World-renowned Pinewood Studios is among the five bidders willing to invest in the Malta's Mediterranean Film Studios.

An expression of interest in the Kalkara studios elicited five bids, the Malta Film Commission said this morning. These are Golden Zephyr LLC (US), Island Productions (Italy), Mediente Ltd (UK), Pinewood (UK) and SAFET SPA (Italy).

Pinewood studios have been the base for many productions over the years from big-budget films to television shows, commercials and pop promos and is well known as the home of the James Bond, Harry Potter, Superman, and Carry On film series.

The government said 2015 will be a record year for the film industry in Malta, with a record number of films shot on the island, generating more than €100 million for the economy.

Film Commissioner Engelbert Grech underlined the need for more modern studio facilities, including sound stages, if the film industry was to grow.

"This project will make Malta more competitive and as a country we will be able to attract new productions," he said.

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis, who is responsible for the film industry, said the interest shown in the Malta facilities reflected the country's good reputation.

Such an investment would lure more film productions to Malta, generating more jobs throughout the year, the minister said.