Malta’s Film Commissioner Johann Grech Speaks of a Big Plan to Create a World Class Film Industry
Malta wants to become a point of reference in Europe for the film industry.
On the occasion of the Jurassic World Dominion extended edition, ComingSoon senior editor Tudor Leonte met with Malta’s Film Commissioner Johann Grech to discuss Malta’s growing predominance in the film industry.
Tudor Leonte: Malta plays such an important role in Jurassic World Dominion, and it seems that the film plays a central role in tourism in Malta as there are several statues of raptors around the island. Were you expecting such a popular reaction?
Johann Grech: It is a very positive reaction, not only from the locals but also from the tourists who visit our islands, so we are starting a program for screen tourism. We are investing a lot in the film industry, in the film infrastructure, because it is one of the economic elements in our economy. The film industry in Malta has been a success story over the years. Today, we are seeing the industry, which is growing more, growing every day, creating more jobs every day. Therefore the films are not only then about work but also have an impact on the brand image of our country Malta. That is why we are so proud. We are so proud that Malta appears in it Jurassic World Dominion. It is an opportunity for us, not only for the film industry, but, as a country, as a whole, to make an impact globally. Many people today are more aware of Malta. The film industry is taking part in the tourist aspect of Malta.
How is Malta attracting Hollywood productions at the moment?
Greek: We have a very strong outreach program. We have brought quite a number of large projects to our islands. We have hosted directors, producers, actors, and filmmakers. For example, in 1999, we had Ridley Scott for the second time. The first time he was here, he shot White squall at Malta Film Studios in our water tanks, which we are known globally for our water tanks. Then, in 1999, he shot Gladiator. He positioned us on the global map, as Colin [Trevorrow] he did it again today. It strengthened our position on the global map. We also had more projects like from Stephen Spielberg, filming Munich in 2005, where Malta doubled for six different countries. Ridley came a few months ago with his film, Napoleon, where they doubled for Paris. Also, we had Russel Crowe coming to shoot here Prizefighter, an English film. Our market is diverse. It is mainly the American markets, but also the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada. Then, we have other projects from other countries. We want to create a world-class film industry. That is our ambition. We have a clear plan and vision, and I think we will achieve it.