At the board of directors’ elections at the European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN) which took place during the EUFCN General Assembly held on Friday, 30th November in Malaga, Spain, saw 6 newly elected board members joining the board. New board members include Peter Busuttil, Malta Film Commission who has been elected for 4-year term. Other newly elected members include: Andrea Rocco (Genova Liguria Film Commission); Berit Tilly (Swedish Lapland Film Commission); Carlos Rosado Cobain (Film Commission Spain); Jacques Paul Georges Mer (Algrave Film Commission) and Truls Kontny (Norwegian Film Commission). President, Arie Bohrer, Location Austria - Austria’s National Film Commission, along with Secretary General, Patrick Lamassoure (Film France) have spearheaded the organisation since 2007.
Commenting on this news, Mr Busuttil said: “it is my great pleasure to join the EUFCN board, this announcement comes at the right moment following the hosting of the 25th edition of the European Film Awards 2012 and shows that our efforts at the Malta Film Commission, to not only to attract European and International film productions to Malta, but raise our standards and contribute towards the industry within the field and amongst key stakeholders within the industry, are also being recognised. The EUFCN encompasses 82 Film Commissions in 26 countries who are highly respected in the national and international film industry. Through the network I will continue to market the European Film Industry and will continously strive to put Malta on the map in line with our past and continous efforts.”
The umbrella association, The European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN), www.eufcn.net, representing film commissions in Europe was founded in 2007 to consolidate the evergrowing number of film and location offices all over Europe into one network. The EUFCN, is a non-profit association with the main objective of marketing the European film industry and culture on an international level and to create an efficient information network for every EUFCN member in the European Union.
All members are required to promote and campaign the film industry either nationwide or in a specific region. Film Commissions consult producers in terms of local funding and also promote their local funding. They provide target-oriented advice and comprehensive information regarding film locations, filming permits, artistic and technical service as well as scouting young talent. In addition, the service includes granting filming permits for film and TV productions. In this context, the film commission acts as a mediator between the respective authority and the film industry, guaranteeing that the relevant country or community offers sufficient support.
Minister of Finance the Economy and Investment Tonio Fenech congratulated Mr Busuttil and welcomed this important news and augured that it will serve to further strenghten Malta's presence on the international film arena. “The Maltese presence on the Board of this Network should serve to support our efforts at promoting Malta amongst international film makers and producers, and therefore building on the successes achieved during this legislature where over 75 productions were shot partially or fully in Malta. It also comes at an opportune time as Malta benefits from the limelight offered by the hosting of the European Film Awards last weekend in Malta,” commented Minister Fenech.