Building a bilateral producer collaboration framework… full-scale momentum toward international co-productions

Expanded cooperation planned at the 2026 “Prime Time” industry event in Ottawa, Canada

The Producers Guild of Korea (PGK, President Lee Dong-ha) and the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA, CEO Reynolds Mastin) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen international co-production cooperation in the film and audiovisual sector between Korea and Canada.

The agreement was signed on the 17th via an online video conference. Through this partnership, the two organizations aim to establish a structured collaboration framework between producers in both countries and expand opportunities for joint productions.

The MOU was concluded in alignment with ongoing discussions between the two governments toward a Korea–Canada co-production treaty, promoted as part of the 2024–2025 Korea–Canada Year of Cultural Exchange. The agreement is particularly significant as it formalizes cooperation between representative organizations of film and media producers in both countries. It also serves as a follow-up initiative to Canada being selected as the Focus Country for the Producer Hub at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) during the Busan International Film Festival this September.

Under the MOU, PGK and CMPA plan to pursue practical cooperation measures, including the exchange of information on international co-productions, the development of producer networks, and the linkage of industry events and programs. The agreement is especially meaningful in that it lays the groundwork for expanded collaboration following the anticipated announcement of a Korea–Canada co-production treaty in 2026.

This partnership will continue at CMPA’s flagship industry event, Prime Time, scheduled to take place in January 2026 in Ottawa, Canada. CMPA plans to officially invite a delegation of Korean producers to the conference to facilitate exchanges with Canadian producers, explore co-production opportunities, and further expand bilateral industry networks.

(From left) Reynolds Mastin, President & CEO of CMPA; Kyle Irving, Chair of the CMPA Board and Co-Owner & Executive Producer of Eagle Vision; Lee Dong-ha, President of the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK).

PGK President Lee Dong-ha remarked, “If Canada serves as a gateway connecting North America and Europe, Korea has established itself as a dynamic creative hub in Asia. Through this MOU, we hope that closer collaboration between producers in both countries will lead to the creation of bold and innovative global content.”