The following is a right of reply to the article entitled “Stricter policy on filming in hospital after ‘Emilja’ incident” published on 13 February
Rewind Productions has followed closely the correspondence started by The Malta Independent journalist Stephen Calleja and followed up by Mark Doneo a few days later.
The facts from our end are as follows: We at Rewind Productions had a preliminary meeting with hospital CEO Ms Marion Rizzo and we have to immediately state that it was a joy to meet such a dedicated and professional person and yet so ready to see every opportunity, not only to assist others in their walk of life whilst ready in evaluating every occasion to promote not only the excellent services at Mater Dei but also to influence and educate the general public in ways of life that will ultimately benefit patients and eventually the general population at some point in time and this even through local television Dramas in this instance Emilja.
After outlining the script we agreed that we could proceed with this filming as long as we always sought the necessary permits and guidance of the Mater Dei Support Unit and adhered to their instructions. Once more at this unit we were met with personnel so refreshingly forthcoming and supportive that one had no option but to thank God that such people actually exist in public service.
We categorically state that even after doing all this, we took it upon ourselves that whenever we were granted permission to film at Mater Dei we personally went to this Support Unit a few days earlier and with one of the employees of the Support Unit visited every department and location and the respective authority governing and running that unit being visited this including the main security department and reception administration office to explain what we were to do and to ensure that at no time our filming would affect in any way negatively, patients and visitors alike whilst ensuring that only actors and extras are depicted and captured whilst filming.
We hasten to add that Security personnel went about their way and their duties meticulously, repeatedly ensuring that we were operating solely in designated areas and that all was running well. We always, and we repeat, always, went to this department to inform them that we were about to move from one location to the other in this hospital, when this was about to happen. Personnel from this department repeatedly visited and stayed on site and checked all that we were doing and always in a way that once more, and yes once more, in a manner that makes you proud to see first hand such a group of professional people delivering in the politest of manners. Yes once more, from our end, as first hand clients, you are all an asset and a benchmark in your operative ways.
The incident referred to by the reporter Mr Stephen Calleja of this paper occurred in our presence as we were always on site during filming with our employees, thereby ensuring not only proper conduct but smooth and efficient delivery with no hindrance to external third parties.
As a scene was being filmed in the waiting room just outside the Burns Unit, a patient made his way and sat on a chair in this waiting area exactly beside the camera and hence out of shot. He was later joined by at least another two patients who asked us if they could follow what we were doing. Our reply was an immediate yes. At one point we needed to take a different angle shot and our cameraperson told everyone after he set up from the new angle that we all had to move behind the camera as we would be showing in the next shot and this he told to all actors waiting for their part, grip men, audio man, etc., etc., including the patients and a couple of visitors that wanted to follow. The comment to all jokingly was and always is on set, if you are standing in front of a camera which is about to start rolling and you want a part we will call for an audition and consider it but in the meantime you will be in shot so you have to please move. We all made our way behind the camera and hence were out of shot. The patient in particular being referred to by Mr Stephen Calleja, instead of doing this, opted to return to his ward and this he had every right to do. If at any point had he shown any reluctance to move, we would have immediately stopped filming and waited till we ensured that no third parties were in shot, possibly even by revisiting and re-scheduling the scene to a later time in the day when the waiting area would be clear. At this point we personally thanked all for cooperating and this particular patient we patted on the back and wished him well as we were all walking away out of shot. We categorically state that security personnel were present at this time as well and were standing to our right when facing the Burns Unit just in front of the lifts area.
Personally we cannot see why someone would find it within himself to spin a mountain out of this, however in life we guess one gets all sorts. Whilst we can understand and are fully supportive of people who might be passing through a bad patch and we will be there for them irrespective of, as our track record shows, we still cannot come to terms as to why anyone would depict an excellent service otherwise.
Regarding Mark Doneo’s article, we have no hesitation in saying that in whichever capacity he might have been writing, be it personal, or in ONE Productions’ name, ethically, or at least just to put into practice the team spirit the logo of the station that he originates from “We Are ONE” he should have at least verified with Rewind Productions as to what might have happened as after all Rewind Productions is delivering Emilja for ONE and we are only a phone call away. Having said this, symptomatically he opts to do otherwise, dissociates himself and sings his laurels whilst leaving a shadow on other people’s ethics. We will leave readers to imagine as to why he opted to take this course.
As time passes by we realise all to well as to why many people on the workplace around the island might answer no to anything as trying to be there and assist will only lead to someone along the line finding fault with whatever is being done. So best say ‘NO’ to all, it is safest.
Emilja is written in such a manner as to show viewers how often we end up assuming and coming to the wrong conclusions on face value without bothering to verify and seek facts. The aforesaid episode depicts this attitude and we have no problem saying that one and all are capable of spinning any episode into anything for reasons that one might know, so let us wag the dog if necessary, however there is always a price to pay.
Rewind Productions