As a court battle ensued over the letting off of fireworks nearby, the Marsa Sports Club golf course was turned into a "park" for a one-day shoot for a Nestlé Italia commercial.

The commercial, which had an all-Maltese cast and crew, except for the director, will be aired across Italy in September just as children will be gearing up to return to school.

Lucky Maltese children, 13 in all, got the chance to be mini stars under the guidance of renowned Argentinean commercial director Hernan Pablo Enriquez.

Mr Enriquez, 36, who has shot commercials for Danone and South American beer Quilmes among others, described his job as a "conductor of an orchestra". He designs the shots while director of photography, David Serge, who is Maltese, makes it all happen in terms of lighting and achieving the best quality shot.

"The Malta Audiovisual Production Centre (MAPC), which are producing the advert, are bringing world renowned directors to Malta and promoting local talent while also promoting the island", producer Joshua Cassar Gaspar said.

He said the last major commercial director to visit the island, Daniel Fauchon, who was here in April, found that Malta had ideal weather conditions and a very professional working atmosphere.

"Having industry heavy weights like Mr Fauchon give their seal of approval means a lot," he added.

Bernard Grech, the father of one of the boys taking part in the commercial, said his son, 10-year-old Neil, had never been involved in commercials before but had taken to theatre and was in fact rehearsing for A Spoonful of Sugar, a Mary Poppins remake, by the De La Salle drama group, playing Michael Banks.

Another proud parent, Rosanna Parker, said her son Oliver was excited although he had already taken part as an extra in other major productions such as Agora and the BBC production Roman Mysteries.

Mr Enriquez said he hoped to visit the island again, pointing out that Mdina was particularly enthralling and beautiful.