International co-production treaties are more than just paperwork, they’re keys that unlock entire ecosystems of funding, tax incentives, and market access. These bilateral or multilateral agreements between countries make it easier for producers to collaborate across borders while giving investors a structured, legally protected way to finance global films.
Co-productions recognized under these treaties are treated as domestic productions in each participating country. That means they can access local grants, tax credits, broadcast quotas, and even preferential film festival categories.
But not all treaties are created equal. Some are actively used, well-funded, and culturally aligned. Others exist on paper but are bureaucratic nightmares. Here are the treaties worth knowing, and how to use them strategically.
Canada’s Co-Production Treaties
Canada has one of the most robust networks of co-production treaties in the world, with agreements in place with over 60 countries. The Canadian system is particularly attractive because:
- It offers access to Telefilm Canada funding, provincial tax credits, and local production support
- Co-productions benefit from the Canadian content (CanCon) designation for broadcasters
- There’s a deep crew base, strong infrastructure, and favorable exchange rates
Canada’s most popular co-production partners include the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, and Australia.
Best for: English- or French-language films, prestige drama, animation, and culturally nuanced genre content
France’s Bilateral Treaties and the Eurimages Advantage
France is not just a production hub, it’s a cultural heavyweight with global influence. Through CNC (Centre national du cinéma) and bilateral treaties, France supports co-productions financially and strategically. But the real ace is Eurimages.
Eurimages is a 39-country European co-production fund that supports independent films with budgets over €150,000. If you’re working with at least two member countries (and your project fits the cultural mandate), you can tap into substantial grants.
France’s partnerships with Canada, Germany, Belgium, and Italy are particularly active.
Best for: Arthouse cinema, festival plays, heritage or historical stories, and multilingual dramas
Germany’s Treaties
Germany has longstanding co-production treaties with over 50 countries and offers generous regional and federal funding. While navigating the layers of German bureaucracy can be daunting, experienced partners know how to unlock:
- The German Federal Film Fund (DFFF)
- Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg
- Regional incentives that prioritize international partnerships
Germany tends to prioritize high-production-value content with strong cultural relevance. When paired with a partner like Canada, France, or the UK, it can dramatically reduce capital risk.
Best for: Period dramas, high-end genre films, documentaries, and socially relevant narratives
The UK’s Treaty Network Post-Brexit
Despite Brexit, the UK remains a top-tier co-production partner with active treaties beyond the EU. Thanks to the British Film Institute (BFI) and tax credits of up to 25%, the UK is still a go-to destination for international shoots and post-production.
Recent expansions of treaties with countries like Brazil, China, and Australia have made the UK a flexible, English-language hub for global filmmakers.
Best for: English-language films, period dramas, cross-market genre, and legacy IP adaptations
New Zealand and Australia
Australia and New Zealand maintain progressive, filmmaker-friendly treaties that provide access to Screen Australia, NZ Film Commission, and generous local incentives. These territories also offer:
- English-speaking crews
- Expansive locations (urban, rural, desert, jungle, coastline)
- Treaty relationships with Asia, Europe, and North America
Because of their time zones and climate, productions here often serve dual hemispheres, ideal for global release windows.
Best for: Genre cinema, nature-heavy narratives, indigenous storytelling, and culturally diverse partnerships
Emerging Market Treaties Worth Watching
A few treaty partners have rapidly increasing value due to tax-friendly policies and growing infrastructure:
| Ireland | High tax incentives, growing production scene, and EU access |
| South Africa | Co-production deals with the UK, Canada, and Germany; ideal for budget-conscious shoots with scale |
| Brazil | Recent push for co-productions with Europe; strong cultural exports |
| South Korea | Select treaties and growing soft-power ecosystem through K-cinema and streaming |
These regions are still building out their support systems, but forward-looking investors and producers are already moving in.
How to Choose the Right Treaty for Your Project
When evaluating a co-production treaty, ask:
- Does this treaty offer meaningful financial benefits (grants, tax credits, access to broadcasters)?
- Is there an experienced production partner available in the other country?
- Will the content authentically reflect or engage both cultures?
- Can you structure the project to meet eligibility criteria (crew, spend, language, etc.)?
- Is the administrative burden worth the benefit?
Treaties aren’t free money, but they’re a shortcut to expanding your reach, sharing risk, and aligning with international partners who can help your project find life beyond its budget.
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