The terms of the deal were negotiated by the BFI and Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM), the National Cinema Agency of Morocco. It’s expected that the terms will be extended to include TV production as well as film.

Under the treaty, qualifying productions will be able to enjoy the benefits of national status in both the UK and Morocco. In the UK, this means access to UK Film Tax Relief and the ability to apply to the BFI Film Fund for development, production and completion funding, which is set to increase to £24 million by 2017. Morocco also has strong tax incentives for filmmakers.

“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,” commended Culture Minister Ed Vaizey. “ It will help drive economic growth by further increasing the already huge contribution the creative industries make to the UK economy.”

Marocain Nour-Eddine Sail, Director General of the Centre Cinématographique, 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.”

Additional information on co-production treaties can be found at the BFI Industry Website