United Kingdom

[GB] Co-production Treaty with South Africa

IRIS 2006-6:1/24

Mara Rossini

Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam

In 2004 and 2005 the Department for Culture, Media and Sport undertook an 18 month review of existing co-production treaties in consultation with the UK Film Council and the UK film industry. Based on this review, on 28 February 2005, it was announced the UK intended to develop a new series of bilateral co-production agreements designed to bolster economic and/or cultural benefits for the UK. Negotiation of new treaties or renegotiation of existing treaties were on the agenda for such countries as India, China, Morocco, Jamaica, Australia, new Zealand, Canada and France. The agreements enable films made jointly by UK producers and their foreign counterparts to qualify as films with national status in both the UK and the other country. Provided the relevant criteria are met, such films could be eligible for national incentives.

In line with these efforts, the UK signed a co-production agreement with South Africa on 24 May 2006. The agreement seeks to encourage South African filmmakers to invest in British talent and locations. The South African film industry, in turn, should benefit from UK film making expertise. The British Culture Secretary and the South African Culture Minister have both expressed their satisfaction in establishing this partnership. The former underlined the importance of joining forces through co-productions and observed “the pooling of talent, finance and expertise” is increasingly important in modern film making. The latter believes such an agreement will strengthen an already thriving indigenous African film.

Both representatives stressed their countries have much to offer and receive in return. British film is vibrant, as award-winning director Ken Loach recently demonstrated at this year’s Cannes festival, and South African film is an emerging force with films such as Tsotsi to prove it. British facilities and expertise, they conclude, will combine well with the talent and unique “world in one country” which characterize South Africa. Thus, cultural and financial benefits as well as the production of top-class cinema lie ahead for both partners.