Denmark's Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen (L) recently made an official trip to China. (Photo : Getty Images)
With the goal of strengthening their respective film and theatrical markets, China and Denmark have recently signed a co-production agreement, entertainment portal Variety reported.
The deal marks the first time that China has inked such kind of partnership with a Nordic country.
The co-production agreement was inked in Beijing during the recent visit of Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.
Under the deal, Chinese films will have the privilege to get funding from the Danish Film Institute. On the other hand, Danish films that will be co-produced with Chinese firms will be exempted from the annual Chinese import quota of 38 foreign movies.
According to the partnership, films from Denmark that were produced under the deal will be considered by the Chinese government as Chinese films. This distinction will give these movies advantageous access to China's film market.
Henrik Bo Nielsen, chief executive officer of the Danish Film Institute, shared the co-production agreement's significance to Denmark.
"The agreement will be important to both parties, both economically and culturally. A co-production agreement will make it easier for Danish companies to get access to the enormous Chinese theatrical market, where even small Danish films can reach quite a large audience," Nielsen said.
"Culturally, too, there is something to be gained. The encounters that take place when we exchange and cooperate on art and culture are both inspiring and necessary for mutual understanding and good relations across national borders," the CEO added.
Nielsen inked the deal together with China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT).
Danish film "The Shamer's Daughter" recently hit Chinese theaters under the quota system. The movie, locally distributed by HGC Entertainment, serves as the second film from Denmark that was released in the country. In 2008, Kasper Barfoed's "The Candidate" landed in China's film market.
In the recent period, more Danish film players are showing interest in setting foot in the Chinese market. Companies such as TrustNordisk and Copenhagen Bombay are now developing their respective projects in the Asian giant.
Award-winning director Bille August is also reportedly being tapped for "The Chinese Widow," a Chinese feature film with a World War II theme.
Meanwhile, sales outfit LevelK has also opened an office in Hong Kong.
