Matt Murphie: "We’re in active discussions with several producers and directors about bringing projects to Cyprus"

Matt Murphie, founder and investor of Copper Island Films - a Cypriot company that has quickly gained global recognition, contributing to film projects with a total production value of over $100m in the past two years alone - has revealed some exciting news: the company is actively discussing bringing film projects to Cyprus that are expected to include some very well-known names from the industry.

Indeed, the company has worked on major productions with directors such as Ron Howard, Gus Van Sant, and Simon West, and with actors including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, Jude Law, Bill Skarsgård, Ana de Armas, Sydney Sweeney, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Brühl, Shia LaBeouf, and Colman Domingo.

So this is quite big news, to say the least.

Below, Murphie tells CBN what made him decide to open a post-production facility in Limassol, and the old town in particular, while he also reveals what it was like to pivot from a career in finance to the creative market.

What prompted you to launch a post-production facility in Limassol? And why the old town in particular?

I visited post production facilities around the world and realised some of them didn’t offer a good environment to work in, which in turn meant that it was difficult for them to attract and retain talented staff. I instantly thought that a much nicer facility could be created in Cyprus. Limassol was chosen as it is one of Cyprus’ most vibrant cities and home to our core team. We chose the Old Town because it offers both rich cultural heritage and a lively hospitality scene which is perfect for creating a destination experience that attracts world-class film-making talent. Even our rooms and edit suites pay homage to the island’s mythology, named after the Olympian Gods. Being steps away from great cafes and restaurants also helps us offer collaborators a great area to work.

• Read more: International production company Copper Island sets up headquarters in Limassol

Is the facility currently working on anything? Can you reveal details?

Yes, we are currently working with Marios Piperides and Janinie Teerling on their latest feature film which is in the edit with us. Additionally, we’ve already shared some of the post-production work we’re doing on Apart from Her, an upcoming feature from Stelana Kliris. There are additional projects in the pipeline, but we can’t share details just yet.

The local audiovisual industry was behind some very successful films and series lately. Why do you believe the island is so popular with filmmakers?

I’ve said it before - Cyprus is a natural film studio. The landscapes are diverse, the weather is incredible, and the infrastructure and hospitality are world-class. But beyond that, the local film-making community is passionate, collaborative, and committed to attracting co-productions while also telling their own stories.

How instrumental do you think the Film Incentives Scheme has been in boosting the local industry? Do you have any other suggestions that could help enhance it further?

The incentives scheme has been critical. A competitive and reliable framework like this makes it possible for Cyprus to compete on a global level. Continued investment in crew training and infrastructure will further strengthen the local industry.

• Read more: International production company Copper Island launches in Cyprus (pics)

Do you think Cyprus can sustain its current momentum?

Like any industry, there are likely to be ebbs and flows but it definitely feels like we’re in a period of strong momentum right now. To sustain that over the long term, it relies on many things, including a local industry to continue to grow to support larger productions. Nobody can know what the future holds though we have certainly promoted Cyprus internationally as a film making destination and we intend to continue to invest locally, with the hope to not only sustain the current momentum but also to build upon it.

You have collaborated with some of the biggest names in the global film industry; can Cyprus expect to see actors and directors/producers of this calibre arriving on the island to shoot?

Absolutely. We’re in active discussions with several producers and directors about bringing projects to Cyprus. We are very active internationally, in particular in the US and hope to bring similar calibre projects with big names back to Cyprus.

You also co-founded FP Markets. How did you pivot from brokerage and investment banking to the creative market? And are you still involved in the financial market?

Yes, I co-founded FP Markets 21 years ago. While I’ve spent most of my career in finance, I’ve always had access to the film world through friends and collaborators. It might seem like a sharp pivot, but in many ways, it wasn’t. Running a film budget is not dissimilar to running a business. I have had creative interests all my life and wanted to combine this with my knowledge of finance and business experience. I think the success of Copper Island over the last few years has come from being able to balance creative desires with commercial considerations. I am much less involved in financial markets these days as Copper Island is certainly keeping me busy.

How did you get involved in the film industry?

My exposure to the film industry dates as far back as my university days and friends in the industry have long encouraged me to get involved. A few years ago, I decided to pursue this interest and was soon after involved in a number of productions. As a result of successful collaborations, I was contacted by high profile film makers to further collaborate on new projects which lead to my full engagement in the film industry.

What are the current trends and challenges in the film industry?

The industry has seen major shifts over the past few years - the emergence of streaming platforms, studio consolidation, the rise of AI, and evolving distribution models. Amid all that, what’s exciting is the momentum we’re seeing in independent cinema. While studio films continue to play a key role, there’s a growing appetite for independent film makers. Audiences are coming back to cinemas in meaningful numbers, which is a great sign that people are still hungry for compelling, diverse storytelling on the big screen.