Malta has launched an international public call for proposals to finance, build and operate the new Malta Film Studios, planned to include the world’s first ‘Land-Sea Super Stage’.
The new facility, to be based in Kalkara, will combine land-based and water-based filming. It aims to bring over €80m of private investment into Malta’s film industry and is part of an ongoing drive to turn Malta into a global hub for film and television production,
Multiple tenders will be accepted until the call closes on December 7. The new state-of-the-art soundstage will sit alongside Malta’s water tanks, long recognised as among the best in the world.
“Today’s launch marks the final piece of the jigsaw in creating a world-class film industry in Malta. We are committed to taking Malta’s film infrastructure to the next level,” said Malta film commissioner Johann Grech.
The country already offers a 40% cash rebate programme, and its crew base has been growing rapidly.
“We have already seen major franchises such as Gladiator and Jurassic World repeatedly choose Malta for our versatile locations and our water tanks. We now want to complete Malta’s offer to the global film industry by developing a world-class studio facility that is truly unique,” said Grech.
Much of the growth of the Maltese film sector over the last decade has been underwritten with public money. The goal now, though, is for “a new era of private investment and entrepreneurship in Malta’s film industry, creating new careers and generating further economic activity”.
“I’ve always been ambitious for Malta’s film industry, and now we are ready to reach even higher,” Grech emphasised. “We want to give confidence and certainty to those who want to build a career in Malta’s film industry.”