Mediawan’s new venture: A fresh chapter in European cinema
A new beginning for Gianani and Mieli
In a significant move for the European film industry, Mediawan has acquired a majority stake in Our Films, the newly established production and film financing company by the acclaimed Italian producers Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli. Known for their work on “The Young Pope” and “My Brilliant Friend,” this dynamic duo is set to bring their creative prowess to a broader international stage.
Reuniting in Rome
Based in Rome, Our Films marks the reunion of Gianani and Mieli, who left their respective Fremantle-owned companies, Wildside and The Apartment, earlier this year. Their impressive track record and knack for talent will continue to shine as they collaborate with filmmakers from Europe, the U.S., and beyond on a variety of projects, including features, documentaries, and series.
A promising lineup
Gianani and Mieli have a co-production deal with Fremantle, allowing them to continue developing several high-profile projects. Among these are Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer,” starring Daniel Craig, Pablo Larraín’s Maria Callas biopic “Maria,” and the eight-part limited series “M. The Son of the Century” by Joe Wright, which chronicles Benito Mussolini’s rise to power. These projects are set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, showcasing the duo’s continued influence in the industry.
Expanding horizons
In an interview, Gianani and Mieli expressed their ambition to produce around five to seven movies per year at Our Films, including two to three TV series annually. They aim for half of their slate to be non-local projects, reflecting their international mindset. With a fully staffed team of about 35 people, Our Films is set to unveil its inaugural roster in the fall.
Mediawan’s growing portfolio
Our Films joins Mediawan’s prestigious portfolio, which includes over 80 production labels such as Brad Pitt’s Plan B, France’s On Entertainment, and Italy’s Palomar. Mediawan’s reach spans across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the U.S., making it a significant player in the global entertainment industry.
A shared vision
Mieli, who founded The Apartment Pictures at Fremantle in 2020, has produced notable works like “The Hand of God,” Luca Guadagnino’s “Bones and All,” and Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla.” He emphasizes the strong relationship with Mediawan’s co-founder and CEO, Pierre-Antoine Capton, and Mediawan Pictures CEO, Elisabeth d’Arvieu. This partnership is rooted in a shared vision of creating a production and creative hub in Europe for filmmakers worldwide, focusing on original, independent movies and TV series that appeal to international audiences.
Embracing international collaboration
Gianani and Mieli’s efforts to build connections within the U.S. and international film community have paid off, providing filmmakers with opportunities to tackle daring projects that might be challenging to finance independently. Mieli highlights the importance of Europe as a place where filmmakers can pursue ambitious projects, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the shifting focus of streamers towards domestic content.
A focus on development
Gianani and Mieli place a strong emphasis on development, fostering trust through extensive conversations with filmmakers. This approach aligns with Mediawan’s values, which prioritize investment in development. Gianani’s credits include “The Eight Mountains,” which won the jury prize at Cannes, and the Italian box office hit “There Is Still Tomorrow.”
Continuing collaborations
As they transition to Our Films, Gianani and Mieli plan to maintain their relationships with filmmakers they’ve worked with in the past. They aim to continue collaborating on a project-by-project basis, ensuring a natural and easy flow of opportunities. Mieli notes that while they are open to long-term partnerships, their focus remains on nurturing creative conversations and strategies with filmmakers.
A commitment to artistic integrity
Our Films symbolizes a partnership with artists, committing to protecting and sharing control, empowerment, and freedom with creatives. This approach is evident in their past collaborations, such as “The Young Pope” and “My Brilliant Friend,” both created by Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino for HBO.
Mediawan’s global reach
With operations in 13 countries, Mediawan’s best-known productions include “Call My Agent,” “Three Body Problem,” and “Bob Marley: One Love.” After presenting eight movies at Cannes, Mediawan will return to the festival circuit at the Venice Film Festival with Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and Jon Watts’ ”Wolfs,” among others.
Looking ahead
As Our Films embarks on this new journey with Mediawan, the future looks promising for Gianani and Mieli. Their commitment to fostering creative freedom and their international mindset will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of European cinema on the global stage.
For more information on the mentioned movies and series, check out their trailers and details: