June 28, 2024
“We have been committed at the British Film Commission to re-cement our creative relationships with European countries in the post-Brexit era,” says Adrian Wootton, CEO of the British Film Commission (BFC).
UK - In the wake of Brexit, the UK film
industry has actively sought to strengthen its creative ties with European
countries. Co-production partnerships have emerged as a powerful avenue for
mutual prosperity, employment, and creativity.
The British
Film Commission (BFC) has struck MoUs with Spain, Italy, Austria, Malta, and
other European nations. These agreements facilitate cross-border collaboration,
enabling joint projects that capitalise on shared historical and cultural
references.
Some recent success
stories include House of the Dragon, the second season of this HBO
series filmed across the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia. Poor Things, a
Walt Disney production that utilised locations in the UK and Hungary. The Acolyte,
a Disney+/Lucasfilm series shot in the UK and Portugal. Mission: Impossible
— Dead Reckoning Part 2, filmed across the UK, Norway, and Italy.
UK filmmakers
are forging strong links with French counterparts. At the Cannes Film Festival,
a masterclass titled “Lifting The Veil” explored cross-border collaboration for
the upcoming FX thriller series The Veil. The series, created by Steven
Knight and starring Elisabeth Moss, was shot in France, the UK, and Turkey.
French national agency CNC played a crucial role in obtaining permits and
advising on tax rebates.
Productions
can seamlessly hop between countries for visual effects (VFX) work. Producers
benefit from close working relationships fostered by initiatives between the
BFI and the CNC.
UK
representatives tout the new 40% UK Independent Film Tax Credit for projects up
to £15 million as a compelling reason for European co-productions to choose the
UK.
UK-EU
co-production partnerships offer a vibrant ecosystem where creativity,
employment, and prosperity flourish. As the industry continues to collaborate
across borders, filmmakers reap the rewards of a truly interconnected
landscape.