Canada and Korea set out to strengthen production ties under new MoU

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK) are looking to find fresh collaborations and coproduction partnerships under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Reynolds Mastin

The trade associations said the MoU will help to establish a “collaborative framework” as the countries’ governments look to modernise the coproduction treaty between the nations. The CMPA and PGK said they expect an updated treaty will be announced in 2026.

Canadian producers have been eager to make inroads into the Korean market in recent years, with producer delegations visiting Korea in 2024 and 2025. In addition, a delegation of Korean producers will attend the CMPA’s flagship event, Prime Time, in January.

“It is deeply meaningful to establish an official partnership between the film and media producer organisations of Korea and Canada through this MoU,” said PGK president Lee Dong-ha, adding that “Canada serves as a gateway connecting North America and Europe.”

Kyle Irving, CMPA board chair and co-owner and executive producer at Eagle Vision, said the MoU is a “massive opportunity” and “gives producers in both countries a powerful path forward to get new projects produced and is an important step on the road to a modernised coproduction treaty.”

CMPA president and CEO Reynolds Mastin added: “Alongside Korea’s vibrant cultural heritage, strong technological advances and a dynamic industry presence, this partnership unlocks exciting possibilities for crafting captivating content that resonates with global audiences.”