Lux Vide celebrates three decades of impact and innovation
A journey from humble beginnings to global success
In the vibrant year of 1992, Ettore Bernabei, then a former chief of the Italian public broadcaster RAI, took a leap of faith and founded Lux Vide. Initially an advertising company, Lux Vide soon transitioned into television production, setting a course that would change the face of Italian drama and international TV forever.
A legacy in the making
Fast forward over 30 years and with more than 1,300 hours of television under its belt, Lux Vide stands as a titan in the industry. With its expanded and technologically advanced studio space, it’s now one of the most prominent and sustainable production hubs in Europe. Their impressive catalog includes beloved Italian series like Don Matteo, now in its fourteenth season, and Doc, alongside internationally acclaimed productions such as The Medici.
A dynamic synergy with Fremantle
Two years ago, Lux Vide was acquired by Fremantle, a move that further fueled its ambition and reach. Through this partnership, Lux Vide has consistently delivered high-quality, uplifting content that resonates on a global scale. Luca Bernabei, the CEO and son of the founder, emphasizes the company’s unique position: “We focus on feel-good content aimed at families. In an industry that often neglects such stories, we find our niche in providing positive narratives that are needed more than ever.”
“When we founded the company,” adds honorary President Matilde Bernabei, “our goal was to create content that resonates with diverse cultures and faiths, starting with the Bible Collection. Transitioning to contemporary stories designed for a global audience has always been part of our vision.”
COVID-19 resilience and new frontiers
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Lux Vide was a pioneering force in the European film production scene. “For over 30 years, we’ve inspired generations, holding tightly to our mission. During the pandemic, we realized the growing need for escapism, prompting us to explore new narratives set in far-off lands,” shares Luca Bernabei.
Take Sandokan, for instance—a renewed adaptation of the legendary adventure tale based on Emilio Salgari’s novels. Using innovative technologies like 360-degree OLED walls, Lux Vide aims to reignite the dreams of past generations and captivate modern audiences.
Excellence in production facilities
Lux Vide’s commitment to innovation is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities in Formello, near Rome. The seven soundstages covering 7,000 square meters (75,000 square feet) are a source of pride for Luca: “We created a city of production with comprehensive sets, studios, and professional talent—from story editors to technicians. For Sandokan, we leveraged these facilities to breathe new life into a timeless icon.”
Embracing international collaborations
Another groundbreaking project is Costiera, an English-language series featuring Jesse Williams of Only Murders In The Building fame. This show interweaves Italian creativity with international talent like American director Adam Bernstein, known for Breaking Bad and Fargo.
Luca beams with pride: “With Costiera, we became the first Italian production company to secure a co-production deal with Amazon. This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without our structural evolution, allowing us to partner with industry giants as equals.”
Looking ahead
The future for Lux Vide shines bright with two strategic avenues: developing strong international intellectual properties and creating original content for the Italian market with global appeal. Luca Bernabei acknowledges that their continued success is thanks to the passion, professionalism, and dedication of their extraordinary team.
Andrea Scrosati, CEO Continental Europe of Fremantle and chairman of Lux Vide, echoes this sentiment: “Lux Vide epitomizes Fremantle’s vision—unique talent, creative ideas, and brilliant execution with the right global partners. Together, we strengthen our scripted slate, delivering extraordinary shows to a worldwide audience.”
Share the journey
Lux Vide’s story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. For more updates on their groundbreaking work and future projects, follow us on social media and stay tuned for more inspiring content.