Leone Film Group: A legacy of cinematic excellence
Celebrating 35 years of cinematic brilliance
As the Leone Film Group marks its 35th anniversary, the Rome-based company, founded by the legendary spaghetti Western director Sergio Leone, continues to evolve and expand its influence in the global film industry. Under the leadership of Leone’s children, Raffaella and Andrea, the company has solidified its position as a premier supplier of U.S. indie films to Italy and is now making significant strides in international film and TV production.
Expanding horizons in international production
Having established itself as the top distribution partner in Italy for U.S. indie giants like Lionsgate, STX Entertainment, Voltage, and Black Bear Pictures, the Leone Film Group is now focusing on a more challenging endeavor: establishing a robust production presence on the international stage. Raffaella Leone, the company’s co-owner and CEO, emphasizes the importance of working as equals with international production companies.
Collaborations and upcoming projects
The group’s Lotus Production label, now directly managed by Raffaella, is bustling with a variety of projects. These include new films by acclaimed directors such as James Gray, Isabel Coixet, and Gabriele Muccino. The company is also forging strong partnerships with notable production entities like Spain’s Mediapro, Ridley Scott’s Scott Free, Brazil’s RT Features, and “The White Lotus” producer David Bernad.
“We are driven by a strong desire to work as producers with international companies on an equal footing,” says Raffaella.
Navigating industry upheavals
This expansion comes at a time of significant upheaval in Hollywood, marked by strikes and mergers. Amidst these changes, the Leone Film Group’s ambitions are unfolding in a consolidating Italian market, where it remains one of the few fully Italian-owned companies.
Raffaella and Andrea Leone express their goal to remain an Italian company while also considering potential acquisitions or mergers with international companies. This strategy is not driven by “delusions of grandeur,” but by the evolving market dynamics and the scale of projects they aim to produce.
A glimpse into the production pipeline
Untitled James Gray project
Produced in collaboration with Rodrigo Teixeira, this project is shrouded in secrecy. Teixeira, known for “Armageddon Time,” expressed his excitement about working with the Leone family, citing Sergio Leone’s legacy as a significant influence on his career.
Days of Abandonment
Penelope Cruz stars in Isabel Coixet’s English-language adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel. The screenplay, written by Sarah Treem, reunites Cruz and Coixet after their previous collaboration on “Elegy.”
Deep Red remake
In partnership with David Bernad, the Leone Film Group is developing a contemporary remake of Dario Argento’s 1975 horror classic, “Deep Red.”
Siracusa
Directed by Gabriele Muccino, this adaptation of Delia Ephron’s novel follows two couples and a child on a vacation in Sicily, turning into a thriller. Muccino’s Sicily-set romantic thriller “Here Now” is also set for release in Italy.
Scandalo
Paolo Genovese will direct this film based on the love triangle involving Ingrid Bergman, Roberto Rossellini, and Anna Magnani. The screenplay is by Francesco Piccolo and Genovese.
Joan of Arc project
In collaboration with Scott Free, this project promises a fresh take on the French icon, based on a chapter from a bestselling book by Italian historian Alessandro Barbero.
Love Me, Love Me
Directed by Roger Kumble, this film is the first installment of the successful Wattpad novels trilogy by Stefania S. It centers on a 16-year-old girl entangled in a love triangle, produced with Amazon MGM Studios and Wattpad Webtoon Studios.
Milestones of the Leone Film Group
1989: The beginning
Sergio Leone establishes the company to pursue his dream project “Leningrad,” but he passes away the same year. His children, Raffaella and Andrea, take over, managing rights to their father’s Westerns and selling TV movies.
2001: Theatrical debut
After a decade of building relationships with U.S. indies, the company ventures into theatrical releases with Steven Soderbergh’s “Traffic.”
2009: Local production
The company moves into local production with the youth comedy “Generazione 1,000 Euro.”
2012-2013: Major deals
LFG signs multi-year output deals with DreamWorks, Summit Entertainment, and Lionsgate, expanding its market activity.
2014-2015: Acquisitions and collaborations
LFG acquires Lotus Production and collaborates with Lionsgate on “John Wick 2.”
2016-2023: TV series and international success
Lotus produces its first TV series, “Immaturi,” and continues to develop international shows. Recent successes include Disney+’s “The Lions of Sicily” and the upcoming “Uonderbois.”
2024: New investments
Italian billionaire Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio acquires a stake in LFG, aiming to help the group grow while remaining in Italian hands. Raffaella Leone receives the Cavaliere del Lavoro medal for her contributions as an Italian entrepreneur.
Embracing the future
The Leone Film Group’s journey is a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing film industry. With a rich legacy and a forward-looking vision, the company continues to honor Sergio Leone’s cinematic heritage while carving out new paths in international production.
For more information on the upcoming projects, you can check out the trailers and details on the following links:
The Leone Film Group’s commitment to quality and innovation ensures that it will remain a significant player in the global film industry for years to come.