The Malta Film Commission has issued a tender for the development of a new 92,400sqm film production facility at the Malta Film Studios in Kalkara, in a major expansion of the country’s filmmaking infrastructure.The project will be divided into three zones, comprising a deep-water tank and super stage facility, a shallow-water tank facility and a head office and production facility.One of its standout features will be a land-sea super stage, designed to allow productions to film both above and below water within the same location.The concession will run for 65 years and has an estimated value of €744 million over that period, with proposals to be submitted by 7th December 2026.Under the tender conditions, the selected private operator will be responsible for financing, constructing, commissioning, operating and maintaining the facilities, with development and construction costs to be borne by the concessionaire without government funding or guarantees.Work will begin with the deep tank and super stage zone, while all three sections are required to be completed and operational by late 2028.The concessionaire will generate revenue from studio rentals, workshops and other services, while paying the government an annual concession fee and €73,402 in yearly ground rent.Potential bidders will also have to meet a number of financial and industry requirements, including an average annual turnover of at least €20 million over the past three years and access to a minimum €17 million credit facility.They must also demonstrate previous experience managing film studios, designing soundstages and developing and operating water-tank facilities, as well as working with major international productions and content creators.According to the Malta Film Commission, more than 220 film and television productions have been shot in Malta over the past nine years, but existing infrastructure limitations have made it harder for the country to compete for larger franchise productions.The new complex is intended to strengthen Malta’s ability to attract major international productions from markets including the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia.What do you make of the plans for Malta’s film studios?Photo via Google Earth•