Strengthening a small nation’s cinema : a study on the interdependencies between the film servicing and indigenous sectors

Abstract

Local media outlets often report how successful the local film industry is in managing to attract foreign productions and large investments to Malta. For the most part this has proven historically correct, with major blockbusters like Gladiator (2000) and Troy (2004) having filmed on these shores. However, possessing an actively successful film industry structure amounts to much more than simply having Hollywood productions coming over to shoot on the island. The Maltese film industry is split into two sectors, the film servicing sector that caters for and is in charge of attracting foreign productions and the indigenous sector that actively promotes Maltese films and supports local talent. There is a striking imbalance between the success rates of the two and both seem to operate independently and in divergent trajectories. Whilst the servicing sector is thriving, Malta does not have a recognisable framework for an indigenous film industry. This thesis explores the links and the relationship between the film industry sectors to determine a productive way forward. In consulting with leading experts across the Maltese film industry spectrum, this research delves deep into the problems that Maltese filmmakers encounter and seeks solutions to strengthen the indigenous sector and find avenues where both sectors can work for mutual benefit.