Marketing Malta as a filming location

Location shooting is popular in the film industry and any large part of any production, regardless of budget or style, will look for more interesting, different and perfect locations to keep an audience entertained.

Despite its size and intense competition, Malta has a long and varied history in the film industry, with at least 100 feature films being shot, entirely or partially, in a span of 86 years.

Malta’s unique cultural heritage, architectural legacy and natural locations show just how diverse the country can be; locations such as Golden Sands, Buġibba, Siġġiewi, Vittoriosa, Valletta, Comino, Gozo and the Blue Grotto have been used to double for locations from ancient Greece and Troy, Italy, France, Alexandria in Egypt, Palestine, Israel and Warsaw.

Historical sites such as Fort St Elmo, Fort Ricasoli, Fort St Angelo, Palazzo Parisio, the Grandmaster’s Palace, the megalithic temples, and Mdina have also been used as unique settings for many films.

As part of its role to market Malta as a filming location, Malta Film Commission is aware that activities that take place within the local film industry can have a direct or indirect impact on the local environment.

The commission’s role in this respect is to help facilitiate and speed up the process of issuing of permits, where necessary, by ensuring that the appropriate authorities and affected parties are consulted and involved in the early stages, making sure the necessary information needed for the granting of any permits are at hand. Having this information from the start will save time, avoid any misunderstandings and facilitate the issue of permits.

With the demand for better locations comes an increased awareness of environmental and social impacts on regularly utilised locations. Safeguarding existing properties, especially those considered as ‘sensitive areas’, such as historical buildings and fortifications and natural resources, is important.

Together with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, the commission is organising an information session on Friday that will focus on the authority’s role, permit procedures and use of historic structures for filming. Registration is at 8.30 a.m.

The session is open to local film crew, facility and service providers, and professionals and individuals wishing for a more active role in this field.

Participation is free, but prior registration is required due to seating restrictions.

Those interested should e-mail info@mfc.com.mt by Wednesday, confirming their attendance.

www.mfc.com.mt