Written by on Aug 29, 2012. Posted in On Location

Malta seeks to protect historic sites from potential filming damage

Malta wants to ensure its historic sites are protected from the potential damage of location filming visits. TV series Game of Thrones visited in 2010 and reportedly damaged parts of the island of Gozo – the show switched to Croatia for its second season.

A collaboration between the Malta Film Commission and the Government aims to prevent something similar happening in the future. Malta is very aware that its historic sites are a major international appeal as filming locations so authorities want to make sure everyone is made aware of exactly what impact visiting productions plan to make on the landscape.

Safeguarding existing properties, especially those that are considered ‘sensitive areas’ such as historical buildings, fortifications and natural resources, is of utmost importance for authorities.

Malta Film Commission

The Malta Film Commission states: “The increased demand for locations brings an increased awareness for [the] environmental and social impact on regularly utilised locations. Safeguarding existing properties, especially those that are considered ‘sensitive areas’ such as historical buildings, fortifications and natural resources, is of utmost importance for authorities.”

Productions are inevitably going to want to make certain changes or additions to locations, whether it’s a set build or special effects rigging. Clarifying permitting rules and communicating effectively on what is and isn’t allowed should help protect Malta’s historic heritage.

(Main page image courtesy of Malcolm Scerri-Ferrante)