Charles Stroud

Theatre
Backstage hand for variety shows for the entertainment of British Forces in Malta. Acting in and producing various stage productions, specialising in mime and modern theatre. Late 1960’s writing for various theatre productions, and directing various works ranging from street theatre to productions at Malta's National Manoel Theatre.

Cinema
Projectionist handling 35 mm film in public cinemas. 1970 employed by the Malta Film Facilities, first as prop boy, props buyer and set dresser, followed by a short spell of work in Pinewood Studios, London. Attended film making courses and seminars, including most recent Master Classes (Valletta Film Festival 2015) in Working on a Micro Budget, Crowd Funding, Marketing and Distribution, Film Production and Script Writing (Storyworks). 2015 Commenced production of Short Films and major animation projects. 2016 – 18 Numerous Script writing and script consultancy works. Wrote and Produced Malta Television’s first Feature Film “Carmelo”.

Television
1973 employed with Television Malta as programme producer and director, showing specialisation for drama and documentaries. Produced and directed innumerable TV dramas. Employed with NET Television as Head of Programmes, and later Head of Operations and Production. Produced, directed and won amongst others Best Drama Production 2003. 2005 set up the Media Production company, “26th Frame” and directed numerous award winning productions.

Mass Media Events
Involvement in Mass Public activities pioneering and implementing ideas including novelties like the use of hot-air balloons, Billboards, Campaign Buses, mobile exhibition trailors, advertising Blimps, laser lighting, circus tents, street performers, gigantic projections, the use of pyrotechnic performances accompanied with music, and many other innovations for outdoor events. Recently (2014) wrote and directed a multi media spectacle Story Of An Island involving actors, dancers, acrobats, live animals and video projection covering 7000 years of Maltese History. 2017 Produced The Malta Film Expo.

Culture Involvment
Attended and represented Malta in International Seminars and Conventions covering Marketing, Film and Television, Arts and Cultural Public activities. Gave talks, courses and seminars on Audience attitudes, Television, Acting for TV, Cinema and Public Events Organisation. Served on boards and committees including the National Festivities Committee as president (1987 - '91), the Foundation of European Carnival Committees as vice-president (1988 - '91), Radio 101 (1991 - '94 ), Mediterranean Film Studios (1992 - '93), and the Council for Culture and the Arts (2002 – ‘05) and Festival Malta (1995, ’96, 2004). Sat on judging panels for Photographic, Art, Costume, Drama, Beauty and Song competitions including Malta's prestigious Golden Knight Film Festival and the Television Short Film Festival.

National Events
Directed and coordinated events both for the Private and Public sector often working to strict limited budgets. These include originating and conducting the Grand Master’s Parade and In Guardia Historical Re-enactments for the Tourism and Cultural Authorities (including George Cross Day Commemoration), Opening and closing ceremonies for the Games of the Small States of Europe, Grand Harbour Spectacles on VE Day, complete production and direction of Malta's Millennium activities and part production and direction of Malta's accession celebrations into the EU with mega projections on Fort St. Angelo.