Three Bilateral Co-productions Secure Government Approval

Ireland's Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue has secured Government approval for the signature of three bilateral film co-production agreements between Germany, Luxembourg and New Zealand.
The bilateral agreements will ensure that Irish producers will be in a position to avail of national supports from these prospective co-production partners for Irish film and tv projects. The treaties foster and encourage new co-production relationships between all countries.
Similar agreements are in operation with Canada and Australia, but these will be the first such agreements negotiated between Ireland and EU Member States.
These agreements will apply to types of audiovisual works including feature film, television and animation productions.
Welcoming this decision, the Minister commented: "When implemented these co-production agreements will further advance the economic and cultural co-operation between Ireland and our new co-production partners and enhance the prestige of the film industry in all the countries concerned.
"This move also represents the ongoing commitment of the Irish Government to the Irish film industry and the recognition of the importance of its position in the international arena. We look forward to increased activity taking place between Irish producers and our new partners in Germany, Luxembourg and New Zealand and in building on the existing contacts that exist with these territories."
The certifiying authority for administering co-production in Ireland is the Irish Film Board.
(DS/SP)