Winston Azzopardi, co-producer, Rome, Italy
Great assistance for filming of Rex
On behalf of the production crew of Il Commissario Rex, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who in some way or other was involved in the filming of the television episode La Maledizione del Caravaggio.
Our appreciation goes to the Malta Tourism Authority whose support was crucial in attracting this production here and the Commissioner of Police and his dedicated officers who bent over backwards to assist us, sometimes at very short notice.
A special mention to the local councils of Valletta, Mdina, Vittoriosa, Marsaxlokk and Naxxar who, as always and with great enthusiasm, facilitate our requirements, as well as to the director general of the Veterinary Division, to Heritage Malta, the National Library, Virtu Ferries, ELC, Valletta Waterfront and all the wonderful locations that accommodated us during filming and made our stay a pleasant one.
I hope readers will enjoy watching Rex and the beautiful locations that were chosen when the episode is screened on RaiUno next March.
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Brandon Somsak
Nov 15th 2009, 04:52
Janet..i am sorry for your sister in law.But you wait one day to meet Winston Azzopardi and you will understand who every sacrifice for him and the film industry is worth it in the long term!
Janet Bayes
Nov 14th 2009, 18:43
Brandon, thanks for that. It does nor however alter the fact that my sister in laws visit, at the age of 75, was ruined. Never been out of her own locality before, she came from the UK to visit us and see the place that her son came here on a cruise. We couldnt even show her the Grand Harbour,where his ship had docked, and her disappointment was evident. She was not able to travel from Gozo to Malta for sightseeing again during her stay. Even on the day she and her friend were moved from the seat in the shade to another in the sun ( too strong and hot).
Never mind, we'll have lots of italians visiting next year, which you think I am interested in??That is supposed to make up for it. Sorry but it doesnt and wont ever.
Brandon Somsak
Nov 14th 2009, 12:27
Yes Franco they are called film tourists. Why do you think the tourism people and Winston Azzopardi bends over backwards to get these movies. You can go to Palazzo Parisio where Rex was filmed (I was an extra...) and you can see a corner that is marked where the dog slept during a filming 'break'. The maid is'nt allowed to wash that corner any more. I am sure next year it will be visited a lot! Really really this Winston deserves the highest medal...I mean can you imagine how many offers he gets to do big hollywood productions in far flung exciting countries and still he keeps his focus on Malta! He is also becoming very popular with film tourists..like a celebrity.. I heard about a busload of Japanese tourists arriving last year to meet him because of that brad pitt movie. They came all the way to Malta simply to see the set and shake his hands! They should make Winston the Film Minister in the next cabin reshuffle if there ever is one. I mean if it wasnt for him "Rex" would never have been shot in Malta!....never forget that!!
Franco Farrugia
Nov 14th 2009, 09:27
@ Brandon Somask: 'Oh, is that Malta in the background ... oh yes, let's go and visit that cute little island next summer! ... that kind of thing? I doubt it.
Brandon Somsak
Nov 14th 2009, 06:51
Janet look on the bright side of things. Rex is the most watched TV series on the Italian channels and it is a proven fact that wherever Rex was filmed the tourist figures have increased as a direct result. No doubt the fans are mainly dog lovers but thats besides the point. Malta no doubt will next year benefit from an increased influx of Italian tourists following the broadcast of Maltese scenes of Rex in March. You risked tripping over a wire on the filming location because maybe the management was a bit hasty but see the bigger picture....next year you will see lots of Italians flocking into Malta and most of them handsome too :-) They will leave money, lots of money, as Italians are well know to be very big spenders. Eventually there will be movie-trips organised by the tourist authorities marking the places in Malta where the dog Rex has throdded.. so the publicity will be never ending. really really when you imagine the years it probably takes for producers like Winston to bring these productions, you should be more thankfull..
Stefano.J.Calejja
Nov 13th 2009, 23:46
A BIG WELL DONE to the director and crew of the production of REX ll - most welcomed >>>cables, wires, and road closure, electric plugs No problem i enjoyed the filming of this famous serie. in my books you guys have done a good job hope to see more productions of this nature in this country and now that our government has introduced more incentives for such productions in Malta which will generate tourism of the future and revenue.
Stefano.J. Calejja
Janet Bayes
Nov 13th 2009, 19:08
Well, not much of an apology for a ruined day out in Valletta. Shoved into a small corner of the gardens, told to be quiet, long routes to the loo with walking aids, no view over the grand harbour. Cables, electric plugs etc all over the place. Not so evident trip hazards even for those with good eyesight. No safety notices, no warnings , no evidence of safety crew, cables being pulled around the place, almost tripping my elderly relative up. All this on the same day that 7 cruise liners docked ( no we were not from them)!! My, how timing is so important!! Perhaps it would be good to be thinking about permits for the closure of such a public place in future, so as not to give the impression that the gardens are even open. I can only imagine that the cafes were trade down on the day. Thanks for coming.
Brandon Somsak
Nov 13th 2009, 17:17
This Winston Azzopardi makes me and all of Malta so proud. First he bring Troy to Malta and now is producing the Rex series. Its great that even though he moved to Rome he still has his heart in Malta and works tirelessly at raising finance to develop movies that he can bring to Malta. He should receive the Gieh ir Repubblika medal for all his hard honest work and to encourage people like himself not to forget Malta. I saw Rex filming in Malta in Naxxar and I immediately fell in love with the cute dog. I think he should get the medal too! :-)
Bernie Aguis (Aus/Maltese)
Nov 13th 2009, 11:24
Great article i like it, more please as we too enjoyed seeing REX. well done and hope to see more of the film production operating in Malta and Gozo, the best countries not only for the excellent natural lighten but also for our local engineers and Maltese film crew. This will do far better in a long run to promote Malta and Gozo then>> (wait for it)!!! THE SILLY OUT DATED EUROVISION! at least we are earning revenue from movies sets as oppose to paying out to the Euro song boared flogging a dead horse. Just my humble opinion as a film extra in most parts of world and a member of Equity and the Old Vic -Bristol UK. , mainly Australia.