew, Rusiate Ralulu, with the film production lights in SPR’s warehouse in Nadi yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA