Malta picked for The Chosen Ones TV series

Tvn, one of the biggest television stations in Poland, is planning to feature Malta in a new series next year, according to Grzegorz Madej, producer/director at Tvn.

Electi, which literally translated means The Chosen Ones, is the working title of a love story spiced with mystery and crime that is the basis of the series.

Mr Madej was in Malta together with Michal Walczak, producer at MTL Maxfilm, and Krystyna Mikulanka, Malta's honorary consul in Poland, to meet with officials at Public Broadcasting Services.

The TV series is expected to be a production by Malta, Poland and Italy. Poland, the biggest partner, has applied for money under the EU integration fund for media to back the project.

One of the main actors in the 12-part series would be Maltese. The island would be involved not only through its scenic beauty but also through the way of life of the people here, Mr Walczak said.

TVn has already done such projects with France and Germany.

The two producers and Ms Mikulanka have had several meetings with PBS, the ministries of education and tourism and the Malta Film Commission.

"The story for the series was written for Malta. We were looking for an island that embodies an air of mystery. This is pushing Malta where one can enjoy culture and history with a fine dose about the enterprise, chivalry and magnificent architecture of the Knights of St John," Mr Madej explained.

"It's exactly the place we need for the story. There is history in the air. You can put any story here if the protagonists are mixed with the Maltese and tourists.

"Malta presents a fascinating melting pot of cultures similar to the feeling one senses in Krakow, which is the old capital of Poland. It is thanks to Ms Mikulanka that we have discovered the mystique of Malta," Mr Madej said.

Filming will be done over 30 days with Malta being featured in almost all the episodes.

The two Polish producers have already worked here on the TV series Criminalni and Don't Lie Sweetheart.