Screen Producers Australia co-production survey points to Spain and Japan demand – Screen Producers Australia says new member survey results show strong producer interest in official co-production pathways with Spain, Japan and Denmark.
The survey also highlights the need to modernise Australia’s existing co-production arrangements. That includes agreements with Canada and France, which SPA says need to remain useful in a changing global screen market.
For TV Central readers, the issue matters because co-production treaties can shape how Australian television, film, animation and digital projects are financed, made and exported. Stronger international pathways can help local stories reach bigger markets. They can also help projects keep their Australian content status.
Why Co-Production Pathways Matter
Official co-production agreements allow producers from participating countries to access reciprocal incentives and funding. They can also allow productions to qualify as national content in both territories.
SPA says those arrangements can unlock investment, support creative partnerships and expand international access for Australian stories. The organisation wants co-production policy considered as part of a broader national screen export strategy.
Spain, Japan And Denmark In Focus
Spain and Japan emerged in the survey as priority territories. Australia does not currently have official co-production arrangements with either country. SPA also pointed to Denmark. It noted that a treaty text was approved by the Danish Parliament more than a decade ago but was not ratified by Australia.
SPA says the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement with the European Union gives the Australian Government an opportunity to consider new arrangements with Spain, Denmark and other European nations. It also says existing agreements should be reviewed.
Japan was also identified as a strategic opportunity. SPA pointed to the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan. It also described Japan as a major creative force across film, television, animation and digital storytelling.
SPA Calls For Modernisation
Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner said the survey gives useful insight into future international collaboration opportunities.
Deaner said the goal is not to prioritise one market over another. Instead, he said producers need access to a modern and expanding framework that supports a clear national export strategy.
He said existing agreements need to stay current while new pathways are explored with countries where there is strong creative and commercial potential.
For more screen industry stories, visit TV Central’s News section. Information on Australia’s current official co-production arrangements is available from Screen Australia.
