“Malta is truly showing its potential, its resilience, its capabilities,” said Johann Grech, Malta’s film commissioner, in light of Apple TV+’s Foundation’s use of the country as it’s filming location.
Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection, Clayton Bartolo also commented, saying, “it was positive to note, that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Malta managed [to keep] attracting several productions. In fact, Malta attracted 11 productions during 2020, with a total spend of €32 million.”
Malta has long been a popular filming location, with films like Popeye (1980), and Gladiator (2000), and Troy (2004), using Maltese locations extensively.
Malta’s appeal to film and television productions was highlighted by David Goyer, Foundation’s executive producer, who said that the production had decided to extend their trip to Malta from their original dates and period.
He said that Malta as a location offers extensive possibilities for film producers.
Mr Goyer praised the standard and protocols adopted by the Malta Commission, highlighting Malta as “the ideal location for this production.”
Mr Bartolo also looks forward with optimism to further development in the industry, highlighting that he was excited to see Malta Film Studios’ masterplan being implemented, which includes the building of Malta’s first sound stages.
Foundation, Apple TV+’s upcoming tv series based on the award-winning novels of the same name by Isaac Asimov, has spent more than €10m whilst filming in Malta.
The series, which is due to air in 2021, is one of the largest productions in Europe, and preparation and production has been underway in Malta for four months, employing more than 400 film crew and 800 extras.
Its producer, Michael Malone, said that his experience in Malta has been an excellent one. He mentioned that after the production in Malta concludes, he will personally be recommending Malta to other film crews.
