FILMING IN MALTA
Filming in Valletta with NEEDaFIXER: Your trusted production partner in Valletta and across the Maltese islands.
Malta brings together walled medieval cities, baroque harbours, limestone cliffs and golden beaches in one compact, sun-soaked archipelago, where every location is within easy reach. A proven stand-in for ancient Rome, the Middle East and period Europe, it is also home to Malta Film Studios and its world-famous water tanks. NEEDaFIXER delivers end-to-end production support for shoots of every scale.
Why Choose NEEDaFIXER for Filming in Malta
Full-service production support:
From early planning and budgeting through permits, casting, crew, equipment and post, our Malta team manages every stage of your production so you can stay focused on the creative.
Local fixers who know the islands:
Our experienced Maltese fixers hold deep relationships with location owners, authorities and suppliers across Malta, Gozo and Comino, unlocking access and keeping shoots on schedule.
Locations that double for anywhere:
Walled cities, baroque streetscapes, fortifications, open sea and golden beaches let a single schedule stand in for ancient Rome, period Europe or the wider Mediterranean.
Crews, kit and studios:
Malta offers skilled English-speaking heads of department, reliable equipment houses and Malta Film Studios, home to some of the world’s largest filming water tanks for marine and effects work.
Value, incentives and reliability:
Malta offers a cash rebate of up to 40% on qualifying spend, more than 300 days of sunshine a year and short transfers between locations, making it a fast and cost-efficient base for ambitious productions.
Filming Across Malta
VALLETTA
A UNESCO-listed baroque capital built by the Knights of St John, Valletta rises above the spectacular Grand Harbour in honey-coloured stone and has stood in for period Europe in countless productions.
MDINA
The fortified medieval Silent City, Mdina is defined by limestone walls and hushed, car-free alleys that once served as the gateway to King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
THE THREE CITIES
Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua are historic fortified harbour towns of docks, churches and narrow streets, offering authentic period texture just across the water from Valletta.
GOZO
Malta’s quieter, greener sister island, Gozo offers dramatic coastal cliffs, the hilltop Citadel of Victoria and rural landscapes suited to both natural and historical settings.
COMINO AND THE BLUE LAGOON
A tiny island between Malta and Gozo, Comino is known for the brilliant turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon and offers a striking backdrop for lifestyle, swimwear and aerial work.
MARSAXLOKK
A traditional fishing village where rows of brightly painted luzzu boats line a sheltered harbour, creating a vivid and authentically Mediterranean backdrop.
Curious about our past projects? Explore our portfolio to see the exceptional film production services we’ve delivered for our clients including feature films. As a trusted video production company in Malta, we ensure outstanding results for each and every project.
Films and TV Productions Shot in Malta
Few small countries punch above their weight on screen the way Malta does. The same forts, harbours and limestone streets that make it a great place to film have stood in for ancient Rome and period Europe across decades of major movies and TV. A snapshot of titles filmed in Malta:
- Gladiator (2000) and Gladiator II (2024) — both filmed at Fort Ricasoli, where the production built Roman sets and a partial Colosseum at the mouth of the Grand Harbour.
- Game of Thrones (Season 1) — filmed in Mdina and at Fort Manoel, doubling for King’s Landing and the Great Sept of Baelor.
- Troy (2004) — filmed at Fort Ricasoli, with further scenes on Comino and at Mellieħa.
- Clash of the Titans (1981) — the original used Gozo’s Dwejra, Fort St Elmo and Valletta for its mythological seascapes.
- Assassin’s Creed (2016) — filmed across Valletta, Floriana, Fort Manoel and Fort Ricasoli.
- Captain Phillips (2013) — its open-water sea sequences were shot at Malta Film Studios and off the Maltese coast.
- The Count of Monte Cristo — the story has returned to Malta repeatedly, using Comino and Gozo for its island-fortress scenes.
- Popeye Village — the Sweethaven set built at Anchor Bay for Robert Altman’s Popeye (1980) still stands as an open-air attraction.
Malta Film Studios and the World’s Largest Water Tanks
Malta Film Studios in Kalkara is best known for its exterior water tanks — among the largest filming tanks in the world. The deep-water tank holds millions of gallons for submerged and effects work, while the shallow sea-horizon tank blends into the Mediterranean behind it, giving productions a seamless open-ocean backdrop without leaving the shore. It is where the marine sequences of Captain Phillips were staged, and it remains the first stop for any shoot needing controlled water, marine rigs or large-scale effects. Alongside the tanks, the studio offers stages and the local infrastructure that supports major international productions across Valletta and the islands.
Our Services in Malta
- Location scouting, look development, recces and feasibility assessments
- Permit procurement for city, heritage, marine and drone filming
- Casting and talent services, including usage and buyout negotiation
- Crew hire, from producers and ADs to DOPs, gaffers, sound, art and make-up
- Equipment hire and studio booking, including water tank facilities
- Logistics, including transport, accommodation, catering, health, safety and insurance
- Post-production, including editing, colour, VFX and final delivery
Permits, Incentives and When to Shoot
Malta is film-friendly, with clear permitting through the Malta Film Commission and straightforward EU and Schengen access for most crews. The Commission administers a cash rebate of up to 40% on qualifying local spend. With over 300 days of sunshine, filming runs year-round, with spring and autumn offering the best light and conditions.
How easy is it to get permits in Malta?
Permits in Malta are generally straightforward with sufficient lead time. Our fixers coordinate with the Malta Film Commission and local authorities to ensure everything is approved ahead of the shoot.
Do I need a visa or work permit?
Malta is part of the EU and the Schengen Area, so many crews can enter without a visa. Filming still requires the appropriate permits and, for some nationalities, work authorisation, which NEEDaFIXER can help arrange.
Can I hire equipment locally?
Yes. Malta has a strong local base for camera, grip and lighting equipment, along with Malta Film Studios and its renowned water tanks. Specialist kit can also be imported, and we manage the logistics and customs process.
Are there tax incentives for filming in Malta?
Yes. The Malta Film Commission offers a cash rebate of up to 40% on qualifying local spend. We stay up to date with the current eligibility criteria and can support you throughout the application process.
Begin Your Filming Journey in Malta
Whether you are producing a feature film, TV commercial, documentary, branded content or photography project, NEEDaFIXER provides end-to-end production support across Malta, Gozo and Comino. Get in touch with our team to connect with a dedicated fixer and start planning your shoot.
