New co-production MoU with Malaysia
Australia and Malaysia are working on a Memorandum of Understanding for co-productions, according to the counsellor for political and economic section of the Australian High Commission in that country, Arthur Spyrou.
The news have been confirmed by Screen Australia legal officer for international co-production Felicity Rennie, who told Encore that negotiations are being led by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
According to Malaysian news agency Bernama, Spyrou’s announcement was made at a press conference to promote the Australian Film Festival in Kuala Lumpur- the first since 2007.
“We see this as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in an area which is really iconic for both countries. I know both Malaysians and Australians love going to cinemas and this is obviously a really good area to extend the cooperation, ” Spyrou said.
The report adds that Spyrou talked about Australia’s potential to assist Malaysian filmmakers, particularly independent, low-budget productions.
Australia has co-production treaties with the UK, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Germany, Singapore and China; and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with France and New Zealand.
