Newly launched film policy aims to strengthen professional standing of industry

Launched today following public consultation, the National Film Policy projects the local film industry's targets until 2020.

Addressing the press at the launch of the policy document, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis - under whose remit the Malta Film Commission falls - said that the aims of the policy are to ensure the competitiveness of the film servicing industry while also safeguarding fair employment practices for those working on foreign film productions arriving at our shores.

Zammit Lewis added that the policy also aims to better the indigenous film industry by strengthening education through MCAST and University, as well as entities like PBS.

Asked whether the policy will ensure that Maltese people working on foreign productions will be able to gain access to significant jobs - like costumes and make-up - and not have to worry about foreign productions shipping in their own crews, Zammit Lewis cautioned against "shock therapy" in this regard.

"We have to be careful about retaining our competitiveness. We aren't in a position to impose strict conditions, but we will implementing fair and necessary changes gradually," Zammit Lewis said, reiterating the importance of education in this regard, as having a trained workforce will incentivise foreign productions to employ locals.

During his address, Zammit Lewis also stressed the importance of improving the Mediterranean Film Studios, which will be done in collaboration with a foreign bidder.

"The idea is to have a strategic partner who will work together with us to improve these facilities," Zammit Lewis said.