Australia signs film, TV partnership with Malaysia.

Australia has signed a new agreement with Malaysia to will boost the film and television production industries in both countries.

The Australian International Co-Production Program encourages creative exchange between partner countries, the development of screen projects of cultural significance, and collaboration on feature films, TV dramas, animations and documentaries.

Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher said, “This agreement builds on an already strong partnership between Australian and Malaysian producers and helps drive the development of ambitious new projects.

“Co-production agreements are mutually beneficial and advance the screen industries in each participating country so they can compete in the global marketplace.

“This latest agreement will broaden the distribution network in Australia and overseas for productions such as feature films, television programs and other digital formats, as well as high-quality animation projects,” Minister Fletcher said.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said, “This agreement will further strengthen bilateral relations between Australia and Malaysia and open up new markets for jointly developed Australia-Malaysia screen projects.

“It will stimulate industry, employment, technical development and cultural exchange between Australia and Malaysia.”

Iskandar Malaysia Studios which opened in 2014 has been home to Marco Polo, Lost in the Pacific, Strike Back, Hi-5 and It’s a Knockout.

The Australian Government has entered into official co-production arrangements with the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Germany, Singapore, China, Republic of Korea and South Africa (Treaties). There is a Memoranda of Understanding with France and New Zealand.

The Australian International Co-Production Program is managed by Screen Australia.