14/05/2008

Three years after being signed, the UK and Indian governments have completed negotiations on the detailed annex to the agreement that will enable the UK-India film co-production treaty to come into being.

The treaty, the UK’s seventh such bilateral co-production agreement, was signed on December 5, 2005. The agreement will come into force shortly, once constitutional procedures have been completed in both countries.

The agreement provides an economic incentive for filmmakers from both countries to work together, as it will give access to the benefits of national status for the films. Up to 10 UK-Indian co-productions are expected to roll in the first two years.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham said, “India and Britain both have vibrant film industries and bringing them together in this way opens the door to some exciting new collaborations. Our countries have close cultural and historical connections and it is great that our film industries will be able to work more closely together to develop this further.”

UK Film Council CEO John Woodward said, “The UK and Indian film industries are among the most influential in the world and the aim of the treaty is to build on the existing cultural ties and encourage greater collaboration.

“Aside from the clear economic benefits to filmmakers the treaty also aims to increase the diversity of filmmaking giving filmmakers the opportunity to tell new stories that reflect our shared history and culture.”

India makes over a 1000 films a year. In 2006, 69 Indian films released in the UK, claiming a box office share of 1.8% and Bollywood films accounted for 14 of the top 20 international titles.