Tax deductions of 150 per cent are to start being offered to companies contributing to the production of local films and training initiatives offered by the Films Commission, Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said today.

Dr Zammit Lewis said the Commission would be given additional resources to help talent and local workers to continue offering training in the sector.

Itwould be working hand in hand with the Malta Arts Council.

He said that between 2014 and this year, the Commission would have invested around €1 million in training for Maltese workers and artists.

The Malta Film Fund offered two types of funds - one for development, the other for production - focusing on short films, creating documentaries, and high quality series for international television with a total budget allocation of €250,000.

Film producers could apply for grants from the Commission.

A jury of independent experts, including industry professionals and academics, would evaluate the applications.

Total costs would be covered in some cases. A new grant category - International Film Festival - is being launched this year.

This new category will serve to assist with promotion for those films being showcased at international film festivals.

“We are aware of the struggles faced by producers trying to promote their work at these festivals. It’s not easy, especially when there are big-budget, international films also being showcased,” the Minister said.

He added that while getting international producers to work on their big-budget projects here, it was high time that more efforts were made to make local films success.