Malta’s Planning Authority unanimously approved the plans for the construction of Malta’s first sound-stage - a long-awaited and historic moment for all those working in the local film and television industry.
Malta’s first sound-stage will be built on an area of 4,000 square metres at the Malta Film Studios, adjacent to the deep water tank facility. The sound-stage will be the first of its kind, boasting an interior 2,000 square metre water tank overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo highlighted the sound-stage’s approval as a crucial step in the development of Malta’s film infrastructure, which will result in the creation of quality jobs together with further opportunities in the industry. “With the construction of Malta’s first sound-stage, we will continue to maximise the potential for our local industry and cement it as a key economic motor for our country” stated Minister Bartolo.
He emphasised on how this project will continue to attract more international productions for a longer period of time and will provide the necessary opportunities for local crew to continue developing their skills.
Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech reflected on how “the success of our industry reflects Malta’s economy - a resilient one. We are experiencing a record number of locals working in the film industry as well as an unprecedented level of investment from both the Government and the private sector.”
He highlighted that the construction of Malta’s first sound-stage has been discussed time and again throughout the years.
“For long years, almost 60 years, we’ve been hearing that sound-stages were going to be built in Malta. Today - we are writing our history” said Grech. He concluded by stating that this project, which forms part of a €35 million masterplan for the regeneration of the Malta Film Studios, will earmark the start of a new future for Malta’s film industry. “We will build ‘world-class’ sound-stages because we want the best for our country, and for the generations to come.
