The shooting of a film by Oscar-winning film director Alejandro Amenabar will take place almost entirely in Malta. Work on this production is proceeding very quickly, with more than 200 locals employed on the site as carpenters, plasterers and in various other trades.

The e50 million production, under the direction of Alejandro Amenabar, has been in preparation since last October. Filming is expected to start in March and will last around 12 weeks, with the whole production wrapping up in July.

Jose Luis Escolar, film line producer, said that, at present, the production is being referred to as “Working Title : MOT”.

An official announcement of the title of the film and other aspects related to it will be made shortly.

Minister Austin Gatt, who paid a visit to the set yesterday, said that Malta had been chosen for the locations it offers, with the unique selling point being Fort Ricasoli, where a large set is being constructed. The appearance of the extras available in Malta was also an important factor.

This paper has learnt that other countries that had been considered for the project included Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco and Spain. The extended financial assistance granted by the government had been instrumental in bringing the production to the island, in addition to the existing financial incentives on offer.

Dr Gatt added that this production is expected to have a major impact on Malta, especially on its film-servicing sector.

Contrary to most other productions, many Maltese are being employed in roles and crew positions that are usually taken up by non-Maltese. This will allow local industry crew members and workers to gain unprecedented experience on a top-quality production, and is expected to have a major positive impact on the island’s ability to host and service future productions.