Producers put forward gripes on film commission to minister

Key players in Malta's film servicing industry as well as producers, directors and technicians today expressed their grievances at the way the Malta Film Commission was being run, to home affairs minister Manuel Mallia during a Maltese film symposium.

Mallia, whose portfolio includes both film production and broadcasting, pledged more work in promoting the film industry abroad, as local practitioners voiced criticism on the way the MFC has been run and how the industry can be improved.

Television producer and director Mark Doneo, who said that he was embarking on his first feature film without the aid of the Malta Film Fund, brought attention to the fact that anybody employed with TV stations was barred from taking advantage of the funds.

In response to this, Film Commissioner Peter Busuttil applicants for the fund were required to set up a production company, which he however referred to as being simply a "guideline". But in response, minister Mallia interjected saying he failed to see the "logic" of the guideline.

John Debono, another producer specialising in Eastern European productions using Malta as a film location, said he had had an entire crew refused entry in Malta over visa issues after having left Russia.

Other participants voiced their concern over government incentives that did not serve as long-term solutions. Veteran producer Michael Kissaun said Malta could carve a niche for itself as a one-size-fits-all location as well as an 'obscure' location.