Malta’s film-servicing industry is experiencing an unprecedented level of incoming film and TV productions, Film Commissioner Luisa Bonello has said.

A range of productions from several countries will be filmed in Malta this year, including a TV series produced by US cable TV giant HBO – the first time a TV series of this calibre will be shot on the island, she said.

According to Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, who issued a statement about the sector’s expansion, “the presence of a company such as HBO in Malta will consolidate our reputation as a viable, efficient film destination in the face of stiff competition from other countries. “As the local film-servicing sector continues to grow, this steady influx of productions will contribute considerable added value to the economy.”

Preparation work and shooting have been consistent on the island since the beginning of 2007, except for a short period early in 2009 when the international economic climate affected productions planned for Malta, Ms Bonello said.

The rest of the year soon picked up, with a total of 14 productions filming in Malta by the end of 2009 including eight TV series/mini-series, parts of four feature films and two commercials.