- Joined
- Jan 18, 2026
- Messages
- 9
Hi everyone,
Cinema Doktor here.
A lot of people think co-production is just extra paperwork and constant headaches.
In reality, in Europe and increasingly worldwide, it’s often the only realistic way forward.
If you have a strong script but limited domestic resources, co-production can open doors to foreign funding, tax incentives and new markets you simply couldn’t reach alone. This post is mainly for first- and second-time producers developing feature films and thinking beyond their own country.
You don’t always need to be a 50–50 partner. Minority co-productions are one of the smartest entry points. Coming in with 10–20% allows you to learn the system, build international trust and makes it much easier to lead your own projects later on.
Two names you’ll hear very quickly are Eurimages and Creative Europe. Eurimages in particular is designed to support feature films with partners from multiple countries. The basic logic is simple. You need at least two, preferably three, co-producers from different member states.
Finding partners rarely works through cold emails. Real co-productions usually start at markets and forums. Berlinale Co-Production Market is one of the strongest globally. CineLink in Sarajevo is excellent for Central and Eastern Europe. When East Meets West in Trieste is a great bridge between Eastern and Western producers.
When approaching a potential partner, artistic vision alone isn’t enough. They will want to see how much funding you already have in your home country and how their territory will benefit financially. This can be post-production, VFX, sound work or even shooting days spent in their country.
My personal advice is simple. A co-production is like a marriage. You’ll be working together for years, negotiating budgets, schedules and final cut decisions. Choose partners you actually trust and enjoy working with, not just someone with access to money. Check their credits, ask around and listen to your instincts.
If you’re developing a project and considering co-production, feel free to share where you’re based. Happy to continue the discussion or answer questions.
Cinema Doktor here.
A lot of people think co-production is just extra paperwork and constant headaches.
In reality, in Europe and increasingly worldwide, it’s often the only realistic way forward.
If you have a strong script but limited domestic resources, co-production can open doors to foreign funding, tax incentives and new markets you simply couldn’t reach alone. This post is mainly for first- and second-time producers developing feature films and thinking beyond their own country.
You don’t always need to be a 50–50 partner. Minority co-productions are one of the smartest entry points. Coming in with 10–20% allows you to learn the system, build international trust and makes it much easier to lead your own projects later on.
Two names you’ll hear very quickly are Eurimages and Creative Europe. Eurimages in particular is designed to support feature films with partners from multiple countries. The basic logic is simple. You need at least two, preferably three, co-producers from different member states.
Finding partners rarely works through cold emails. Real co-productions usually start at markets and forums. Berlinale Co-Production Market is one of the strongest globally. CineLink in Sarajevo is excellent for Central and Eastern Europe. When East Meets West in Trieste is a great bridge between Eastern and Western producers.
When approaching a potential partner, artistic vision alone isn’t enough. They will want to see how much funding you already have in your home country and how their territory will benefit financially. This can be post-production, VFX, sound work or even shooting days spent in their country.
My personal advice is simple. A co-production is like a marriage. You’ll be working together for years, negotiating budgets, schedules and final cut decisions. Choose partners you actually trust and enjoy working with, not just someone with access to money. Check their credits, ask around and listen to your instincts.
If you’re developing a project and considering co-production, feel free to share where you’re based. Happy to continue the discussion or answer questions.
