UK indies keen to expand into Australia have received a boost after Pact struck a wide-ranging agreement with the Screen Producers Association of Australia.

Pact has struck a deal with its Australian equivalent to increase cooperation between members, following an agreement forged with Chinese broadcaster CCTV in November.

Australasia is the second biggest market for sales, after the US, for UK producers - bringing in £103m ($171m), according to Pact’s most recent export figures.

Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPA) members include Slide indie Playmaker, NBC Universal-owned Matchbox Pictures, which produces period dramas Devil’s Playground and The Gallipoli Story, and Secrets & Lies producer Hoodlum.

“TV is a global business and UK independent production companies have seized the initiative in recent years. Exports of indie productions have increased four-fold in just ten years - this agreement with our Australian counterparts is yet another example of our intention to grow our international trade and develop strong and long-lasting business partnerships,” said Pact chief executive John McVay.

“There is a natural synergy between Australia and Britain, based on cultural, production and regulatory affinities. We believe cooperation between our associations will further strengthen opportunities for developing content that resonates with audiences internationally,” added Matthew Deaner, executive director of the Screen Producers Association of Australia.

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