What is the Official Co-production Status?

The Official Co-production Status is granted to productions that are made jointly by a Singapore producer together with foreign co-producers from countries that Singapore and MDA have entered into bilateral Co-production Agreements with.

To obtain the status, the project must adhere fully to all the articles and annexes in the relevant bilateral co-production agreement between Singapore and the country with which the co-production is proposed.

The status will only be granted to the project when both the MDA and the foreign competent authority have assessed and agreed that the completed project is eligible.

Which are the countries that Singapore and MDA have entered into bilateral Co-production Agreements with?

To date, Singapore has signed bilateral Co-production Agreements with Australia, Canada, China, Korea and New Zealand.

Click title of Agreement to view document:
o Australia-Singapore Co-production Agreement
o Canada-Singapore Audio-Visual Co-production Agreement
o China-Singapore Film Co-production Agreement
o Korea-Singapore Arrangement for the Co-production of Broadcasting Programmes
o New Zealand-Singapore Film Co-production Agreement

How does the Official Co-production Status benefit Singapore media companies?

With the Official Co-production Status, a media production such as a film or TV programme can be considered a national production in each of the co-production countries.

For Singapore media companies, if your co-pro is successful in your application for the Official Co-production Status, you can apply for any benefits or programmes of assistance that are applicable to Singapore productions, and will be given priority consideration when it comes to SCREEN.

The co-production is also treated as “local content” for the purposes of audiovisual regulation in Singapore and country which the bilateral Co-production Agreement has been signed.

Who is eligible to apply for an Official Co-production Status?

•      Companies that are incorporated in Singapore with 30 per cent local shareholding (ownership by Singapore citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents), and with central management and control in Singapore, are eligible to apply.
•      Co-producers who are not linked, directly or indirectly, through legal entities with common management, ownership or control.

For other terms and conditions, please refer to the Guidelines for Official Co-production Status Application.

How do I go about applying for the Official Co-production Status for my project?

The Singapore co-producer can apply by completing and submitting the Official Co-production Status application form to MDA. Prior to the submission of a formal application, applicants should read the relevant bilateral Co-production Agreement and the Guidelines for Official Co-production Status Application.Please contact MDA  in the event of any queries with regards to the Official Co-production Status application.

Download Guidelines for Official Co-production Status Application(version Dec 2009)

Download Official Co-production Status Application Form (version Dec 2009)