Movie paradise? How Malta became a magnet for big film shoots

Malta has become a leading European filming location over the past decade, attracting major film and TV productions through aggressive tax incentives. The EU’s smallest country, it has hosted over 30 productions annually, standing in for various global settings due to its versatile landscape and history. This success, driven by financial incentives, is transforming Malta’s economy but raises concerns about the impact on local film talent and infrastructure.

• Malta has become a highly popular filming location in Europe over the last decade.
• The country attracts productions with competitive tax incentives, including a 40% cash rebate.
• Malta has hosted over 30 film and TV productions each year for the past three years.
• The island has served as a stand-in for diverse locations such as ancient Rome, Greece, Sicily, and the Caribbean.
• The success of Malta’s film industry is attributed to its aggressive approach to diversifying and offering generous financial incentives.
• While thriving with international productions, there are concerns about the impact on local Maltese film talent and the strain on infrastructure.
• Malta is planning to invest in a new studio complex to further bolster its film industry.