The new coproduction treaty between Canada and Switzerland is in effect as of today (Aug. 1), according to Telefilm Canada.

Signed last November, the new treaty replaces the pre-existing agreement between Canada and Switzerland, which was signed in 1987.

Eligible productions under the agreement include film, television and video works, including non-linear digital work.

Among the changes is a reduction in the minimum financial contribution for producing parties. A two-party coproduction requires a minimum contribution of 15% of the budget from participating companies, while a multi-party copro requires 10%.

The previous treaty required a minimum contribution of 20% from co-producers.

The new treaty also states that key positions should be filled by one or more nationals from co-producer countries or regions “in reasonable proportion to the financial contributions of the producers.” It allows one of the key positions to be filled by a “non-party national,” with a second position allowed in “exceptional and duly justified cases.”

The treaty also allows filming outside of a coproduction region with consent of the administrative authorities “for storyline or creative purposes.” Post-production may also take place outside of copro regions if the services aren’t available in their respective areas and do not exceed 15% of the total production budget.

The new treaty was signed on Nov. 3, 2023, by the Government of Canada and the Swiss Federal Council. Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge said at the time that the new treaty “will provide greater support for our cultural industries and strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”

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