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This strand provides non-recoupable grants to UK-based producers who are working on co-productions with international partners. The funding is designed to support a wide range of projects, including feature films of any genre and television projects in the animation and documentary genres. A crucial element of the fund’s design is its focus on “minority” co-productions for feature films, where the UK producer’s financial contribution is less than that of at least one other international partner.

This allows UK companies to participate in larger, more ambitious projects that might otherwise be beyond their reach, while still ensuring a meaningful creative and financial contribution. For television projects, the fund supports both “minority” and “majority” co-productions, demonstrating its flexibility and commitment to diverse production models.

The UKGSF’s impact extends beyond simply providing financial support. It actively encourages UK producers to seek out new international relationships and strengthen existing ones. By requiring projects to have strong export potential and international audience reach, the fund incentivizes the creation of content with a global appeal. This strategic approach helps to increase the visibility and revenue streams for UK companies and talent.

The fund also has a strong regional focus, considering where the production company is based, where the project is shot, and how it reflects the culture and talent of Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the English regions outside of London. This ensures that the benefits of international collaboration are distributed across the entire UK.

A compelling case study of the fund’s success can be seen in the animated feature film A Winter’s Journey. This is a minority UK co-production involving partners from Germany, Poland, Belgium, and France. The project, which is based on a famous song cycle by Franz Schubert, combines live-action performances with 3D environments and hand-painted animation. With a cast including acclaimed actors like John Malkovich and Jason Isaacs, the film has secured an international sales agent and distribution deals in multiple territories, including with Sony Pictures Classics.

This project exemplifies how the UK Global Screen Fund can enable a UK producer to take a leadership role in a creatively ambitious, multi-territory co-production, leveraging diverse talent and resources to create a project with significant global commercial potential.

The UK Global Screen Fund’s International Co-production strand is not just a source of finance; it is a catalyst for international collaboration, a driver of creative and commercial growth, and a tool for promoting the UK’s screen sector on the world stage.

It’s a clear signal that the UK remains committed to being a global player in film and television, building bridges and sharing stories with partners across the globe. As the fund continues to evolve, with announced plans to increase its annual budget, its role in shaping the future of international screen content is set to become even more pronounced.