UK-Israel-Film
The British government Tuesday confirmed plans to 'make it easier for film makers in the UK and Israel to share talent and pool their resources to create films which will benefit both countries financially and culturally'.

Film Minister Margaret Hodge announced that negotiations would start to allow closer collaboration following Prime Minister Gordon Brown reaching agreement to develop a UK-Israel film cooperation treaty during his visit to the occupied territories on Monday.

"Film-making has always been an international industry. To compete on a world stage, it's essential that UK film makers have the best possible opportunities to pool talent and expertise," Hodge said.

She said that co-productions have proved their worth, contributing over one billion pounds to the UK economy and expressed hope that the new treaty will benefit both sides and film viewers.

The UK has six existing co-production treaties, with Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, South Africa and Jamaica. A treaty with India has also been signed and awaiting ratification, while other negotiations are ongoing with Morocco and China.

The agreements enable and encourage the co-production of films and offer the opportunity for film producers to qualify for a British film certificate and become eligible to apply for tax relief on expenditure in the UK.

The announcement comes after the British government defied calls for an academic boycott of Israel by controversially setting out plans on Monday to establish a British-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership (BIRAX).