Adapting to COVID-19 : the resilience of the film industry in Malta

Abstract

This thesis explores the impact of Covid-19 on the film industry in Malta, with specific reference to the shoot period of the production process. Research questions we are mainly concerned with would include the following: What were the challenges faced by the film industry in Malta due to the Covid-19 pandemic? What changes or implementations were carried out in the film industry in Malta during the Covid-19 pandemic? How was the film industry resilient in Malta? In-depth interviews are carried out with leading stakeholders in the film industry in Malta. The results include details about the initial reaction of the film industry; choice of locations; the increase in shoots for productions made for streaming platforms and in the production of series; shifts in the types of genres being made; other challenges confronted; ongoing financial hurdles; opportunities created; the changes in employment and implementations carried out on set; and the resilience of the film industry. The research concludes that factors like the efficient Covid-19 protocols on set, the constant communication between the Malta Film Commission, the Health Authorities and the film industry in Malta, as well as the different professionals found on set, all contributed to the resilience of the film industry.