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Malta Launches Open Call for Submissions to Finish the Country’s Ambitious Land-Sea Super Stage
Malta has opened a public call for proposals to finance, build and operate the Land Sea Super Stage at Malta Film Studios. The planned facility is intended to attract major Hollywood productions by combining a large soundstage with a water tank and infrastructure capable of suspending two Black Hawk helicopters, strengthening Malta’s position as an international filming destination.
The project is expected to involve more than €80 million in private investment and take about two years to complete. Alongside the soundstage, it would include workshops, offices, production facilities and warehouses, building on Malta’s history of hosting films such as Gladiator, Jurassic World, Napoleon and Captain Phillips. Submissions will remain open for three months.
In short
- Malta seeks investors for a major new film superstudio.
- The facility could attract high-budget Hollywood productions.
- The project is expected to involve over €80 million.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A purpose-built stage could help Malta compete for large productions, attracting private investment, skilled work and spending by crews and suppliers. Building on the country’s existing film industry may create longer-term opportunities and strengthen its international profile.
The case against
A project of this scale could bring costs or commitments that outweigh its benefits if productions do not arrive in sufficient numbers or the facilities are underused. Critics could also question whether public support or scarce land and infrastructure would be better directed towards other priorities, and whether the investment will deliver lasting benefits for local workers and businesses.
Explained simply
Malta Film Studios is a production site used by international film crews. Malta’s warm climate, varied locations and existing studio facilities have helped it attract large productions, including Gladiator and Jurassic World.
The proposed Land Sea Super Stage would add a large indoor filming space, a water tank for sea scenes and equipment for suspending helicopters. It would also include workshops, offices and storage, giving productions more of the facilities they need in one place.
The project is intended to help Malta compete for major film and television work, which can bring spending and jobs to the country. Its scale means it would rely on substantial private investment and take time to build.
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