Arts Council Malta recently held a masterclass for local producers and film-makers, designed to help participants understand how to develop projects with international partners, secure cross-border financing and navigate the legal and commercial frameworks that underpin co-productions.
The Co-Production Roadmap Masterclass forms part of the Arts Council’s broader strategy to strengthen the country’s film industry by improving the skills and international readiness of local screen professionals.
Interest in the programme was high, with 28 applications submitted for the training, which was led by Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine, founder of The Copro Agency.
Drawing on her experience in audiovisual law, business affairs and international project development, Sabbah-Immagine guided participants through the practical stages of building co-productions, from financing structures and legal agreements to partnership building and cultural considerations.
Participants also received one-to-one consultations on their own projects, allowing them to discuss specific challenges and receive tailored advice on preparing productions for international collaboration.
Lyona Xuereb Gatt, head of the Domestic Film Development and Strategy Unit, said the masterclass was developed in response to demand from the local industry.
“A very important part of the Domestic Film Unit’s work is its training initiatives,” she said. “We are actively engaging with and collaborating with key film institutes that can provide the right kind of training tailored to Malta’s needs and the development of our local industry.”
She said discussions with film-makers had highlighted uncertainty around how international co-productions operate.
“We received many inquiries and noticed that there were still several misconceptions and uncertainties about the process – what co-production entails, how it works in practice, and how producers can successfully navigate it. This is precisely why we decided to develop the Co-Production Roadmap: to provide clarity, practical guidance and a structured pathway for film-makers and producers looking to explore co-production opportunities.”
The masterclass is the first in a series of initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for Maltese film-makers beyond the domestic market.
More initiatives ahead
The next programme, Audience Design, will be held in Valletta in October and will support selected production companies in identifying audiences, refining market strategies and strengthening the commercial potential of feature films currently in development.
The workshops, led by international audience design consultant Síle Culley, are open to production companies that received development funding in 2024 or 2025 and are developing feature-length projects for either the local market or international co-production.
Applications close on August 10 with the workshops taking place across one of two two-day sessions, on October 6 and 7 or October 8 and 9.
Further initiatives and calls aimed at Maltese film-makers and producers will be announced soon. For more information, visit artscouncilmalta.gov.mt.
