Single Window Filming Mechanism

The Single Window Filming Mechanism was created to ease filming in Railways. It was created in November 2021. To implement the mechanism, the Film Facilitation Office (FFO) was created.

About Single Window Filming Mechanism

The mechanism provides a protocol to provide permission for filming in railway premises. It ensures that the filming in the premises is streamlined and efficient.

Role of FFO in Single Window Filming Mechanism

The FFO will promote India as a preferred destination for film makers across the world. In order to achieve this, the office will run clearance mechanism, single window facilitation and also one-stop digital repository of information. The repository provides information about filming in India.

Who created Single Window Filming Mechanism?

The mechanism was created by the Film Facilitation Office along with the Ministry of Railways. The Film Facilitation Office operates under the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). The NFDC functions in areas such as film production, distribution and film financing. It operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Objective

The main objective of launching Single Window Filming Mechanism is to make India a preferred destination for film makers from across the world.

Benefits

So far, the Indian and international film makers have to visit the Chief Public Relations offices of railway board (located in New Delhi) and 17 zonal railways to submit applications to seek permissions for film shooting in Railways. After enabling FFO and its single window filming mechanism, the film makers can submit application online. This helps the film makers to submit applications in a centralised way. They need not travel to different states. Also, it helps them to submit applications easily even for filming in railway locations that fall under more than one railway zones.

Working of the mechanism

First, the film maker submits an online application in the FFO portal. After the application has been submitted, the concerned zonal railways are notified. The respective zonal railways then access the application on the FFO portal. They then upload their permission. Apart from granting permission, the FFO portal also allows the applicants to raise queries to the permission granting authorities. This makes the process transparent. Also, it helps in time-bound execution.