As part of its programme of initiatives to market Malta as a filming location, the Malta Film Commission recently held a series of information sessions with a number of production companies in London.

These sessions were held at Harrods as part of the This Is Malta showcase, the aim of which is to promote our country’s entrepreneurial and business opportunities and strengthen already well-established relations with Britain.

Titled Filming in Malta: One Location Fits All, the sessions were meant for producers and production houses looking for different locations and attractive financial incentives.

During the event, the Malta Film Commission met representatives from production houses that were behind the successful The King’s Speech, Jane Eyre and Calendar Girls.

Film Commissioner Peter Busuttil said: “Producers were informed on the portfolio of movies shot in Malta over the last few years. We highlighted Malta’s developed infrastructure, the wide range of quality film-related services, the skilled talent availa ble, the unique water tank facilities and the advantageous financial incentives”.

“We also explained the Commission’s role and the assistance that companies may expect to receive during the early stages of their production development from the Commission. We also demons-trated how production houses that decide to film in Malta can benefit by receiving back up to 22 per cent of their eligible spend,” added Mr Busuttil.

The Malta High Commissioner in London, Joseph Zammit Tabona, was present during one of the information sessions.

Mr Zammit Tabona said: “We highlighted the island’s wealth in culture, heritage, locations and talent and that one of the advantages that makes Malta such an attractive proposition is that despite Malta being a tiny island we can make things happen quicker.”

Mr Zammit Tabona emphasised that due to the producers’ positive response, more events are being planned in London together with the Malta Film Commission.