British Film Commission and Malta Film Commission sign Memorandum of Understanding

The British Film Commission (BFC) and Malta Film Commission, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the aim of enhancing the collaboration between the UK and Malta screen industries, as well as facilitating film and high-end TV production between the two territories.  

The UK and the Malta screen industries are both first class destinations for film and high-end TV (HETV) production. In 2022, inward investment production spend reached a record figure of £5.37billion in the UK, as Malta continues to attract major productions, hosting 24 film and TV projects in 2022 alone (Source: Variety).   

Major film and HETV productions filmed across both countries include: Napoleon (Apple TV+, 2023), Jurassic World: Dominion (Universal, 2022), 7 Days in Entebbe (Eone/Participant Media/Focus Features, 2018), Murder on the Orient Express (20th Century, 2017), Game of Thrones (HBO, 2011-19).

The BFC previously worked with the Malta Film Commission in the area of film and HETV industry skills, connecting them with the UK skills infrastructure to share insights and expertise. 

Through the MoU, the BFC and Malta Film Commission seek to encourage greater cultural, commercial and creative exchange between the UK and Malta, whilst actively working together to foster opportunities to support inward investment film and HETV production in both countries. This agreement also highlights the film commissions’ commitment to facilitating a frictionless and film-friendly service which supports productions working in both territories.  

The agreement was signed 28 June during the inaugural Mediterrane Film Festival, in which British Film Commission Chief Executive Adrian Wootton OBE served as chair of the Festival’s international jury, and participated in industry panels on the subjects of social sustainability and industry skills.

Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission, said: ‘’Ensuring strong, frictionless relationships with industry in countries across Europe remains essential for film and HETV productions shooting across borders. Recent years have seen both the UK and Malta screen industries experience substantial growth. It is therefore an exciting time to be consolidating our relationship with the Malta Film Commission, having previously supported several major productions in both territories, such as Napoleon and Jurassic World: Dominion. It’s great to be here in Malta to commemorate the inaugural Mediterrane Festival with the signing of this agreement. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work, creating even stronger ties between our two countries to ensure a creative and film-friendly environment for productions for years to come.’’

Johann Grech, Malta Film Commissioner, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding represents the ongoing commitment to film that cross geographical borders. As the Malta film industry continues to grow, we are delighted to be strengthening our ties with the UK, a key partner in the global film industry. This collaboration signifies our shared dedication to creating diverse, impactful content and a seamless production experience. We are proud of the significant projects we’ve hosted thus far, and we are eagerly anticipating what this reinforced collaboration will bring. Today, as we celebrate the connection of our industries at the inaugural Mediterrane Film Festival, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a fertile and film-friendly environment. We are not just facilitating productions, we are shaping the future of global storytelling.”

Today’s MOU builds on the positive impact such collaboration is having internationally, with partnership agreements already in place between the British Film Commission and Spain, Italy, Norway and Austria.