Internationalisation of Malta’s Film IndustryBest Practices

Mr. Cyrus Engerer

E.U. & Media Policy, Law & Fund Consultant

Malta’s Strategic Objective

• The positioning of Malta as an attractive, contemporary and stimulating hub within the Mediterranean Region, with the strong emphasis being on exchange and access to international markets.

Malta’ Geographocal Size

• Does size matter?

Geographical Location

• 80 km South of Sicily• 284 km East of Tunisia• 333 km North of Libya

Malta – The City

• People’s aspirations changes Malta’s limitations into its greatest assets.

• Malta reinvented itself economically as a city.• London & Frankfurt – Financial Hubs• Milan – Fashion Hub• Genoa – Shipyard, Oil Refinery and Steelworks hub• Genoa – Capital of Culture 2004

Malta – The City

• Dynamism of creative activity in Malta can be compared to international hubs and cities.

• Singapore as a Benchmark.• Country for Tourism, vibrant city for creative industries.• V.18 European Capital of Culture 2018

Regional Hub of Excellence

• ICT Sector• Creative Industries

Regional Hub of Excellence

• Regional space for experimentation and the development for ideas.

• Increased Malta’s attractiveness as a vibrant creative economy that attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

• Modal shift in internationalising local talent and expertise and making Malta and attractive city to work from.

Film Industry

• Malta as a natural choice for filming.

Film Industry

Film Industry

Film Industry

Film Industry

Film Industry

Film Industry

Film Industry

Film Industry

• Natural Hollywood in the Mediterranean - CNN

Film Industry 2006 - 2009

• 65 different international productions• 26 films• € 105,000,000 direct investment

Strategy

• Huge ICT investment, making Malta hub of excellence• Tailor-made business promotion packages in ICT• ICT incubation and Proof of Concept Centre• Supported local ICT sector to specialise in niche areas• Malta a virtual bridge between North Africa and Europe• Setup Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology• Devised cash, financial and fiscal incentives for film industry• Increased courses in MCAST on film budgeting, production,

script-writing, film distribution and promotion• Established a Malta Film Fund• Established MEUSAC and Malta Enterprise to help on

EU_funding opportunities• Established a Film Commissioner and Film Commission

Economy

First four years of EU membership

Export of Goods Export of Audio-Visual Services

Global Economy

Audio Visual Exports (2004 – 2008)

14.4% pa approx. € 500 bln

Film Industry

TROY

Film IndustryMUNICH

Film IndustryCOUNT OF MONTE CRISTO

Film IndustryWORLD WAR Z

Film Industry

GLADIATOR

Film IndustrySEI PASSI NEL GIALLO

Does Size Matter?

• Yes, Malta is small• Using size as advantage• Shouting Louder• Shining Brighter• Quick adaptation• Remaining Relevant

Thank You