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LONDON -- The U.K. and Israel have begun discussions to set up a film co-production treaty between the two counties. The move was announced by British prime minister Gordon Brown and Israeli premier Ehud Olmert during Brown's recent trip to Israel.

To date, Israel has signed eight similar co-production agreements with France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Australia, Canada and Sweden.

The U.K. already has co-production treaties with Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, South Africa and Jamaica. A treaty with India, touted since 2003, is still awaiting ratification.

The agreement would allow Israeli and British film producers to enjoy the economic, professional and creative benefits offered by both countries.

The treaty was initiated by the Israeli embassy in the U.K.

Any final agreement will likely be signed in the coming months.