Film finance in the European Union : Malta in perspective

Abstract

This study sets out to analyse the factors that make a successful film financial incentive. Once these factors are identified, the study tries to rank the available film financial incentives. A Multi-Criteria Analysis approach is taken whereby different film financial instruments provided by the European Union, Malta and Ireland are given a score depending on the different criteria. The total sum of each of the scores will rank the different options. The established criteria for a successful film incentive are: the development of people's skills and creative flexibility, the growth and sustainability of the film industry, the easily accessible application process, and the sufficient outcome of film productions and script developments. The financial incentives assessed are Creative Europe, Erasmus+, Research and Innovation Funding and EU Regional Policy and Structural Funds in terms of the EU, Malta Cash Rebate, Co-Production Fund, Malta Film Fund, and Training and Development Courses in terms of Malta, and Section 481, European Co-Production, Development Fund, Production Fund, Distribution Fund and Producer Recoupment in terms of Ireland. The study also finds that the highest ranking film financial incentives are the Irish Section 481, along with the Co-Production funds of both Malta and Ireland. These financial incentives are identified as successful as they achieved high scores in the chosen criteria. The study concludes by presenting ways in which the Maltese film industry can develop, grow and improve.