Australian and British production companies can now benefit from an agreement between Screen Producers Australia and Pact in the UK with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that enhances co-production opportunities between the two countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework that enables better co-operation and exchange of information between Screen Producers Australia and Pact members, and between the governing bodies of both associations. The MOU also lays down a commitment to help facilitate visiting delegations to the UK from Australia.
This MOU follows international agreements Screen Producers Australia has established with the Producers Guild of America and the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA).
Matthew Deaner, Executive Director at Screen Producers Australia said: “There is a natural synergy between Australian and Britain based on cultural, production and regulatory affinities. We believe co-operation between our associations will further strengthen the opportunities for developing content that resonates with audiences internationally.”
John McVay, Chief Executive Pact added: “TV is a global business and UK independent production companies have seized the initiative in recent years. Exports of indie productions have increased fourfold in just ten years – this agreement with our Australian counterparts is yet another example of our intention to grow our international trade and develop strong and long-lasting business partnerships.”
Effectively the MOU reflects a real and formal commitment to working closely and bringing members together. By establishing the MOU our two industries are able to forge and foster connections and information sharing. The intention is to facilitate engagement and host each other’s members offering B2B opportunities. This is essentially the foundation for stimulating and creating co-production discussions given the opportunity for networking, relationship building and potentially future partnerships.
This agreement follows discussions initiated by Screen Producers Australia last year and may lead to a delegation at SCREEN FOREVER later this year as was the case with a delegation led by the CMPA at SCREEN FOREVER 2013.
Members have previously utilised the MOU formed with the PGA in the US and CMPA in Canada to facilitate discussions with appropriate partners