Co-Production : United Nations of Film

“Complex” is the word used by many producers to describe official international co-productions. Sonia Borella explores some of the legal and regulatory aspects and complexities associated with official international co-productions in Australia.

With the ability to gain access to finance and incentives in Australia and other countries, official international coproductions are becoming more attractive in this difficult time of obtaining finance, and tackling the associated complexities has become even more worthwhile.

An official co-production is a film or television project made in accordance with one or more of the official arrangements. Official international co-production treaties exist between Australia and each of Canada, China, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Singapore and the  nited Kingdom, and less-than-treaty arrangements (each recorded in a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”)) exist between Australia and each of France and New Zealand (“official co-production arrangements”). In addition, a treaty with South Africa is  currently being negotiated and the potential for official coproduction arrangements with other countries is under consideration. Denmark, India and Malaysia are some of the potential future co-production partners.