APFDC Chairman Bharat Bhushan held discussions with representatives of Telugu television’s 24 crafts on the upcoming Nandi Awards, shooting facilities, industry incentives, welfare measures and greater television production activity in Andhra Pradesh.
Nandi Awards from 2017 to 2024 to Be Presented Soon
The Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation recently announced plans to conduct the Nandi Awards for the cinema, television and theatre sectors. As part of the preparations, APFDC Chairman Bharat Bhushan held a meeting with representatives from the Telugu television industry to discuss several issues affecting the sector. APFDC members Burra Sai Madhav and Meer, TV & OTT South President Prasad Rao, TV Federation President Nani, Telugu Film Producers Council Secretary Thummala Prasanna Kumar and representatives of television’s 24 crafts participated in the discussions. Bharat Bhushan said the long-pending Nandi Awards would be presented soon and that complete details regarding the awards for the years 2017 to 2024 would be announced shortly. He added that the Nandi Awards would be conducted annually from 2025 onwards.
Tirupati Being Considered for Nandi Awards Ceremony
Bharat Bhushan said efforts were being made to organise the Nandi Awards ceremony in Tirupati in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The event is being considered for either the last week of November or the first week of December. He also appealed to television producers and industry representatives to increase the number of TV programmes and shootings conducted in Andhra Pradesh instead of limiting production activity in the state.
TV Industry Seeks Studios, Subsidies and Welfare Support
Television industry representatives expressed their willingness to conduct more shoots in Andhra Pradesh but sought greater support from the state government. They requested land for the development of studios and shooting facilities in major cities as well as different districts. The representatives also sought greater employment opportunities for local artists and technicians when productions are brought into the state. Other demands included proper recognition for the television media sector, health insurance and possible pension facilities for artists, along with shooting subsidies and financial support that could help producers reduce production costs.
APFDC to Form Committees and Study Industry Requests
Responding to the requests, Bharat Bhushan said the APFDC would hold detailed discussions before taking appropriate decisions. He assured representatives that efforts would be made to address concerns affecting the film, television and theatre sectors. Clarifying that the proposals could not be decided immediately, he said committees would soon be constituted to examine the demands in detail. Based on their discussions and recommendations, the government would take suitable decisions on shooting infrastructure, incentives, artist welfare and other television industry requirements.
