UK Film Co-production treaties in 2008
Films can qualify as British in one of three ways. They must meet the requirements of one of the following: One of the UK's official bilateral co-production treaties; or The European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production; or the Cultural Test, according to the UK Film Council.
Co-production: Information on qualifying as a British film via the UK's official bi-lateral co-production treaties or the European Convention
Cultural Test: Information on qualifying as a British film using the Cultural Test.
Tax relief: Information on the UK's system of tax relief for British Films.
European Certificate of British Nationality: Information on qualifying for a European Certificate of British Nationality.
Co-production
The UK Government currently has five active bi-lateral film co-production agreements with Australia, and Canada, France, New Zealand and South Africa. The aim of these agreements is to encourage cross cultural collaboration between film makers from both countries. They are also known as treaties.
The UK has also ratified the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production; this is designed to encourage multi-lateral film co-productions between three or more signatory countries, and to allow for bi-lateral co-productions where no bi-lateral agreement exists.
We publish the details of Co-production. For other categories check the listing on India EU Film Initiative's site www.iefilmi.com and check 'Film Funds' under 'Film Bazar' category.
Qualifying as a British film under one of the UK's official co-production treaties provides a number of advantages: productions are eligible to apply for UK Film Council funding and for the benefits of the UK's tax relief system. Films made as official co-productions are not required to pass the Cultural Test for British film.
The UK currently has 6 active bi-lateral treaties with:
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- South Africa
New treaties
Negotiations are underway to establish new bi-lateral treaties with India, China and Morocco. The first part of the UK/India bi-lateral co-production treaty was signed in December 2005. The second part (Annex) is currently being negotiated. The treaty cannot come into force until both parts are agreed and subsequent legal procedures have been completed.
For further informarion: http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/coproduction
