UK and South Africa boost growth with co-production agreement

The UK and South Africa have signed a new television agreement which will strengthen ties within the broadcast industries, encourage the sharing of knowledge and ideas, and drive economic growth through television co-production.

The terms of the agreement, which builds on the existing Film Co-production Treaty, were negotiated by the Department For Culture, Media And Sport (DCMS) and the BFI, with the Department For Arts And Culture for the Republic Of South Africa.

Television co-productions that qualify under the terms of the treaty will be able to access the benefits of national status in each country. In South Africa these include a higher-rate production rebate, whilst in the UK qualifying television co-productions will be able to access the UK’s High-End Television Tax Relief, the Animation Television Tax Relief or the Children’s Television Tax Relief.

UK/South Africa feature films that have qualified under the existing Co-production Treaty include The Salvation (director Kristian Levring, starring Mads Mikkelsen and Eva Green, DP Jens Scholsser), Africa United (director Debs Paterson, starring Eriya Ndayambaje and Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, DP Sean Bobbitt BSC), Tiger House (director Thomas Daley, starring Kaya Scodelario and Dougray Scott, DP Willie Nel) and Dredd 3D (director Pete Travis, starring Karl Urban and Olivia Thirlby, DP Anthony Dod Mantle DFF BSC ASC).

“British television production 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 Ed Vaizey, Culture Minister. “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.

Amanda Nevill, BFI CEO, commented, “The UK’s TV production sector is stronger than ever and its quality, creativity and originality is admired all over the world. The inclusion of television in the existing, successful film co-production treaty represents exciting new opportunities for growth and collaboration between the UK and South Africa and will be of great mutual benefit to both countries.”

Max Rumney, deputy chief Executive of Pact, said: “There is well-established collaboration between UK and South African TV production companies. Therefore, it’s important to the independent production sector that these relationships are strengthened and formalised, and Pact’s members look forward to creating more co-production opportunities with our South African counterparts.”