Our audiovisual sector is an important part of our economy, our identity and our cultural sovereignty. In a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever to build a stronger, more resilient screen industry at home while diversifying our partnerships abroad.
Canada has longstanding cultural and commercial ties with the United Kingdom and Spain, grounded in shared values and mutual economic benefits. To strengthen these ties, on the margins of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the Government of Canada signed modernized audiovisual coproduction treaties with the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Kingdom of Spain.
The treaties were signed by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages; the Right Honourable Ian Murray, Minister of State of Creative Industries, and Marta Serrano, Director General of the Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales, on behalf of their respective governments.
Once ratified, the updated audiovisual coproduction agreements will make it easier for Canadian producers to collaborate with British and Spanish producers, strengthening Canada's competitiveness in the global audiovisual industry in this increasingly digital world.
The signing ceremonies took place at TIFF: The Market, which the federal government has supported with a $23-million investment through Budget 2024. The Market helps Canadian filmmakers connect with international partners, strike deals and bring Canadian stories to audiences around the world.
Canada has one of the world's largest networks of audiovisual coproduction agreements, with nearly 60 partners and more than $500 million in coproduction activity every year. These modernized agreements build on the modernized coproduction treaty signed with the Republic of Korea in April.
