Film-Making In Malta

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32038, 12 July 1969, Page 5

Film-Making In Malta

A new look for film production in the entire Middle East: that, said Lord Willis, a well-known television scriptwriter, is what a new British company hopes to achieve at a film centre it is building in Malta. In a 8.8. C. broadcast, Audrey Wright recalled that Malta’s sunshine and magnificent scenery have for years proved a magnet for film and television producers. But, until now, they have had to take all their own equipment with them, and hauling that sort of paraphernalia long distances can be a very expensive business.

Interservice Mediterranean Ltd (as Lord Willis’s new company is called) will provide studios, the most modern camera and editing equipment, and the services of skilled technicians on the spot. Many of the staff will be Maltese—trained for their jobs by the company. Among the projects Interservice visualises is establishing a chair of audio-visual communications at the University and Polytechnic in Malta. The scheme—expected to cost around three-quarters-of-a-million pounds—has the blessing of the British and Maltese Governments, and it should be in full operation by 1974. By that time, it is hoped that Malta will be the most important film production and communications centre in the Mediterranean, , providing, besides the studio complex, technical advice for other countries in the area on developing their own educational and communications programmes.