The Italian film and TV industry is witnessing an escalated involvement in international co-productions, highlighted in research conducted by Anica and APA. Comparative analysis between 2017-2019 and 2020-2022 showed a notable 51% surge in collaborations with international producers for films and TV series. During 2020-2022, Italy significantly expanded its co-production landscape, collaborating with 25 countries annually, up from 16 between 2017 and 2022. France stands as Italy’s primary co-producing partner, jointly creating 73 films and TV series. This was followed by Switzerland (31), Belgium (25), Germany (24), and Spain (12). Notably, Italy engaged in six co-productions with the UK. Beyond Europe, Italy engaged in 18 international co-productions during 2020-2022, including collaborations with the US (5), Canada (4), and Argentina (4). This surge in collaborations amounted to an increased investment of EU 103 million during 2020-2022, marking a 49% uptick from the EU 69 million between 2017-2019.
High-profile co-productions like Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, Matteo Garrone’s Io Capitano, and Liliana Cavani’s L’Ordine Del Tempo showcased at the Venice Film Festival underscored recent collaborative endeavors. In the TV domain, the UK’s House Productions and Rome-based Wildside partnered on Disney+ Mafia series The Good Mothers. Projections estimate that between 183-203 Italian series and films from 2022 will attain international distribution, yielding a value of EU 106 – EU 156 million in total export-related revenue. The study, 'Italian series and films on foreign markets: circulation and economic value', in collaboration with eMedia and the support of ITA-Italian Trade Agency within the MIA market framework, highlighted that increased content demand, VOD commissioning, Italy's 30% tax credit, and international investment in Italian production companies contributed to the industry's growth between 2017-2022. However, the research indicates a potential decline in the impact of these factors in the future. Stakeholder dialogues and institutional support are deemed essential to bolster production and distribution capabilities, fostering the economic and cultural value of Italy's audiovisual sector in the global arena. This, the study notes, will be vital to maintain the industry's upward trajectory.
