How easy is it to get a film co-produced internationally and, especially, to get it co-produced by more than two countries? The Frontières International Co-Production Market, held in Brussels from 30 March to 1 April, shone the spotlight on genre film co-productions between more than just two countries. English-language supernatural horror-thriller Muse [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Jaume Balagueró, Paco Plaza
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Filmax producer Adrià Mones ([REC] 4 Apocalypse [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Jaume Balagueró
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“Ireland is a very small country, so it has to co-produce if it wants to have international recognition,” remarked McCarthy, “and the funds are aware and open to that.” Roubin followed up on this by stating, “It is almost impossible to produce a 100% Belgian movie – but once you find your natural partner for co-production, it is kind of easy.” When it comes to financing, McCarthy noted, “European co-productions like these are really slow; there are lots of bodies to approach,” while Roubin explained, “The first 60% of the financing comes really fast; it can get up to four or five months maximum, after which it all comes down to film commissions and institutional bodies, which take more time.” McCarthy gave those present some tips: “It is a good call to warm them up to the idea of the film informally before sending the official application.”

In the particular case of Muse, the film secured funding even without having a final cast attached to it, thanks to the reputation of the filmmaker – and genre film itself. Some professionals would argue that this is the best-case scenario, as the project becomes more solid and this helps to avoid it evaporating if the initial cast falls through. Each co-producer received public funding from their respective countries (the ICAA, Media State Funding and tax incentives in Spain; the Irish Film Board’s Section 481 in Ireland; the Tax Shelter and Wallimage in Belgium) in order to secure the financial side of things.

Still, even with a strong project like this, producers are fully aware of the film production process. McCarthy summed up, “We have to remain creative and think about all kinds of things to make genre films work – there are no rules at the moment.”