Coproduction agreements
Coproduction agreements: what they unlock for film funding
A coproduction agreement offers more than just easier visas and crew arrangements. When a project is officially certified as a coproduction, it gains the legal status of a “national” production in each participating country. This status unlocks opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable, including access to specific financing, eligibility for tax incentives, and advantages in quota and distribution systems.
What “official coproduction” means
Under a bilateral or multilateral treaty, a project is considered domestic in each participating country. This typically brings:
access to funding streams reserved for national productions,
eligibility for tax incentives and cultural/nationality tests,
recognition in broadcasting and quota systems,
clear rules on financial shares between partners.
Certification is handled by the competent authorities in each country.
In practice
While the treaty framework provides the legal foundation, other factors often influence whether a project receives support: cultural priorities, strategic agendas, or broader policy goals. Official coproduction status is therefore best seen as an entry ticket rather than a guarantee of funding.
Who can coproduce with Morocco?
Morocco has signed coproduction treaties with a wide range of partner countries in Europe, Africa, and beyond. It also participates in multilateral film agreements. Producers should always consult the most up-to-date treaty texts and verify that their project fits within the conditions.
A few funding-relevant highlights per partner:
France
Aide aux cinémas du monde (ACM) is a key French selective scheme for international features co-produced with France. Since 2024, ACM’s production support requires a majority French share (>50%); minority French routes are consolidated under ACM rather than multiple smaller schemes. While treaty status opens the door, selection is competitive and shaped by France’s cultural diplomacy objectives.
Belgium (Flanders & Wallonia-Brussels)
VAF (Flanders Audiovisual Fund) can co-finance international coproductions with a Flemish partner. Regional incentives like Screen Flanders are spend-driven, but cultural impact and political considerations also play a role.
Wallimage Coproductions may support projects involving Wallonia, but beyond financial and spending criteria, broader policy goals weigh into decisions.
Espagne
Treaty coproductions with Spain are deemed national, making them eligible for ICAA selective grants and tax deductions. However, approvals depend on both the Spanish partner’s contribution and how the project aligns with national cultural priorities.
Royaume-Uni
UK–Morocco treaty coproductions can qualify as British for UK film tax relief, provided a UK company is the co-producer and cultural/treaty tests are met. Access is legal in principle, but in practice, the UK system also weighs local industry impact.
Canada
The Canada–Morocco treaty allows access to Telefilm-administered national-status funds. At the same time, Telefilm’s decisions are influenced by market and cultural criteria beyond the treaty. This pathway also creates routes into Eurimages when combined with a European member.
Portugal
Treaty projects with Morocco can obtain Portuguese national status, making them eligible for ICA grants and the local rebate, again subject to broader selection considerations.
The European layer
Beyond bilateral treaties, there are multilateral conventions, such as those of the Council of Europe, which allow for third-country participation under certain conditions. These frameworks can create additional pathways for financing, visibility, and distribution.
Key considerations for producers
Confirm whether a treaty exists and identify the relevant certifying authorities.
Design the financial and creative split to respect the minimum and maximum shares set out in the treaty.
Anticipate cultural or national criteria that may shape eligibility.
Think beyond financing: coproduction also impacts distribution reach and market positioning.
Bottom line
Coproduction isn’t merely an administrative formality — it’s a strategic advantage. It fosters creative collaboration, opens doors to financing, and expands market reach. Yet the benefits are influenced by cultural and political contexts beyond the legal framework. By understanding the process early and selecting partners wisely, producers can fully leverage everything coproduction has to offer.
If you want to explore how coproduction agreements can strengthen your project and expand its opportunities, Contact us today.
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