Film industry warns over ‘incorrect’ claims of confirmed productions for 2013

Film Services Providers Malta says it is too early to say that three ‘serious productions’ have been confirmed for 2013.

The Malta Film Service Providers concerned about the lack of sustainable economic activity in the servicing of foreign film productions in Malta.
The Malta Film Service Providers concerned about the lack of sustainable economic activity in the servicing of foreign film productions in Malta.

The Film Services Providers Malta has warned that it is too early to say that three international productions will be shooting in Malta next year.

The statements follows the news revealed by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech on Monday. He said that a British Falklands war-themed film, 'Destroyer', a French film set in Afghanistan and a yet-to-be revealed series will all have several scenes shot in Malta.

"As things stand today, the members of FSPM confirm that to the best of their knowledge any claims that three serious productions are actually 'confirmed' for 2013 are not correct and it is too early to say whether they will eventually film in Malta," the FSPM said.

In a statement, the FSPM also expressed its concern about the way the Malta Film Commission is operating and about the lack of sustainable economic activity in the servicing of foreign film productions in Malta.

The group said that a few concerns raised at a meeting with the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tonio Fenech in February 2012, have been tackled.

The issues concerned the re-introduction of an online classified listing and an improvement in the expediency with which the commissioner replies to emails sent by local and international producers.

However, several other concerns remain unaddressed. These include, amongst others, the creation of a regular forum between the MFC and industry stakeholders to discuss ways of how to improve Malta's film servicing sector.

"In particular, we need to improve the MFC's marketing strategy, how enquires received by the MFC are dealt with in a fully transparent and efficient manner and the incentives that will be offered as from next year after their expiry," it said.

It added that initiatives like Film Speak that were organised by the MFC earlier this year did not focus on these issues.

"Other meetings such as the seminar held with MEPA last summer left stakeholders discussing pressing issues without the presence of the film commissioner or other board members. Moreover, the follow up report promised by the commission has so far not been published," the group said.

FSPM said that local production service companies that offer a service to productions shooting in Malta do not benefit from the cash rebate.

"It is only the producers of eligible productions that benefit from these grants. It is surprising that calls for an increase in the incentives are described as 'old thinking' when most film hosting countries around the globe are constantly increasing the competitiveness of their industry incentive schemes, which remain the principle deciding factor that determines where a production ultimately chooses to film," FSPM said.

It added that an attractive rebate coupled with an ineffective commission and lack of other non-fiscal incentives offered by Government do not necessarily lead to increased production levels.

FSPM said it remained in favour of the development of a local indigenous industry, aided by the Malta Film Fund: "This is mainly a cultural concern that needs to be approached separately from the economic activity generated by the inward investment of hosting foreign shoots."

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I just saw the you tube link posted by Danielaxx4 - the way Busuttil faffed around answering the question is clear to anyone that he was just bluffing and he didn't have a clue. This clip of Busuttil shows that he is nothing but a performer and it seems not a very good one at that. I've also checked out who Anthony Sammut is - yet another person from Minister Fenech's constituency. It seems the Minister has just been placing his people in posts to show them favour. @ John Debono - are you the same John Debono who is also Malta Consul for Ukraine? is this the area you excel in? if so don't you see the conflict here? But then conflict seems to be the name of the game - another member of the Film Commission Board, finally resigned citing conflict of interest. It took him 2 years to realise he was conflicted. Enough time for him to be privy to a lot of information giving him an unfair advantage over his competitors. His connection? part of Minister Fenech's prayer group. I say get rid of the Film Commission Board, (what value do they add anyway?) and get a Film Commissioner who really knows his/her stuff, pay him/her a damn good wage and give that person all the necessary resources they need to do their job properly. This is not a post to mess around with.
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I think people should also watch this video. It gives a very good idea of who the film commissioner is and his abilities https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PkA4jhxTVX0#t=328s
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12 months ago (probably because the elections were too far) this commissioner was a little wiser and told this paper that productions for 2012 were not confirmed. http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/magazinedetails/magazine/film/Malta-s-film-industry-braces-itself-for-uncertain-2012 But at the same instant he foolishly listed 3 productions that are likely to come to Malta in 2012 when in fact they were very very far from green-lighting, and no surprise of course that they did not happen. Why give a false sense of hope to local crews who might be basing their decisions, mortgages etc on such statements? If only he has an ounce of experience in this sector (or even common sense) he would know which foreign inquiries are credibly moving forward or not. The commissioner, in this statement to this paper one year ago, was only right on his prediction of a couple documentaries but these are often visiting Malta and have absolutely no impact on our economy in terms of expenditure or employment other than the (valuable) benefit of aiding the tourism industry. Now here is the really 'funny' part. Not only is he foolishly misleading Malta on his future productions that do not happen, but he cannot even be honest about past statistics. He must be thinking that the electorate are a bunch of fools who never question anything. This is a must-watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Y1_PVAEiw
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Mr Debono why get personal and aggressive? It is clear that there are some real concerns and the persons here have the industry at heart. It is true that one of the Group was a former Film Commissioner but the ethics of that is another matter and does not detract from the substance of what is being raised. I doubt any of these persons sit back and wait for work to come to them. From what I know if anything it is thanks to their personal efforts that some of the bigger productions have hit our shores. So rather than painting all with the same brush it would have made more sense to look at the substance of what is being said. Just because you have been assisted by the current Film Commissioner, it does not mean that everyone else has and evidently there are many who have not had positive experiences. You were not the first to get personal. The Minister did that before you by dismissing their concerns as a personality clash as reported elsewhere in the media. If he really believes that he must be naïve. The real questions to ask are why is Minister Fenech going out of his way to defend the Commissioner to the extent that he would lie about forthcoming productions? Or is the Minister being misinformed? What credentials does Peter Busuttil have to hold a position which is so pivotal to an industry that used to bring millions into the country? It certainly is not that appalling programme of his ‘ Red’ that he used to air. Or the fact that he organizes Notte Bianca. Perhaps it is because he is involved in the Bkara football club and B’kara is the Minister’s constituency? Surely the Minister has not been so reckless as to give such an important position to one of his boys. And if he did do a mistake why persist when this has been brought to his attention? Mr Busuttil does not even look the part. Does he still wear a ring on every finger? I don’t wish to get personal and his own sense of style is his own but not for someone who is representing our country.
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Mr Debono why get personal and aggressive? It is clear that there are some real concerns and the persons here have the industry at heart. It is true that one of the Group was a former Film Commissioner but the ethics of that is another matter and does not detract from the substance of what is being raised. I doubt any of these persons sit back and wait for work to come to them. From what I know if anything it is thanks to their personal efforts that some of the bigger productions have hit our shores. So rather than painting all with the same brush it would have made more sense to look at the substance of what is being said. Just because you have been assisted by the current Film Commissioner, it does not mean that everyone else has and evidently there are many who have not had positive experiences. You were not the first to get personal. The Minister did that before you by dismissing their concerns as a personality clash as reported elsewhere in the media. If he really believes that he must be naïve. The real questions to ask are why is Minister Fenech going out of his way to defend the Commissioner to the extent that he would lie about forthcoming productions? Or is the Minister being misinformed? What credentials does Peter Busuttil have to hold a position which is so pivotal to an industry that used to bring millions into the country? It certainly is not that appalling programme of his ‘ Red’ that he used to air. Or the fact that he organizes Notte Bianca. Perhaps it is because he is involved in the Bkara football club and B’kara is the Minister’s constituency? Surely the Minister has not been so reckless as to give such an important position to one of his boys. And if he did do a mistake why persist when this has been brought to his attention? Mr Busuttil does not even look the part. Does he still wear a ring on every finger? I don’t wish to get personal and his own sense of style is his own but not for someone who is representing our country.
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Oh dear John. I would have expected a more considered response from one such as yourself although I thank you for encouraging everyone to take a good, long look at who comprises FSPM. To anyone doing so it will be apparent that (contrary to your hollow cries of “corruption and apathy”) the only thing unifying the group is extensive experience and knowledge of the international film servicing industry. Could it actually be that FSPM have no hidden agenda or axe to grind – other than a shared interest in seeing the island retain her hard won international reputation as a desirable filming location? Your post is at best ill-considered and at worst, slanderous. Shame on you. Sammi Davis / Small Island Films Ltd.
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Priscilla Darmenia
Do you remember the record label "His Master's Voice". Like his Master Gonzi when he lied about the big company from Brazil investing in Malta, it is now the assistant's turn to lie about big investment of the shooting of 3 important films in Malta. How can I believe anything that they will say in the election run?
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So Mediterranean Film Studios which is part of this group is waiting for the film commission to give it work? Interesting idea Mr Debono
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So Mediterranean Film Studios which is part of this group is waiting for the film commission to give it work? Interesting idea Mr Debono
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Looks like John decided he knows better than 9 or 10 people combined! And he also knows they are sitting on their bums waiting for the call! Amazing perception! His post below will make him a better friend with the current commissioner. He is so right about unethical behaviour of a past commissioner. But do two wrongs make a right? Oh by the way, John why do you not mention the court order you were issued during the filming of Troy because you wanted to disrupt their filming by creating noise? And all this because you had a personal clash with the location manager (P.Agius). How sad this world has come to. We point fingers only where it suits us personally.
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Looks like John decided he knows better than 9 or 10 people combined! And he also knows they are sitting on their bums waiting for the call! Amazing perception! His post below will make him a better friend with the current commissioner. He is so right about unethical behaviour of a past commissioner. But do two wrongs make a right? Oh by the way, John why do you not mention the court order you were issued during the filming of Troy because you wanted to disrupt their filming by creating noise? And all this because you had a personal clash with the location manager (P.Agius). How sad this world has come to. We point fingers only where it suits us personally.
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First one should look into who the FSPM is composed of? Why is all this nagging coming forward now? Do the members of the FSPM feel the bite of not having a film commissioner who prefers them then others? I have been in the industry as a production service company for many years and I never expected the film commission to do any dirty work for me.I pack my bags,spend my money and go out to find jobs in the region I excel in.I have been successful and have always found the support I required from the commission. It is very evident that a dynasty under the cover of FSPM are finding it hard to support themselves without contacts coming from the MFC as they have always depended on that. I am far off better with the present commissioner, whom I feel I can trust with confidential matters then having a commissioner who sets up his own film service company the next day he resigns from his post as to personally work on a production that he would have negotiated as a commissioner the day before.And this did not happen once..... I would not call that conflict of interest but outright corruption. Yes,it would be very comfortable to stay at home(as most of them work from home) waiting for the film commission to call you and pass on contacts and get the job,then having to fly the world over to find a good client. Unfortunately these people have been having it too good for too long and they are just missing the good old days due to the present transparency. John Debono Triton Film Productions Limited
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First one should look into who the FSPM is composed of? Why is all this nagging coming forward now? Do the members of the FSPM feel the bite of not having a film commissioner who prefers them then others? I have been in the industry as a production service company for many years and I never expected the film commission to do any dirty work for me.I pack my bags,spend my money and go out to find jobs in the region I excel in.I have been successful and have always found the support I required from the commission. It is very evident that a dynasty under the cover of FSPM are finding it hard to support themselves without contacts coming from the MFC as they have always depended on that. I am far off better with the present commissioner, whom I feel I can trust with confidential matters then having a commissioner who sets up his own film service company the next day he resigns from his post as to personally work on a production that he would have negotiated as a commissioner the day before.And this did not happen once..... I would not call that conflict of interest but outright corruption. Yes,it would be very comfortable to stay at home(as most of them work from home) waiting for the film commission to call you and pass on contacts and get the job,then having to fly the world over to find a good client. Unfortunately these people have been having it too good for too long and they are just missing the good old days due to the present transparency. John Debono Triton Film Productions Limited
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Not to worry... all are being produced by a famous Brazilian studio...