Guidelines of Shooting in Malta

Permits for the use of government property for filming activities are obtained from the Government Property Division.

Filming activities in specific areas such as palaces, forts, towers, beaches and other listed sites are protected locations and would require additional permits or approval from the Planning Authority [PA], Heritage Malta and/or other relevant organisations.

All public authorities and organisations apply different location fees and administration prices. The Malta Film Commission will facilitate the procedures to apply for these permits.

A number of private sites in Malta are very popular with film companies. Many owners of private palaces, villas, houses, hotels, farmhouses and other buildings cooperate efficiently with filmmakers. It is always advisable that when filming on a privately-owned location, a contract stipulating the terms and conditions of filming be signed between the film company and the owners prior to preparation or shooting.

Malta has a vast number of cathedrals, churches, chapels, monasteries and cemeteries, many of which can be used as film locations.

Most of these places of worship or graveyards fall under the responsibility of the Archdiocese of Malta or under specific religious orders. However, each parish church has the autonomous right to grant permission for filming, and all legal arrangements and negotiations should be made directly with a parochial church council or cathedral chapter. Some of these locations are also managed by heritage organisations such as Din l-Art Helwa http://dinlarthelwa.org/and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna http://www.wirtartna.org/home.ht

The closing of roads or beaches requires the approval from Transport Authority, Police Department, and the Local Councils respectively. Full scale road or beach closures are not always necessary for outdoor shoots and often a few simple traffic controlling measures suffice. Adequate advance notice must be given in writing to each authority about any filming activity. The relevant authorities would need to ensure that your plans are safe and pose no threat to the users.

You will need the full co-operation of the local police if you plan to film on public roads or use special effects, explosives or firearms (including replicas). You will also need permission to portray uniformed police officers or marked police vehicles on film. You should inform the local police in writing of any planned filming.

The Local Councils are responsible for public land, public buildings, roads and parking, but do not charge fees for filming on their jurisdiction. However, fees are charged for police or local warden services, and it is common practice for a production company to make a monetary donation to the local council on whose jurisdiction filming is taking place.

Code of Practice for Filmmakers