There is a world of financing possibilities.

Most filmmakers outside of the US know that one of the best ways to financing your film is by using co-production financing from different countries. Many countries have their own film funds, sometimes this is a national film fund, sometimes they are regional and other times it is a combination of both.

The goal of these film funds is to promote filmmaking and culture in the country or region. Much like a film tax incentive in the US, the film funds help filmmakers get more out of their budgets. The difference here though is that the film fund is actually money into the project, whereas a tax incentive may be a rebate after the money has been spent.

On top of that, there is usually the ability for international co-productions to get access to that money as well. A US film would be considered an international co-production.

Most filmmakers in the US do not know, that it is possible to bring your film to co-producers in other countries to help get your film funded and made. The best part is, it doesn’t mean that you actually have to go to another country to film. You can still stay in your home country while getting the benefits of co-financing.

What is an International Co-Production?

An international co-production is a partnership between production companies from different countries to create a film or TV project. This collaboration leverages the resources, funding opportunities, and market access of the involved countries.

It is nearly always the case that the money be spent in the country or region where the film fund is located. This doesn’t always mean that you actually have to film in that region. You could hire one of your department heads from the region or you could do post-production in the region. If you are interested, of course you can do part of your filming in that country as well, which is usually an exciting idea for US filmmakers.

Steps to Set Up an International Co-Production

Research Co-Production Treaties

Start by investigating co-production treaties between your country and potential partner countries. These treaties outline the terms and benefits, such as access to funding and tax incentives. They can also simplify the distribution process in partner countries.

Not only are there film funds, but many countries also offer film tax rebates as well, which opens up even more opportunities for filmmakers.

Select Potential Co-Production Partners

Choose countries that have treaties with yours and boast a robust film industry. Consider the cultural and market potential that align with your film project. Think about the language, cultural nuances, and how these factors can enrich your film.

With many dozens of countries offering film funds and tax rebates, there are a lot of options for filmmakers. On top of the funding, those countries can give you direct access to distribution in their territories. So after you consider the countries for co-producing you can also look into distribution into that territory as well. This then opens up the possibility for pre-sales in that country as well.

Between the film fund, tax rebates, and pre-sales, you would be well on your way to having a lot of financing material in place to get your film made.

Find a Producer in the Region

You will need to co-produce with a production company, which means with a producer. This will almost always apply to film funds, but may not apply to tax rebates. In most cases a producer from that country would be the one that applies for the financing through the film fund.

• Film Commissions: Reach out to film commissions or agencies in your target country. They often have directories of local producers.

• Film Festivals and Markets: Attend international film festivals like Cannes, Berlinale, or the Toronto International Film Festival to network and meet potential partners.

• Industry Associations: Join film industry associations such as the European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (EAVE) or the International Co-production Matchmaking Programme.

• Film Funds: Contact the film funds directly to get more information about the film fund and to find producers.

Budget Considerations for International Co-Productions

1. Local Spend Requirements

Many co-production treaties require a certain percentage of the budget to be spent in each partner country. This could include hiring local crew, shooting on location, and using local post-production services.

Sometimes the local crew can go to wherever you are to film. What matters most is that they are a tax paying resident of the country in which you are getting co-financing from. As I mentioned earlier in the article, it is not uncommon to hire a department head or small team from another country, like the Director of Photography, or the Location Sound Mixer & Boom Operator.

Even hiring some of the cast from another country could qualify for the local spend requirements.

Do some or all of your post production pipeline remotely in another country. You do not have to try to find random freelancers and hire them, you just hire a post company, like a post sound company, or color grading company, or VFX company,

2. Cultural Content Requirements

Some treaties stipulate that a percentage of the creative talent (actors, directors, writers) must be from the partner countries.

For your film this a good thing because it also ensures you meet the spend requirements.

3. Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses often include production costs, pre-production, post-production, marketing, and distribution. Make sure to account for these in your budget planning.

When you apply for film funding in another country, part of that application process will be to present a budget that shows what items will be spent in that country. Sometimes that can be to have both the overall main budget and then an extracted budget of just the line item expenses for that country/region. This is also where a co-producer from that country will be most beneficial. Not only will they help you budget those items, but they will also know the rates of all items and how to get the most out of the budget.

Other Benefits of International Co-Productions

Market Expansion

Films co-produced by multiple countries often enjoy easier distribution and marketing access in those countries, potentially reaching a larger audience. Not only can you reach a wider audience and get access to international distribution faster, but you also have the possibility of pre-sales in those territories, add another layer of financing.

Increased Credibility

An international co-production can elevate a film’s prestige and marketability, attracting more attention from festivals and distributors.

The First Step is Building Your Network

Before even considering which funds to apply for, build your network with producers in the country first. Not only will this be the most important element you need with applying for funding, but those connections could be a strong network to have for future projects. So much of this business is about the relationships you have, building relationships with producers on other countries can be incredibly valuable.

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