MALTA FEATURE
Film
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in By the Sea (2015). © 2015 Universal Pictures Photograph courtesy of the Malta Film Commission
On Location in Malta International directors and producers from around the world discover the unique benefits of this Mediterranean island location.
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015 was a record-breaking year for the Maltese film industry, which generated over €100 million, up from just €5 million in 2013. Malta has long been one of the most preferred locations for filming. Crews from Hollywood and Bollywood as well as marketing agencies and production companies frequently visit the island. Attracted by the versatile location, the film servicing facilities and infrastructure, English-speaking film professionals and the fiscal incentives offered by the government, Malta has become a key player in this industry. The list of major box-office hits under the island’s belt is impressive and includes The Da Vinci Code, Troy, Gladiator, The Count of Monte Cristo, Munich, Popeye, Captain Philips and many more. But aside from cinema blockbusters, Malta is increasingly attracting producers of documentaries, short films and music videos from as faraway as Japan and India. TV commercials are a particularly promising market, and there are discussions underway to incentivise this segment further.
Filmography
To date, some 100 films have been shot in Malta, either entirely or partially. Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott and Ron Howard are just a few of the award-winning directors who have chosen to film in Malta. A range of commercials have also been produced on the island, including campaigns for Bacardi, Range-Rover and Coca-Cola. The most recent high-profile films shot in Malta include: Angelina Jolie’s By the Sea, starring herself and husband Brad Pitt; historical drama The Promise, starring Christian Bale; and Assassin’s Creed starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. Sequences for popular television series such as Game of Thrones and Sinbad have also been filmed in Malta. ‘Lookalike’ Location
The ability to double-up for multiple locations is one of the country’s greatest selling points. Over the years the island has been transformed into ancient Rome, Marseilles, Tel Aviv, North Africa and the South of France. Producers are also attracted by the island’s natural beauty and
the diverse architecture of Malta’s towns and villages, castles, palazzos, towers and farmhouses. Mother Nature also plays her role: with 300 days of sunshine a year, directors can rest assured that filming will not be unexpectedly interrupted. In addition, the island is home to the Malta Film Studios offering shallow water tanks that allow the shooting of water scenes in a controlled environment with an unlimited ocean backdrop. The government is currently looking for a strategic partner to redevelop, renovate and operate the film studios. This includes the building of sound-stages, where producers can work in a fully controlled environment. World-renowned companies have expressed their interest in the project. Malta Film Commission
Filmmakers are given a warm welcome by the Malta Film Commission (MFC), which is responsible for the promotion and development of the industry. It offers assistance and guidance and is usually the first point of contact for any filmmaker considering Malta as a location. The MFC also runs an incentive scheme, which offers a 25% rebate on costs for accommodation, transport and location hire. Film is also being seen as a great tool to promote Malta and Gozo across the globe, and productions that portray Malta in a cultural way can benefit from an additional 2% rebate.
Film Crew and Production Support
“Malta is back on the international film industry map, and film is one of our fastest growing economic niches. We are continuously fine-tuning our financial incentives to keep a competitive edge. At the same time we are also investing in human resources and infrastructure, including the building of stateof-the-art film studios where film can flourish 365 days a year.” Engelbert Grech Film Commissioner
Production companies can call upon a wealth of local talent and an army of enthusiastic extras. Productions have already employed up to 2,000 extras in one day. The availability of English-speaking location scouts, camera operators, sound technicians and assistant directors helps greatly in attracting international productions to Malta. The MFC has invested over €1 million in the past two years towards training people for the industry to ensure the highest quality crews are available. The island has also developed specialised film infrastructure that includes everything from the renting of trailers to costume-making and special effects, while producers can tap into expertise in 3D production and animation found in Malta’s games and digital media industry. A Creative Hub
Although competition among creative hubs is fierce, Malta believes it can continue to compete because of its strong combination of attractions. While cost tops the list these days when production companies select locations, Malta also sells itself as a convenient and increasingly creative location. n
www.maltafilmcommission.com