UK/Morocco film treaty now in force
BFI and Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM) agree terms for film treaty
Still from 2001 British film 'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen' - filmed in Ouarzazate in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. Photo courtesy of British Film Institute Special Collection
The UK and Moroccan Governments have signed a co-production treaty that will allow the two countries to strengthen ties within the film industry, encourage the sharing of knowledge and ideas, and drive economic growth through film production. It is expected that the treaty will be extended in the near future to include TV production as well.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said:
The treaty recognises the wonderful collaborative relationship that already exists between the creative industries of the UK and Morocco, as well as putting in place strong financial incentives to boost film production in both nations. It will help drive economic growth by further increasing the already huge contribution the creative industries make to the UK economy.
Productions that qualify under the terms of the treaty will be able to access the benefits of national status in each country. In Morocco these include tax incentives, while in the UK qualifying productions will be able to access the UK’s Film Tax Relief and apply to the BFI Film Fund, the UK’s largest public film fund with a current allocation of £22 million per year to invest in the development, production and completion of feature films. This is set to increase to £24 million by 2017.
BFI Chief Executive Amanda Nevill said:
British filmmakers, from David Lean through to Christopher Nolan, have long since looked to Morocco for its stunning landscapes and substantial production infrastructure. This treaty will be a catalyst to grow opportunities to pool creative and financial resources and foster a deeper sense of collaboration.
Nour-Eddine Sail, Director General of the Centre Cinématographique Marocain said:
This treaty will help us create sustainable cultural partnerships between our two film industries and give filmmakers in both our countries access to new markets, new creative opportunities and financial advantages. Our intention is to expand this ambition into the area of TV production too so that content producers for high end television also gain the cultural exchange and financial benefits.