Location Spotlight: Magnificent Malta
The small but mighty Malta has a huge variety of film-friendly locations, facilities and world-class crew. With a flight time of just over three hours from the UK and a maximum travel time of one hour from location to location on the island, Malta was the obvious choice when LS Productions launched their first Mediterranean hub.
Cinematic appeal and production-friendly infrastructure cement Malta as one of the world’s most highly regarded countries for High End TV, Reality and Film. Gladiator, Jurassic World Dominion, Mission Impossible, Game of Thrones and multiple high-end reality series have made the most of what Malta has to offer, including a reputable 40% cash rebate system. Gladiator II is the most recent film to showcase the astounding locations, studios, backlots and talented crew with blockbuster experience, all ready and waiting to take the advertising industry by storm.
The ideal climate for filming
The sun shines on the beautiful landscapes of Malta for more than 300 days a year. The impressive coastline and azure blue water provide stunning backdrops all year round. Malta’s climate is known as one of the best in the world and guarantees over 15 hours of light during the summer months. Over winter Malta is mild, the temperatures averaging around 17 degrees. As well as the golden sand beaches and dramatic cliff tops, the sheltered coves, crystal clear water clarity and experienced marine partners make shooting in or on the water a standout feature of the island. Favourable sea temperatures can be found all year round. If even more controllable environments are required, Malta is home to Europe’s largest water tanks suitable for large scale builds and SFX.
A unique architectural mix
Set in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta’s small but strategically important archipelago has resulted in a dynamic blend of influences. The archipelago has been moulded by centuries of foreign rule ensuring a unique combination of architecture; Roman, Baroque, Norman, Neoclassical, Moorish and Gothic revival buildings intermingle with modern architect design. This is evident across the island but no more so in the iconic capital of Valetta. The skyline is punctuated with historic domes and church spires, with cobbled streets leading down to the breath taking harbour. Whilst there are hubs of accommodation across the island, no other comes more highly recommended than St Julian’s. Just outside of Valetta, there are a variety of hotels to be found in close proximity which suit crew and talent alike.
A diverse blend of locations and culture
As well as wild landscapes and terraced hillsides, Malta has no less than three UNESCO world heritage sites. Characterful towns and grand piazzas are in abundance. Previous productions have doubled for North Africa, ancient Rome, the South of France and the Middle East. Malta also offers a Pan-European aesthetic, if a more general European or Mediterranean feel is required without quite being able to place where you are in the world. This blend of architecture and culture also extends to cuisine and the island is spoilt for choice when it comes to caterers on set and restaurants to explore after a shoot day. From seafood restaurants in quaint coves to rooftop settings with modern twists on Maltese classics, all budgets and dietary requirements can easily be accommodated.
Film friendly infrastructure
Although some locations might feel as though they are in the middle of nowhere, Malta’s size ensures that you are never far from the infrastructure that supports large-scale production. Studios, build spaces, kit houses, post facilities and more can all be considered local to any location. A host of cameras, lenses, lighting and rigging can be sourced locally from trusted suppliers, together with good unit cars and transport companies to get you from A to B. There are strong options for casting on the island to suit a number of scripts and English is one of the two official languages of Malta, with approximately 90% of the population speaking it; most fluently. If scripts or creative require city centre locales, or at least the feel of them, then Malta delivers here too. Permitting streets for filming is made easier by collaborative officials that can assist to quickly narrow down locations available. There’s also a wealth of controllable doubles, including modern 360’s that you might not necessarily associate with Malta.
Endless production potential
There’s a big reason Ridley Scott chose to shoot Gladiator, Napoleon and Gladiator II on Malta. All corners of Malta vibrate with its rich history; citadels, castles, ancient city walls and epic forts. Organisations understand the importance of filming’s link with tourism and are very open to accommodating shoots. Malta also boasts an incredible backlot contained within a fort, including sets and relics from prior productions. This offers a completely controllable environment with endless build potential and configuration. As well as historic buildings, Malta also offers a number of modern residential locations, fulfilling briefs from modern family homes to aspirational villas.
LS has partnered with brands and production companies on a number of shoots since launching in the region, including those with a crew size of 100+ working on beaches, city streets, clifftops, castle walls and poolside to name just a few locations awaiting you in Malta.
