Co-Production Treaty
Government agreements enabling films to qualify as domestic productions in multiple countries.
Definition
Co-production treaties are international agreements allowing films meeting specific requirements to qualify as domestic productions in both participating countries. This dual nationality grants access to production incentives, quotas, and distribution advantages in both territories.
Treaty co-productions must meet content and spending requirements in each country, involving shared creative control and crew employment.
Why It Matters
Co-production treaties can dramatically impact production economics by unlocking incentives and market access. Understanding treaty requirements helps producers structure projects to maximize available benefits.
These agreements shape where and how international productions are assembled.
Examples in Practice
A UK-Canada treaty co-production qualifies for British tax credits and Canadian incentives while counting as domestic content in both markets. European co-productions often involve three or more countries pooling resources and qualifying for multiple national systems.
Treaty administration requires careful tracking of spending, creative elements, and reporting requirements.