A film co-production treaty between the UK and China has been signed by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey (pictured) and Vice Minister Tong Gang of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT). Vaizey is currently in China as part of a UK Government delegation, aiming to push forward new areas of cultural collaboration and champion the UK’s creative industries.
The treaty was negotiated for the UK by the British Film Institute (BFI) with support from the DCMS and UK Trade and Investment in Beijing, and will allow qualifying co-productions to access national benefits including sources of finance and an easier passage to audiences. In the UK this includes the Film Tax Relief and the BFI Film Fund. Eligible co-productions will not be subject to China’s quota on foreign films, which only permits a limited number of non-domestic titles to be shown in Chinese cinemas each year.
“The treaty will strengthen ties between our countries’ film industries, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and ideas as well as driving economic growth through film production,” said Ed Vaizey. “It will also enhance our respective cultural understanding and awareness through the making of films that reflect, enhance and convey the diversity of culture and heritage in both countries.”
Amanda Nevill, BFI CEO added: “The co-production treaty with China, which has the largest growing film industry in the world, is hugely significant for UK film as it will open the door for our filmmakers to collaborate and contribute to each other’s success.”
