Improved collaboration between UK-Moroccan filmmakers

Collaborations between UK and Moroccan film-makers are set to increase after both countries today signed up to a package of incentives which will encourage co-production projects and boost both nations’ film industries.

Any UK filmmaker who wants to work with a Moroccan producer under the treaty will now have access to a range of benefits including tax breaks, sources of funding and practical support.

Morocco is a major location for many successful British films, with desert locations and other backdrops that are unavailable in Europe.  Today’s co-production treaty means there are now more practical reasons for film-makers from both countries to collaborate on productions.

Film Minister Sion Simon said: “Morocco has been a popular location for film-makers for many years, with credits including Kingdom of Heaven, Black Hawk Down, Troy and of course Lawrence of Arabia.

“But until now there have been few benefits for UK and Moroccan producers working together on projects.  Without the co-production structure, films that are shot in Morocco would not have the incentive to use the UK’s post-production skill and facilities, for example.

“Today’s agreement will change all that, and enable film-makers to produce commercial and artistic films which are both attractive to audiences in the UK and capable of export around the world.”

UK Film Council Chief Executive John Woodward said: “Morocco has formed the backdrop for some of the most popular films over the last half century, and most recently Disney’s Prince of Persia and Working Title’s Green Zone both shot there. Anything that makes it easier for British film-makers to work with their counterparts in other countries is welcome and this agreement is a good way of helping to continue to build and sustain the film industries in both countries.”

The benefits of having a co-production agreement with Morocco include: giving film-makers access to sources of funding and support in both countries and providing an incentive to film-makers to use UK post-production facilities for films shot in Morocco. UK films will have access to distribution networks in Morocco and further afield in North Africa and allow British-African stories to be told which might otherwise not have been. 

The UK-Moroccan co-production treaty was signed in London today and is expected to come into force in the first half of 2010, after it has been formally ratified by the Moroccan Government.

UK Film Council/ Expatica

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