29/04/2015 - Film London, Malta Film Commission partner for Microwave International: Malta

A partnership between Film London and the Malta Film Commission has resulted in the announcement of a feature film and the creation of Microwave International: Malta, the first global iteration of Film London’s training through production scheme. Following a week long Microschool training programme in which 20 Maltese filmmakers participated and then pitched projects to an expert panel, the romantic comedy 20,000 Reasons was selected and awarded a production budget of €200,000. The team, comprising writer Malcolm Galea, producer Anthony Bezzina, director Jameson Cucciardi and director of photography Malcolm Debono, will now receive further guidance from Microwave International's industry mentors along with the production funding.

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said, “Film London Microwave has helped launch some incredible talent and I’m tremendously pleased that we’ve been able to export our training, skills and professional mentoring so successfully.”

Malta Film Commissioner Engelbert Grech said, “For the first time our home grown filmmakers had the opportunity to train, develop and ultimately engage vital industry skills for the development of their film. Our collaboration with Film London proved vital for the development of our local talent.”

This project has been made possible through funds awarded to ESF2.186 ‘Re-skilling of Workers for the local Film Industry’ as part of the European Social Fund Cohesion Policy Operational Programme II 2007-2013, which aims to improve employment opportunities in the European Union and aid to develop a skilled workforce.