Three productions shot in Malta premiered during Christmas period

Producers Patrick Crowley and Frank Marshall talk about their choice of location for the filming of Assassin's Creed

Three major productions that were shot in Malta have premiered during the festive season.

A movie adaptation of Assassin’s Creed, a special Christmas edition of Sense8 and a similar edition of British sitcom Birds of a Feather all premiered this week.

Assassin’s Creed, which is based on the popular video game franchise, made ample use of Maltese locations, according to the Malta Film Commission. Starring Michael Fassbender, most of the action for the movie took place on set pieces built by Maltese craftsmen within Fort Ricasoli and Fort Manoel, the Commission said. Other locations used included St Dominic’s Basilica in Valletta, Fort Delimara as well as other historic buildings in Valletta.

“We went to Malta for four weeks of filming and built some very big sets there,” producer Patrick Crowley said. “We used existing fortresses — Malta has more fortresses than any place I’ve ever been in — and some of their downtown areas, which are period authentic for what it is that we were interested in. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site, so you get some fantastic production value.”

On the other hand, Netflix also premiered a special Christmas edition of Sense8, which saw filming move to Malta for a two-day shoot using the water tanks in Kalkara, on 23 December.

“This marks the first time that the powerful cable TV Network Netflix landed in Malta. This augurs well considering the fast growing TV market and Netflix’s huge following, the Commission said, adding that it is fully committed to keep working to attract more high-end TV dramas.

Freemantle Media’s popular British sitcom Birds of a Feather, which was the latest international TV productions which have come to Malta for filming, broadcasted its Christmas special on Sunday.

According to tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis, apart from directly injecting millions into the economy, featuring in popular feature films or TV dramas such as these three productions has the indirect effect of promoting Malta both for its beauty as well as for its screen tourism product.

“With Malta already hosting hundreds of Game of Thrones fans on an annual basis, it can already be forecast that locations used for Assassin’s Creed and Sense8 will also be popular destinations for film buffs. An Assassin’s Creed – specific Malta tour is also currently being developed and will be announced soon,” the Commission said.