Austria

[AT-CA] Audiovisual Co-Production Agreement

IRIS 2005-5:1/27

Anne Yliniva-Hoffmann

Institute of European Media Law (EMR), Saarbrücken/Brussels

The Republic of Austria and the Government of Canada signed an agreement on audiovisual co-productions, which entered into force on 18 May 2005. Its main aim is to develop cultural and economic exchanges in the film, television and video fields.

Audiovisual co-productions within the meaning of the agreement are projects that, irrespective of their length, are produced on film, videotape or videodisc or in any other format for exploitation in cinemas or on television. The proportion of the respective contributions of the co-producers of the two parties may vary from 20 % to 80 % of the budget for each co-production. The revenues shall be shared accordingly. In principle, the aim is for the contracting parties to achieve a balance with regard to their financial, artistic and technical contributions.

The productions covered by the agreement shall be regarded in each of the Contracting States as national productions and can consequently qualify for the relevant subsidies.

The competent authorities are: in Austria, the Minister for Economic Affairs and, in Canada, the Minister of Canadian Heritage. In addition, a Joint Commission is established to monitor the implementation of the agreement.

The agreement is initially valid for five years but will be extended for a further two years unless either party gives notice of its termination six months before the expiry date at the latest.