True Colours expands into TV sales under new leadership
Opening a new chapter in content sales
Nearly a decade since its inception, the Italian sales company True Colours is pivoting from its stronghold in feature films to a dynamic foray into TV content. This bold move is spearheaded by their new managing director, Elliot Gustin-Hollman, who brings extensive experience from his tenure at Paris-based distribution giant Newen Connect.
A calculated move into TV sales
The shift towards TV sales isn’t impulsive but the culmination of a strategic evolution. True Colours, co-owned by Indigo Film and Lucky Red, is capitalizing on these companies’ aggressive push into scripted dramas over the last ten years. Indie producers have created compelling Italian shows that require expert international distribution for proper success and visibility.
_”We envisioned a film sales company ten years ago, and it became a major success,” remarks Indigo Film partner Carlotta Calori. She emphasized that True Colours has grown into a trusted distributor not just for them but also for other Italian producers, including those beyond Italy. Their objective now? To replicate this success for TV shows.
New leadership, new vision
“I’m here to do more than just manage existing shows; I’m here to collaborate with all indie producers in Italy,” says Gustin-Hollman. He highlights a critical juncture where indie producers face dwindling finances from broadcasters and streamers. It implies that sales companies like True Colours must partner with producers right from the initial stages of their projects.
Gustin-Hollman is also determined to expand operations into library content, providing a lifeline to older but still relevant productions.
The changing landscape of Italian film distribution
Stefano Massenzi, Lucky Red’s Head of Acquisitions, points out that this expansion aligns with the evolving Italian sales companies’ landscape. New entities such as PiperFilm, associated with Netflix in Italy, and RAI Cinema International Distribution are shaking things up.
“The positive aspect is that there are now more avenues to promote Italian films globally,” Massenzi elaborates. New legislation allows Italian producers to retain a larger share of rights, including international rights. However, Massenzi notes a recurring issue—they often felt that their productions didn’t receive ample exposure on the global market when handled by larger sales companies.
Gustin-Hollman vows, “With True Colours, our approach will be different. We are boutique, more personalized. Every show will be treated like our baby.”
Fresh titles and promising projects
True Colours isn’t just talking the talk; they’re already walking the walk. New TV projects under their belt include:
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Milano, directed by U.S. director John Maggio. An enthralling documentary series about the explosion of Italian fashion in the 1970s and 80s featuring interviews with fashion icons like Giorgio Armani and Tom Ford. For more details, visit Milano.
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The Palm Line, a gripping Swiss/Italian series centering on a Swiss journalist uncovering the truth behind her father’s murder by the Sicilian mafia. This international collaboration is directed by Fulvio Bernasconi and is a poignant mix of suspense and drama. Check out The Palm Line.
More than TV series, True Colours is showcasing an impressive array of film titles at the recent MIA event. The list includes:
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U Are the Universe: A sci-fi romcom from Ukrainian filmmaker Pavlo Ostrikov, which debuted at Toronto. More about it at U Are the Universe.
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Reflection in a Dead Diamond: A homage to 1960s Euro-spy stories by Brussels-based duo Helenme Cattet and Bruno Forzani. Discover more here.
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Forest: An eco-themed animation by Italian directors Luca Della Grotta and Francesco Dafano tackling the pressing issue of deforestation. More details on Forest.
Looking ahead
True Colours is redefining the pathway for Italian indie productions, both in film and television. With the advent of new legislative support and the expertise of leaders like Gustin-Hollman, the company is set to become a powerhouse in international content sales. By focusing on meticulous and personalized curation, they offer an alternative to the more extensive but often less attentive services of larger sales giants.
True Colours’ approach is a refreshing commitment to nurturing each project with the care it deserves, ensuring that independent Italian works reach their rightful audience across the globe.
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