Mark Myers, a Hollywood producer and manager at Citizen Skull, praised Malta’s water tanks whilst on a trip from Los Angeles to this year’s Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival.

“We’re shooting films this year in England, Spain and Hungary and now there is a whole new country for us with a plethora of incentives, ready and experienced crew and amazing one of a kind locations,” Myers said during the high-profile film festival.

“They also have incredible water tanks for shooting, which are hard to find.”

Malta’s film industry is thriving, attracting major productions with its historic locations, skilled crews, and one of Europe’s most competitive tax rebate schemes. As reported by Variety, the island nation has become a sought-after filming destination, hosting recent blockbusters such as Enola Holmes 3, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II. Perhaps the latest James Bond production could find its home on the islands, too.

Malta’s financial incentives are unmatched

Malta offers a cash rebate of up to 40 per cent on eligible production expenditures – one of the most ambitious schemes in Europe. The base rebate is 30 per cent, with an additional 10 per cent available for productions that meet criteria such as utilising local resources. This incentive has been pivotal in drawing high-profile projects, boosting Malta’s economy by over €1 billion in the past five years, according to Film Commissioner Johann Grech.  

Historic locations and world-class studios

Malta’s unique architecture – blending European, Middle Eastern, and African influences – allows it to double for diverse global settings. Ridley Scott used Fort Ricasoli and Malta’s water tanks for Gladiator and Napoleon, while Jurassic World Dominion filmed key scenes in Valletta. The country’s film studios, including shallow and deep-water tanks, have been instrumental in productions like Captain Phillips and underwater thrillers.  

Growing infrastructure and skilled workforce

With demand surging, Malta is investing €1 million in crew training to expand its talent pool in areas such as camera work, sound, and production accounting. Over 1,000 professionals now work full-time in the sector, supported by experienced local producers who facilitate smooth operations for international studios.  

Strategic networking and future growth  

The Mediterrane Film Festival has become a key platform for industry networking, with executives from Marvel, Universal, and Amazon exploring Malta’s potential.

Malta has already attracted an impressive roster of international filmmakers, including Ridley Scott (Gladiator II, Napoleon), Steven Spielberg (Munich), and major studios like Universal, Marvel, and Netflix (Enola Holmes 3). The annual Mediterrane Film Festival is pushing to further elevated Malta’s profile, serving as a strategic networking hub where producers, location scouts, and studio executives explore filming opportunities and industry connections.

With high-profile attendees such as Russell Crowe and executives from Legendary Pictures and Annapurna, the festival not only showcases Malta’s cinematic potential but also facilitates deals that drive future productions to the island. This blend of prestige and networking solidifies Malta’s reputation as a top-tier filming destination.

Future plans include a new soundstage to enable year-round filming, addressing current seasonal limitations.  

Malta’s film industry presents a compelling opportunity: backed by strong incentives, a skilled workforce, and a track record of hosting major productions. As global demand for filming locations grows, Malta is positioning itself as a long-term hub for high-value film projects.  

Image: Jurassic World