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Other archived articles can be found here
Film rebate vs Net Cost (Abridged version) - 2 Sep 2026
(Unabridged version)
We compare indicative daily crew costs for Malta, Bulgaria, South Africa and Spain, then apply incentive schemes to show how rankings can change after rebates. Malta can be highly competitive when most crew are local and a strong rebate applies, but importing significant numbers of crew can erase that advantage. The broader lesson is to budget the full practical production package - crew depth, travel, hotels, equipment, locations, construction, scheduling and cash-flow - instead of choosing a country on rebate percentage alone.
Building a strong film industry - 22 Mar 2026
The article distinguishes Malta’s foreign-production servicing sector from its indigenous film sector and argues that a genuinely strong national industry needs both. It welcomes Malta’s participation in Eurimages but stresses that co-productions still require credible local financing, stronger public support or tax incentives for private investors, and development of Maltese creative leadership in writing, directing and producing. It calls for a holistic film policy balancing servicing success with sustainable Maltese-led production.
Do not blame Ridley Scott - 4 Jan 2025
Responding to controversy over Ridley Scott’s comments about Malta, the article argues that his personal tourism opinion should not be conflated with the island’s film-rebate policy. It says Malta should focus instead on whether very large rebates to huge Hollywood productions can be sustainable, especially when a single Hollywood production can consume a substantial share of annual incentive spending. The proposed direction is to keep the scheme attractive while imposing safeguards that preserve the long-term health of the servicing industry.
A turning point for South Africa's film industry - 13 Jun 2023
The article examines a difficult period for South Africa’s production sector while maintaining that the country remains a compelling filming destination because of its production value. It frames the moment as a turning point in which policy, incentives, infrastructure and industry conditions will determine how effectively South Africa converts its established strengths into future international production activity.
Sustaining the film cash rebate - 31 Jan 2023
The article supports retaining Malta’s film cash rebate but argues that refunding a high percentage of foreign expenditure (to massive productions) indefinitely is financially unsustainable. It proposes capping or limiting rebates on foreign crew and foreign suppliers that do not meaningfully feed the local economy, while protecting incentives for local spending and lower- to mid-budget productions. Savings could then support Maltese productions, training and local film infrastructure.
Luzzu raises the bar for Maltese film making - 30 Jun 2022
A highly positive appraisal of Alex Camilleri’s film Luzzu, praising its storytelling, editing instincts, documentary-like authenticity, sound, music and performances - especially non-actor fisherman Jesmark Scicluna. The article argues that the film succeeds both emotionally and culturally, revealing a specific Maltese fishing world through a universal story, and says it set a new benchmark for Maltese feature filmmaking.
Sustaining the film industry - 25 Jun 2020
The article warns that technological change, especially virtual production and improved visual effects, could reduce reliance on traditional locations and water-tank filming. Malta therefore should not depend indefinitely on cash rebates and unique locations. It calls for stronger crews, sound stages, upgraded facilities, competitive management of the water tanks, local infrastructure and more sustainable financing mechanisms so incentives become a sweetener rather than the sole reason productions choose Malta.
TLG talks to (PCP's) Line Producer and Production Manager about his career - 8 May 2018
A career interview/profile of Malcolm Scerri-Ferrante, looking back on roughly 25 years in production management and line producing. It covers his work across multiple countries, his experience with major international productions and directors, and his role in founding PCP and developing a production-service career centered on budgeting, logistics, cost control and production value.
A Fix for the Film Industry - 2 Mar 2017
This article addresses weaknesses in Malta’s film sector and argues for policy and structural fixes rather than relying on isolated productions or short-term promotional success. Its focus is the need for a more durable industry framework: stronger professional capacity, better coordination and policies that support sustainable growth of both servicing and local filmmaking.
For Sale: The world-renowned film studio - 19 Nov 2011
An article about the future and sale of Malta’s renowned water-tank film facility, a major piece of the island’s production infrastructure. It places the studios’ ownership, investment needs and international reputation in the wider question of how Malta can retain a competitive advantage as other territories develop rival facilities.
Which production service company? - 26 Mar 2014
A practical guide to choosing a production service company. It warns producers not to select partners on habit, convenience or apparently free services, and stresses due diligence, checking assumptions behind budgets, speaking with recent clients and watching for conflicts or hidden commissions. The core test is whether the service company genuinely saves money, reduces risk and allows producers to focus on the production.
Filming on location in Cape Town - 28 Feb 2013
A location-production article centered on Cape Town and the practical appeal of shooting there. The topic encompasses the region’s location variety, experienced production base, value for money and role as a versatile stand-in destination for international film and advertising work.
Colombia makes plans to boost location filming appeal - 24 May 2012
A report on efforts to make Colombia more attractive to international location filming. It concerns policy and industry measures intended to overcome barriers, improve competitiveness and translate Colombia’s diverse locations into more inbound film and commercial production.
PCP faces model challenges on Volvo shoot - 7 Feb 2012
A production case study about a Volvo commercial serviced by PCP in Malta, focusing on the logistical and casting/model challenges involved in executing the shoot. It illustrates the problem-solving role of a local production service company when creative requirements meet real-world constraints.
A turning point for the Malta Film Industry - 19 Oct 2011
Written after an exceptionally busy filming period in Malta, the article argues that strong activity alone does not guarantee future competitiveness. It identifies shortages of experienced crews, limitations in incentives and infrastructure, pressure on the water-tank facilities, and inefficient government permitting/coordination as major risks. It calls for training, stronger policy execution and a more competitive production environment.
Malta - A small island with a big film industry - 18 Feb 2011
An overview of Malta’s outsized role as an international filming destination despite its small geographic scale. The piece highlights the island’s production history and its appeal as a versatile Mediterranean location, while situating that success within the need for professional crews, facilities, incentives and a coherent long-term industry strategy.
The article argues that Malta must evolve from a film-servicing destination into a genuine production industry by introducing film funds, tax incentives and subsidies. Drawing on successful international examples, it warns that without competitive financial incentives, Malta risks losing productions and expenditure to rival territories despite its strong locations and facilities. It also advocates using foreign productions to develop local skills, employment and eventually Maltese-produced films, warning that failure to act would mean continuing to “miss the boat.”
Other archived articles can be found here