Jim Hole, a British special effects specialist, and Paul Avellino, a young Maltese construction manager, formulated a plan in 1963 to build the Malta Film Facilities, near Fort Rinella: a shallow-water tank, 300 feet wide and immune from tides and stormy weather. The tank blends with the horizon, hence giving audiences the illusion of action taking place miles out to sea, with no need for special effects. It was first used in 1964 for the Cold War naval drama ‘The Bedford Incident’.
In 1978 the site was rebranded as the Mediterranean Film Studios. Today, Malta Film Studios boasts of one indoor tank and two large exterior water tanks, which are amongst the largest in the world.
