India-U.K. Sign Co – Production Treaty
By IMP News Bureau - 14th May 2008

The U.K. and Indian governments have inked a deal that will allow a long-gestating mutual film co-production agreement to come into force. As a direct result of the treaty, which will make U.K.-Indian co-productions eligible for national status in both countries, it is expected that up to 10 co-productions will be made within the first two years.

Under the deal, the U.K. Trade & Investment government business support org will run a series of workshops for Indian filmmakers who are interested in co-producing with the U.K. These will take place in June, September and November this year, and in February and March next year.

The U.K. is a key territory for Indian cinema, with Bollywood flicks often breaking into the box office top 10.

Former Secretary of State Tessa Jowell and Shri P.R. Dasmunsi, Indian Minister of Information, signed the main body of the agreement in New Delhi in December 2005.