The Malta Film Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, is organising the very first cross-industry convention FilmSpeak. The convention will open up dialogue between the industry service providers and the various government agencies in order to streamline the current processes relating to film production in Malta.

In addition, the Film Commission is seeking to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the initiatives the rules and regulations relating to servicing the film industry. The first edition of FilmSpeak will take place on 23 February at the Palace Hotel, Sliema.

The primary objectives and outcomes of this national convention will be to determine, together with stakeholders, how Malta as a film location can be improved to provide a quality service. Specialised workshops will discuss the rules and regulations within the film industry (permits, financial aspects, local fees, etc.) that are necessary to allow all the stakeholders involved to provide a quality and timely service. Participants at the convention will also discuss and explore new marketing strategies and synergies between the various and varied stakeholders.

The film industry is constantly evolving – artistically, technologically and financially. It is therefore vital for the local industry to continuously keep abreast of such changes and adapt to the new orders. This will raise the bar in the industry and uncover issues that are of real concern across the industry.

FilmSpeak2012 is expected to shed light on various emerging opportunities in servicing the local film industry. The interactive sessions will highlight how participants can play a more interactive role in the burgeoning film servicing industry. FilmSpeak2012 is open to local film crew, facility and service providers and professionals and individuals wishing to have a more active role in this field. Participation is free of charge, but prior registration is required in view of seating restrictions.

Guest speakers will include Barry Ryan, head of Production at WARP (UK), and Christian McWilliams, an international freelance Location manager. Mr Ryan is responsible for the production of films across the Warp Films and Warp X slates. He produced Grow Your Own written by Frank Cottrell Boyce and Carl Hunter and directed by Richard Laxton for Warp Films, and line produced Warp’s first short My Wrongs 8245-8249 &117, which won the BAFTA in 2003, and Dead Man’s Shoes, Warp’s first feature which was nominated for the Best British Film Award at the BAFTAs 2005 and which won the Hitchcock D’Or at Dinard in 2004. Dead Man’s Shoes, Hush and Bunny & The Bull have all been nominated for “best achievement in production” at the BIFAs. Whereas, Mr McWilliams has been working in locations since 1991 and has worked on a series of well-known box office hits including Braveheart, Entrapment, Alexander, Mission Impossible 4 and most recently World War Z. He is currently producing commercials for Canal Plus.

Information and relevant application forms can be found on the MFC website www.mfc.com.mt. For further details send an email to: [email protected]