Malta film industry set for growth, pledges new commissioner

Malta’s new Film commissioner has set out an ambitious agenda for growth that will focus on bringing new productions to the Maltese Islands from beyond the traditional Hollywood studios. Film commissioner, Johann Grech will be responsible for running the organisation which supports the local Maltese film industry and helps to attract foreign productions to Malta. Grech has pledged to actively promote Malta’s world-class creative industries to emerging film industries such as India and China, as well as among various digital platforms.

“My message to the global film industry is a simple one: Malta is a great film set in itself. Our islands offer a world of opportunity. And we can make it happen for your story,” said Grech.

He stated that recently, Malta has seen substantial growth in film production and he thanked his predecessor, Engelbert Grech, who under his leadership, brought more than 50 productions in the past four years.

“This is thanks to the quality of our creative industries, our culture, and our climate for filmmaking and I am determined to ensure that we do even better in the years ahead by bringing new types of film-making to our beautiful islands.”

Grech, who most recently served as the head of Government Marketing, brings more than a decade of experience working on marketing campaigns to the job of promoting Malta’s film industry at home and abroad.

As part of his tenure as Film commissioner, Grech has already been meeting and opening dialogue with industry stakeholders about how Malta can work to promote the diversity of locations and services the country can offer, as well as reaching out to rapidly-emerging markets.

“We don’t just offer attractive financing incentives but we are hands-on, giving all the support filmmakers need and Malta is a great place to call home during the months of production,” Grech emphasised.

Grech is a seasoned marketing communications professional, with over 15 years’ experience in audio-visual productions, branding, marketing and political campaigns. Having developed and honed his skills in the freelance market and the agency business, he occupied the role of head of Government Marketing within the Office of the Prime Minister between 2013 and 2017.

Educated in the UK, in 2001 Johann graduated with a BA (Hons) in Communication Studies from East London University. In 2011, he achieved an MSc in Corporate Communication & Public Affairs from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.