Sustaining the film cash rebate

Written by Malcolm Scerri-Ferrante on Jan 31, 2023. Posted in Contributors

Two decades ago, countries began to compete for the hosting of international filming by creating a scheme whereby foreign producers are partially refunded for their monies spent in the country.   Government appointed economists calculated the “multiplier effect’ of the monies brought in by foreign productions, how they stimulated economies and how much taxation would be created down the line to render such schemes sustainable.

'Luzzu' raises the bar for Maltese filmmaking

Written by Malcolm Scerri-Ferrante on Jun 30, 2022. Posted in Contributors

When watching any film that won at a leading international festival, I find there is an element of prejudice where one’s mind is already leaning towards receiving the film favourably, where for example one might be more patient.  But critical acclaim raises expectations and audiences expect to be well awarded for their time. This balances out, at least to my mind, any unfair prejudice towards the film. More patience in exchange for higher expectations.