Malta’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant urban settings make it a dream destination for filmmakers and photographers. But beyond the breathtaking visuals, there’s a web of permits, regulations, and site-specific conditions that must be navigated. That’s where a fixer becomes indispensable.
A Fixer is an ‘Event Organiser’
This means it falls under the jurisdiction of various government bodies and must comply with their specific terms and conditions. A fixer’s primary role is to obtain the necessary permits and ensure full compliance, acting as the official event organiser.
Without a fixer, production crews may unknowingly violate regulations, leading to fines, permit refusals, or even blacklisting from future shoots.
Navigating Malta’s Many Authorities
One of the biggest challenges of filming in Malta is understanding which authority controls which site. There isn’t a single permit that grants access to all locations. Instead, permissions must be requested from multiple entities, each with different rules, fees, and conditions: some ministries have agencies that manage urban parks and gardens; some government regulators are reposible for EU-protected natural sites and rural areas; not all museums fall under the authority of the national heritage agency — some are autonomous under specific agencies, others are run by NGOs and private stewards who require donation fee for upkeep. And you will always have Local Councils to deal with for access to many town squares, streets, and village areas.
Will you win the mayor’s confidence simply with a kind email?
Each of these bodies enforces strict guidelines regarding environmental protection, noise levels, equipment setup, and even post-production clean-up. A fixer ensures all these conditions are met, avoiding costly last-minute issues.
The Fixer is Responsible for Compliance
Once a permit is granted, the fixer is held accountable for ensuring that all crew members respect the terms and conditions. This includes:
✅ Noise restrictions (especially in residential areas)
✅ Proper waste disposal & site cleanup after shooting
✅ No damage to sensitive heritage or natural sites
✅ Respecting restricted areas (e.g., no vehicles in gardens
✅ Hiring security if required by the permit conditions.
Failure to comply can result in financial penalties, and more critically, damage a fixer’s reputation, making it harder to secure permits in the future.
A Fixer Protects Your Production
A shoot without a fixer risks delays, fines, or even cancellations due to missing permits or overlooked regulations. By hiring a fixer, production teams get:
✔️ Hassle-free permit applications handled by an experienced local.
✔️ Site coordination to meet authority requirements.
✔️ Crisis management if unexpected issues arise.
✔️ Long-term access to Malta’s best locations.
If you’re planning a shoot in Malta, don’t take chances — hire a fixer and get it done right.
