“The writing has been on the wall for some time now with many industry stakeholders becoming increasingly concerned that the film industry seems to be doing well only for a chosen few,” the producers said in a statement. Should Mr Grech not resign, then Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli should remove him, the MPA said. Therefore, it is completely false that the Malta Film Commission is providing opportunities only for the “chosen few”. Once the previous directory was removed, work started immediately on the new programme “Opportunity For All”, now being populated by more than 1,000 companies and individuals working in the local film industry. We have launched a masterplan for the Malta Film Studios, regenerating the whole area and have already started the process to build the first soundstages in Malta. The MPA said the Film Commission had, some years ago, inexplicably removed the existing online directory and replaced it with an opaque system it called “Opportunities For All”. The Commissioner’s ambition remains to make Malta a world-class film industry. Malta’s film industry will doubtless suffer severe reputational damage as a result of these revelations in We want a liberal market, eliminating the monopoly of the few. “It is bitterly ironic that despite its title the new system seems to have been designed to be an opportunity for the very few, determined privately and arbitrarily by the Film Commissioner... “This is a blatant abuse of his position and shamelessly distorts the market. The production, which was due to shoot in Malta earlier this year but stopped from doing so by Covid-19, will film across the island, including in Valletta, Vittoriosa, Mellieħa and Pembroke. This same film was awarded another €120,000 – the maximum awarded by the Malta Film Fund which falls under the Malta Film Commission. The slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is a golden opportunity for Malta's film sector to focus on nurturing local talent and the homegrown industry, film producers believe. If and when asked for an opinion, the Malta Film Commission does discuss local service providers, however it is always up to the foreign production to do their due diligence and choose freely and accordingly. Should Grech not resign, then Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli should remove him, the MPA said. The production, which was due to shoot in Malta earlier this year but stopped from doing so by Covid-19, will film across the island, including in Valletta, Vittoriosa, Mellieħa and Pembroke. You can change your cookie settings at any The association was reacting to a story in the media claiming that the Malta Film Commission was choosing to promote certain local film production companies to international producers while excluding others. 20. The Malta Producers Association has written to the Tourism Minister to explain what it describes as a “select few” policy adopted by the Film Commission in promoting some individuals at MALTA FILM COMMISSION Malta Film Studios Kalkara, KKR 9062 Malta +356 2180 9135 [email protected] Members Mr Schembri Sean Ms Harrison Audrey “It is bitterly ironic that despite its title the new system seems to have been designed to be an opportunity for the very few, determined privately and arbitrarily by the Film Commissioner... “This is a blatant abuse of his position and shamelessly distorts the market. The Malta Film Commission Malta’s history as a destination for film production goes back 92 years, during which our islands have played host to some of the … he Malta Film Commission, under the leadership of Johann Grech, has embarked on an ambitious project to strengthen further the local film industry, the commission said in reply. Up to 27% of the eligible expenditure can be obtained as a cash rebate by a qualifying production company once filming is complete. It demanded the immediate return of the online directory listing all film personnel. The Malta Film Commission stated that it was anticipating close to 1,000 people being employed on the shoot in the country, which offers tax incentives for foreign films. Marshall is an evaluator of this fund leaving other producers in the industry complaining about the conflict of interest and the lack of … 2015 was a record-breaking year for the Maltese film industry, says Film Commissioner Engelbert Grech. Since 2018, more than 16 different local service providers have worked on more than 3. different productions. Therefore, it is completely false that the Malta Film Commission is providing opportunities only for the “chosen few”. However, it was among the first tentpoles to return to production after lockdown. However, it was among the first tentpoles to return to production after lockdown. below, you accept the use of cookies by this website. Therefore, allegations in this respect are false. In the 2017 Budget, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna announced that plans have been made for the Malta Film Commission to offer a better package of incentives to attract more films to Malta, particularly optimal fiscal incentives. The webportal and FNE newswire was chosen as the MAIN TOOL to achieve the network’s objectives of the sharing of know how, visibility of regional cultural diversity and finally the VOICE of the region. The Malta Film Commission is a Government entity responsible for assisting the production of films and projects in Malta, which consists of an advisory board pertaining to the promotion, development and support of the audiovisual and film servicing industry. The Malta Film Commission works progressively towards marketing Malta as a unique and dynamic film location and is constantly in contact with production houses in a number of countries in an effort to highlight Malta's film potential. It is a blatant violation of the rights of all producers to be given an equal opportunity to work and reveals his talk of providing opportunities for all to be nothing but pure spin. This policy will be finalised following relevant consultation with all the key players within the industry besides also the general public. ‘Opportunity for All’ is a programme aimed not only for local producers and service providers, but for all crew members who work in the industry and for those who want to join the industry. The Malta Producers Association has called for the immediate resignation of film commissioner Johann Grech. This, the MPA said, was “shocking but hardly surprising”. Member & Film Commission Mr Grech Johan. Members Mr Schembri Sean Ms Harrison Audrey Support Times of Malta for the price of a coffee. If you want to watch a lot of buildings around the island getting shot up to oblivion, then there’s no better film to watch. The slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is a golden opportunity for Malta's film sector to focus on nurturing local talent and the homegrown industry, film producers believe. We recently published a revised version of our. Registered Office: Standard House, Birkirkara Hill, St. Julian’s, STJ 1149, Malta. or The fact that a government authority is wilfully and maliciously interfering with the livelihoods of private citizens is corrupt and utterly unacceptable in a democratic nation in the EU,” it said. Independent journalism costs money. Earlier this year, the $200 million budget movie stopped filming two weeks into the shoot. “Luzzu” shot in Malta and was made with the support of the Malta Film Fund and financial incentives from the Malta Film Commission and the Government of Malta… Our local crew has been working from project to project, since May 2018. Popeye (59%) Frequently regarded as one of the flops to be shot in Malta, Popeye still just about makes our list. Together with the Government, the Film Commissioner Johann Grech will keep working in the best interest of the local film community, by ensuring that our industry keeps growing and our people keep working. The Malta Film Commission, at any level, exercises no interference whatsoever when it comes to the choice of a foreign production choosing a local service provider. The Malta Film Commission Over the past 17 years, the Film Commission’s efforts to support the local film industry resulted in various financing incentives, including a financing incentive programme in 2005, the successful Malta Film Fund in 2008, and a Co-Production fund in 2014. The decision to remove the previous directory needed to be taken in light of the then-upcoming implementation date for the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR). We have increased the cash rebate programme to 40% to increase our competitive edge globally. This same film was awarded another €120,000 – the maximum awarded by the Malta Film Fund which falls under the Malta Film Commission. Following Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture, a city in the Maltese islands will be named European Capital of Culture 2031, according to a schedule established by the European Commission. The Malta Producers Association has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech. In its statement, the MPA said that some years ago the Film Commission had removed the existing online directory and replaced it with an opaque system it called “Opportunities For All”. Malta launches the Malta Film Fund - More opportunities for the Daniela Bartolo | Published on 13 Jul 2012 Aimed at strengthening its growing film industry, for another year running, Malta has launched the Malta Film Fund, which will grant part-financing to the development and production of … They all have sampled the excellent filming opportunities that Malta offers for any type of film production, this being a large budget film like Gladiator or a short 30 second commercial. Independent Online. Telephone . “The writing has been on the wall for some time now with many industry stakeholders becoming increasingly concerned that the film industry seems to be doing well only for a chosen few. The Malta Film Commission, under the leadership of Johann Grech, has embarked on an ambitious project to strengthen further the local film industry, the commission said in reply. In 2018 Engelbert Grech was replaced by Johann Grech, of no family relation and who stems from Gozo, the sister island of Malta. Updated: Film producers call for commissioner's…. The calls come in reaction to an article published by The Shift claiming that the Malta Film Commission was selectively promoting certain local film production companies to international producers, to the exclusion of everyone else in the industry. A film filled with Maltese locations—from Portomaso Tower to the University of Malta—all standing in for 1980s Iraq. Malta launches the Malta Film Fund - More opportunities for the Daniela Bartolo | Published on 13 Jul 2012 Aimed at strengthening its growing film industry, for another year running, Malta has launched the Malta Film Fund, which will grant part-financing to the development and production of … The Malta Film Commission, at any level, exercises no interference whatsoever when it comes to the choice of a foreign production choosing a local service provider. It is bitterly ironic that despite its title the new system seems to have been designed to be an opportunity for the very few, determined privately and arbitrarily by the Film Commissioner, Johann Grech, who was appointed by the disgraced Konrad Mizzi. Applications can be found … Roger Zammit and Ben Borg Cardona have been in the business since 2011 and their can-do attitude combined with their skills … Furthermore, Johann Grech categorically denies statements published on certain media that he has, by some form or another, used his position as a platform for profit and pocketing of money or gifts of any kind, from any individual. Telephone . Neither the Commissioner, nor the Malta Film Commission decide who ultimately works on the foreign production. VALLETTA: The Malta Film Commission (MFC) has announced a funding call for local film producers, under the auspices of the recently launched Screen Malta, administering a total annual budget of… 17-08-2020 FNE Staff Standard Publications Ltd. While restaurants and shops remain open, public gatherings are limited to 15 people. ©2020. “That this is done in an industry where Malta’s reputation is paramount, makes his actions even more treacherous and deals yet another blow to Malta’s reputation in an industry which is so sensitive to the exercise of good practice and good governance,” the MPA said. All nightclubs, bars, discos, concert halls and sports clubs in Malta will be closed from today. Nonetheless, the programme is already being used when foreign productions inquire crew data relating to different departments within the film industry. It is a blatant violation of the rights of all producers to be given an equal opportunity to work and reveals his talk of providing opportunities for all to be nothing but pure spin. The MPA has been calling for Grech’s resignation after The Shift The “Opportunity For All” programme works in total compliance with GDPR. Local governments are being given an opportunity to submit expressions of interests in a bid to become the 2031 European Capital of Culture. Copyright © 2020 Times of Malta. The Malta Film Commission, at any level, exercises no interference whatsoever when it comes to the choice of a foreign production choosing a local service provider. We have changed the industry from a seasonal one, to one guaranteeing back to back productions. Deputy Chairperson Mr Bajada Clint. Marshall is an evaluator of this fund leaving other producers in the industry complaining about the conflict of … the malpractice even further. Indeed, a number of trainees were introduced to the industry and given first-hand … It demanded the immediate return of the online directory listing all film personnel. Feature film and television productions, mini-series, animation and documentaries are all eligible for the incentives, provided that they are at least partially filmed in Malta. Aside from working on the production, local crew members were given an opportunity to showcase their talents and enhance them further, the Malta Film Commission said. To make matters worse, he took the opportunity to list the achievements of the Film Commission in recent years as if this in some way addressed or excused the wrongdoing. Today, there are 363 companies registered and 700 individuals in ‘Opportunity for All’. Malta Film Commission St Rocco Street Kalkara, KKR 9062 MALTA. time by changing your browser settings or contacting your ISP. This is the first investment by the Government after 40 years. We recommend using Google Chrome Engelbert Grech: The Malta Film Commission is a government entity established by the laws of Malta and acts as an advisory body responsible for the film sector on policies pertaining to the promotion, development and support of the audio-visual and film servicing industry. The commission also administers the Malta Film Fund which aims to nurture the small but growing indigenous film industry. Under Johann Grech’s administration, the majority of existing local service providers have all worked on these different projects. Following recent amendments to regulations in Malta there is an opportunity for film producers to benefit from a cash incentive in the form of a grant given to eligible productions on qualifying expenditure incurred in Malta. The Film New Europe (FNE) Association is the networking platform for film professionals in the CEE/SEE/Baltics region. The current system operates as a consent-based data gathering application and we will be providing full access to studios, producers and filmmakers based on their enquiries. Pineapple Media is a full-service production company in Malta dedicated to meeting clients’ needs with the highest standard of attention. Qualifying Productions: feature films, television productions, mini-series, animation and documentaries are all eligible for the incentives, as long as they are at least partially produced in Malta. The MPA said the Film Commission had, some years ago, inexplicably removed the existing online directory and replaced it with an opaque system it called “Opportunities For All”. We have changed the industry from a seasonal one, to one guaranteeing back to back productions. +356 2180 9135 “It should go without saying that the private sector must be allowed to function without any interference from partisan interests. Under Johann Grech’s administration, the majority of existing local service providers have all worked on these different projects. The Malta Producers Association has called for the immediate resignation of film commissioner Johann Grech. We have succeeded in making Malta a player on the world stage. Since 2018, the Malta Film Commission has increased its outreach to studios and independent film makers to attract more productions to our islands. Earlier this year, the $200 million budget movie stopped filming two weeks into the shoot. Apart from marketing strategies to put Malta on the international map, there have also been considerable efforts to nurture ‘a culture of film’, Mr Grech says, with specific incentives to boost local film making. Member & Film Commission Mr Grech Johan. Since 2018, more than 16 different local service providers have worked on more than 35 different productions. Film Commission list of local film production services companies 2018 At the end of 2017, Johann Grech took on the role of Film Commissioner, replacing Grech. +356 2180 9135 It will set the vision for the next 5 years, with the aim of realizing the potential of the international film industry and transform Malta into a unique film destination. The list has changed during his tenure, despite having often pushed the line that as commissioner he would … All rights reserved. Therefore, it is completely false that the Malta Film Commission is providing opportunities only for the “chosen few”. Also featuring Dominic Cooper being a total badass as both Uday Hussein and his body double Latin Yahia. Malta Film Commission | 463 followers on LinkedIn. Chairperson Dr Cutajar Beverly. Courtesy of the Malta Film Commission. The Malta Film Commission offers generous financial incentives to audiovisual productions filming on the island. Mozilla Firefox. Since 2018, the Malta Film Commission has increased its outreach to studios and independent film makers to attract more productions to our islands. If you continue using this website, we understand that you consent to our privacy policy as updated. Therefore, it is completely false that the Malta Film Commission is providing opportunities only for the “chosen few”. The Malta Film Commission within the Ministry of Tourism and Consumer Protection just launched Screen Malta - A funding scheme for local Film & Television productions. Chairperson Dr Cutajar Beverly. By clicking on the button “That this is done in an industry where Malta’s reputation is paramount, makes his actions even more treacherous and deals yet another blow to Malta’s reputation in an industry which is so sensitive to the exercise of good practice and good governance,” the MPA said. The Malta Film Commission stated that it was anticipating close to 1,000 people being employed on the shoot in the country, which offers tax incentives for foreign films. The Malta Film Commission told us yesterday it was anticipating close to 1,000 people being employed on the shoot in the country, which offers generous tax incentives for foreign movies. Kicking off the list with a ton of lens flare and twenty-five tons of explosive is Michael Bay’s take on the 2012 attack on a U.S. compound in Libya. With the launch of the programme ‘Opportunity for All’, we have started to create an industry for the many, not the few. “It should go without saying that the private sector must be allowed to function without any interference from partisan interests. The fact that a government authority is willfully and maliciously interfering with the livelihoods of private citizens is corrupt and utterly unacceptable in a democratic nation in the EU,” it said. The Malta Film Commission told us yesterday it was anticipating close to 1,000 people being employed on the shoot in the country, which offers generous tax incentives for foreign movies. The future looks bright as Malta is investing in human resources and infrastructure, including the building of state-of-the-art film studios where productions can film all year round. 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