During a New Year’s speech, the Malta Film Commissioner, Johann Grech, reviewed his eight years at the helm of the commission.
“In eight years,” he said, “two hundred productions have been filmed, spending approximately €730 million locally.” He estimates that the film industry has contributed nearly €1.5 billion to the Maltese economy.
Johann Grech also expressed his satisfaction that professional activity in the film industry has increased. “Eight years ago, only 300 Maltese worked in this sector and for a very limited time. Today there are more than 1,800 film technicians, most of them working year-round.”
These results are partly attributed to an attractive incentive programme which offers to repay international productions up to 40% of their expenses. Local employment has been developed by creating the “Opportunity for All” programme – a film industry database facilitating the search for companies and technicians.
Johann Grech also presented upcoming initiatives, including building the world’s first “Land-Sea Super Stage”, a studio which will extend both on land and at sea.
Sources: FNE, Senal News
