Leading Industry Figures to Address Rome's MIA Market

The MIA Market in Rome, set to take place from October 19 to 23, is poised to host a distinguished roster of industry leaders. Notable speakers will include Banijay Entertainment CEO Marco Bassetti, Studiocanal CEO and Canal+ Deputy CEO Anna Marsh, Bad Wolf CEO Jane Tranter, and acclaimed director Edward Berger, renowned for his work on “All Quiet on the Western Front.” This year's market introduces a novel approach, reimagining Rome's iconic Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini as an integrated urban district designed to catalyze collaboration across creative, industrial, financial, and innovative segments of the international film and audiovisual sector. The historic Palazzo Barberini will serve as the primary venue for key conferences and the newly established European Investment Hub, which will gather European public and private funds, banks, investors, and international stakeholders to discuss funding mechanisms for the audiovisual industry. Additionally, various hotels will be utilized for specialized forums, presentations, and networking opportunities.

The market will also delve into significant industry insights, with ANICA (the Italian Association of Film, Audiovisual and Digital Industries) presenting a study on evolving film consumption trends, and APA (the Italian Audiovisual Producers Association) releasing its annual report on the state of the Italian audiovisual landscape. These presentations underscore MIA's commitment to providing valuable data and fostering strategic discussions among participants. The expanded format and diverse range of activities aim to enhance professional development, encourage intellectual property promotion, and support emerging filmmakers through initiatives like Unbox, a project designed to transition short film creators to feature and series production in collaboration with Alice nella Città.

MIA Market's Vision: A Nexus for Audiovisual Innovation and Collaboration

The upcoming MIA Market in Rome is set to redefine the landscape of the global audiovisual industry, bringing together leading figures and fostering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and growth. Distinguished personalities such as Marco Bassetti of Banijay Entertainment, Anna Marsh of Canal+ and Studiocanal, Jane Tranter from Bad Wolf, and the acclaimed director Edward Berger, known for “All Quiet on the Western Front,” are among the confirmed speakers. Their participation highlights the market's significance as a platform for thought leadership and strategic discussions within the sector. The event's innovative format transforms central Roman areas, including Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini, into a vibrant hub where creativity, industry, finance, and technological advancements converge, creating a dynamic environment for networking and deal-making. This strategic reimagining aims to bridge various facets of the industry, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas and resources.

Central to this year’s market is the establishment of the European Investment Hub, located at the historic Palazzo Barberini, which will also serve as the main venue for conferences. This hub is specifically designed to attract and unite European public and private investment entities, banks, and international financial operators, providing a dedicated space to explore and discuss funding solutions for the audiovisual sector both in Europe and globally. The market's program also includes crucial industry reports, with ANICA (the Italian Association of Film, Audiovisual and Digital Industries) presenting a comprehensive study on film consumption patterns, and APA (the Italian Audiovisual Producers Association) unveiling its annual overview of the Italian audiovisual industry. These insights are vital for understanding market trends and informing future strategies. The expansion to new venues like the Hotel Westin Excelsior, InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, and Hotel Sina Bernini Bristol will accommodate a diverse array of activities, including pitching sessions, showcases, panels, professional meetings, and dedicated hubs for documentaries and animation, further enhancing the market's reach and impact.

Expanding Horizons: New Venues and Programs at MIA Rome

The MIA Market's expansion beyond its traditional core locations signifies a strategic effort to broaden its scope and enhance participant engagement. For the first time, the Hotel Westin Excelsior, situated along the iconic Via Veneto, will join the official circuit, hosting a variety of events including pitching forums, showcases, panels, and presentations focusing on film and series. This new addition will also facilitate professional meetings and networking opportunities for sales representatives and buyers, streamlining business interactions within a dedicated space. This move underscores the market's commitment to providing diverse environments that cater to different aspects of the audiovisual industry, from creative development to distribution and sales.

Further diversifying its offerings, the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, also on Via Veneto, will become the new hub for documentary filmmaking. This dedicated space will feature a conference room, areas for pitching and showcases, and a lounge specifically designed for networking among documentary professionals. Similarly, the Hotel Sina Bernini Bristol, located on Piazza Barberini, will cater to the animation sector, introducing specialized programs such as Animation Next and a new gap financing tool. It will also host conferences, professional meetings, and B2B sessions tailored for the animation industry. These specialized hubs aim to cultivate focused communities within the broader market, fostering deeper discussions and facilitating targeted collaborations. Additionally, the Grand Hotel Palace will be reserved for private business meetings and training programs, while Spaces Via Veneto will focus on talent development, intellectual property promotion, and professional training, including the innovative Unbox project for emerging filmmakers. The W Rome will serve as Casa Mia, an informal meeting point for the international community, promoting relaxed networking outside the official schedule.