Variety reported that on 7 July 2016, the United Kingdom and South Africa inked a new television co-production agreement, which will aim to strengthen ties between the two countries’ broadcast industries.
Under the new agreement, which builds on an existing treaty, both territories will be encouraged to share knowledge, ideas and drive economic growth through television co-production.
Terms for the agreement were negotiated by the British government’s department for Culture, Media and Sport and the British Film Institute (BFI) with the department for Arts and Culture for South Africa.
TV co-productions that will qualify under the terms will be able to access benefits from each territory, such as a higher production-rebate rate in South Africa, which can range from 20 per cent to 25 per cent, while in Britain, qualifying co-pros will be able to access the UK’s high-end television tax relief, the animation tax relief or the children’s television tax relief, all of which offer a rebate of up to 25 per cent.
UK/SA feature films that have qualified under the existing co-production treaty include Kristian Levring’s The Salvation, Deb Paterson’s Africa United, Thomas Daley’s Tiger House and Pete Travis’ Dredd 3D.
“British television is a tremendous success story, but we need to make sure the UK remains well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities that come through international collaboration,’ said British culture minister Ed Vaizey in a statement. “This new agreement enhances our already strong relationship with South Africa and will help television production companies in both countries realise the benefits that come with co-production.’
BFI CEO Amanda Nevill said: “The inclusion of television in the existing, successful film co-production treaty represents exciting new opportunities for growth and collaboration between the UK and SA and will be of great mutual benefit to both countries.’
Source: Variety
