Peter Jackson Brings Tintin to Malta

Imagine this: the lush, green fields of Żebbuġ, Malta, transformed into a bustling 1930s Brussels. The quaint streets of Mdina echo with the clatter of vintage cars. This isn’t a scene from a new Game of Thrones spin-off, but a glimpse into the filming of Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s ‘The Adventures of Tintin’.

Yes, you read that right. The man who brought us the epic ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and the recent ‘Hobbit’ series is now tackling another beloved literary classic – ‘The Adventures of Tintin’. And Malta, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, has been chosen as a filming location.

Malta, with its Mediterranean charm and versatile backdrops, has become an increasingly popular filming location. From ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘World War Z’, the island has played host to a variety of productions. But what makes Malta such a secret weapon for filmmakers?

For one, Malta’s film industry offers a 25% cash rebate on qualifying expenditure. This, coupled with the island’s mild climate, diverse landscapes, and historic architecture, makes it an attractive option for productions. Plus, let’s not forget the local talent and crew, many of whom have gained international experience working on big-budget productions.

So, what can we expect from ‘Tintin’ in Malta? Well, for starters, the film will be shot in 3D, much like Jackson’s ‘Hobbit’ films. This means that the island’s stunning landscapes will be brought to life in a whole new way.

As for the story, the film will be based on the first three ‘Tintin’ adventures – ‘The Secret of the Unicorn’, ‘Red Rackham’s Treasure’, and ‘The Crab with the Golden Claws’. This means we can expect to see Tintin and his trusty dog Snowy embarking on a thrilling treasure hunt, with plenty of action and adventure along the way.

And while the exact locations in Malta haven’t been revealed yet, we can expect to see some of the island’s most iconic spots transformed into 1930s Europe. From the grand palazzos of Valletta to the winding streets of Rabat, Malta’s historic architecture will provide the perfect backdrop for Tintin’s globe-trotting adventures.

With ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ joining the likes of ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Captain Phillips’ on Malta’s impressive filmography, it’s clear that the island is making a name for itself in the global film industry. But what does this mean for Malta’s future?

For one, it means more jobs and economic growth. The film industry contributes significantly to Malta’s GDP, and productions like ‘Tintin’ can bring in millions of euros. It also means that Malta’s film industry is becoming more diverse, with productions from all over the world choosing to film here.

But perhaps the most exciting aspect is the opportunity for collaboration. With international productions comes international talent, and this can only serve to enrich Malta’s own film industry. As the island continues to attract big-budget productions, we can expect to see more local talent getting their big break, and more international productions benefiting from Malta’s unique charm.

So, how can you be a part of ‘The Adventures of Tintin’? Well, for starters, keep an eye out for casting calls. While the main roles have been cast (with Jamie Bell playing Tintin and Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock), there are always plenty of extras needed for crowd scenes.

You can also support the film industry by visiting Malta Film Commission’s website and checking out their list of productions currently filming on the island. They often post updates and behind-the-scenes content, giving you a sneak peek into the world of filmmaking.

And of course, if you spot any filming happening around the island, be sure to share it on social media using the hashtag #MaltaFilm. Who knows, you might just catch a glimpse of Tintin and Snowy in action!