|
Marie Briguglio first shot to television fame through her participation in the widely popular Bir-Rispett Kollu on TVM, and she was propelled further into the limelight by producing and hosting the Viva Malta EU current affairs programme. Here Marie speaks about her dedication to television, how she juggles this role with her work at MEPA, the state of local broadcasting and recent projects she has carried out for major networks such as RAI, ARTE and Deutsche Welle.
You have been involved in television for some years now, what programme did you feel best about?
I have been involved in television on and off for over 10 years now. But I’m really selective about what programmes to do or not to do. Once I go for it I want to give it my best shot and I’d normally want to write the script and be involved in editing the programme. I was happiest doing the last series of Viva Malta, where I made each programme with a whole lot of love! I can tell you that by the time it was aired, I’d know the programme frame by frame.
With TV it doesn’t matter what you did in the past, or what good programmes you may do in the future. What matters is who is watching NOW. Every minute - every second has to be good…or people will simple switch you off!
Many people must be asking you why you have not had a programme recently? What have you been doing outside the world of TV?
After Viva Malta! I decided to take a break from TV to focus on my other work – and on myself! I resumed full working hours at MEPA, I discovered my weekends again…and then I started experimenting with producing documentaries. I won a grant for some training, I produced a couple of shorts for RAI and I started working on a 25-minute documentary film for ARTE – based in France and Germany. I also recently did a five-minute TV spot with Deutsche Welle.
You started making videos some years ago, do you notice change in the style of videos you make?
Yes! Absolutely. More “human stories”, faster cuts…less information… more humour…and less of me!
How do you rate the standard of Maltese TV programmes?
It depends what you mean by standard! Certainly some Maltese programmes are well researched, filmed and edited and communicate well with large audiences! When you do programmes for RAI, ARTE etc, you realise that they pay a lot of attention to what the audience wants, as well as to the quality of production. These programmes are also better financed and it is necessary to plan well ahead.
In Malta, on the other hand, it seems that it is not so much the quality as the ability to churn out programmes at the lowest possible cost that matters. Budgets are extremely limited – occasionally non-existent - and available advertising revenue is stretched over many contenders. Anyone would think twice about going for a high quality programme. I was once told “We will only pay for a mini minor - if you want to produce a Rolls Royce, that’s up to you!”
What would you like to see done to improve the standard?
Because quality depends a lot on individual judgement, it is important to allow room for a variety of styles. Public broadcasting should set guidelines and priorities, but then allow independent producers to approach their commissioning editors with proposals. The process should be transparent, with calls being issued publicly. Good projects would secure the slot and get financed. An open process like this would encourage good ideas, variety, better quality, higher viewership and, ultimately, better advertising revenues for the station. I’m curious to see what will happen with the restructuring of PBS - it may open up more opportunities for independent producers.
You come from a family of opinion makers - do you also see yourself in that mould? If so, what messages are you putting across?
TV gives you the opportunity to voice your opinions using pictures and not just words. Every second of airtime is an opportunity to put a message across – I choose to interview an elderly man on a bench as opposed to a politician – that in itself is a message. Almost all of my work is related to Malta and the Maltese people. The message that comes through the loudest is probably my fascination with Malta, its environment and its people.
As an employee of MEPA and a broadcaster, do you feel restricted in passing comments about events and certain developments in Malta? If so, do you find that frustrating?
As a public sector employee you have the opportunity to influence policy, to make changes from the inside as opposed to airing your views in the media. This is why I have chosen to give so much energy to MEPA. I have worked on environmental issues since 1994 – from research to policy to communications. In January I was appointed manager for EU and Multilateral Affairs and I can safely say that significant changes in Malta’s environment are now being driven by EU policy. At this point in time it is extremely fulfilling to see so much change coming about. It is also hugely rewarding to be successful in bids for EU funding to improve Malta’s environment. It’s not easy as there is so much to be done. I’d say it is hard work, but it is not frustrating by any means!
What are your plans for the future?
Get married, have 2.5 children and stop working. Just checking to see if you’re listening! No, seriously, my priority now is my work on EU matters. There is so much to be done and so many funding opportunities that should not be missed! Also on Sundays I’ll be working on a documentary for ARTE – it needs to be ready by June. It’s part of a series that looks at different countries through their monuments. Then I should be moving house in summer. I’m going to need to take a break sometime after that … but we’ll see! So far it’s been nice to take my rest by working on something totally different!
|
