Ten UK & India Co-productions in the next two years

The UK and Indian Governments have successfully completed negotiations, which will enable the UK-India film co-production agreement to come into force. The treaty will enable UK and Indian filmmakers to work together to co-produce films that will be eligible for national status in both countries, announced British High Commission in New Delhi, Monday, May 12, 2008. India EU Film Initiative had reported the finalisation of Indo UK Film treaty a week ago.

As a direct result of the treaty it is expected that 10 UK-Indian co-productions will be made within the first two years. The treaty will also contribute significantly to the strengthening of the skills base in both India and the UK, said a press release.

On signing the annex to the treaty today British Deputy High Commissioner, Creon Butler said: "The UK is seen as the world's number one market for Bollywood productions outside India. "With the UK-India film co-production agreement, the opportunities for Indo-British partnerships in the film industry are sure to increase."

The British Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Andy Burnham said: "India and Britain both have vibrant film industries and bringing them together in this way opens the door to some exciting new collaborations. Our countries have close cultural and historical connections and it is great that our film industries will be able to work more closely together to develop this further."

Chief Executive of the UK Film Council, John Woodward said: "The UK and Indian film industries are among the most influential in the world and the aim of the treaty is to build on the existing cultural ties and encourage greater collaboration.

"Aside from the clear economic benefits to filmmakers the treaty also aims to increase the diversity of film making, giving film makers the opportunity to tell new stories that reflect our shared history and culture."

The former Secretary of State Tessa Jowell and Shri P.R. Dasmunsi, Indian Minister of Information, signed the main body of the agreement in New Delhi on 5 December 2005.

Negotiations on the detailed annex to this agreement have now been completed by officials. The agreement will come into force shortly, once constitutional procedures have been completed in both countries.

The treaty with India will be the 7th of the UK's bi-lateral co-production treaties. Over 400 co-production films have been over the last 7 years, including over 140 minority UK co-productions, with an average UK expenditure of 35% which is worth over £1 billion to the economy.

In the UK alone more than 2.5 million people went to see Hindi films in 2005 and Indian film accounted