At Focus London 2025, Fred Film Radio spoke with Simone Gandolfo, President of the Valle d’Aosta Film Commission, about the fundamentals of a film commission’s role, what sets the region apart, and why in-person markets remain vital to the industry.

Simone Gandolfo explained that Valle d’Aosta Film Commission operates very practically, managing its own regional fund alongside national incentives and tax credits. The commission can provide up to €300,000 per production, but he stressed that financial support is only part of the job. Just as important is acting as a direct interface between productions and the territory, supporting everything from location scouting to permits for public and private spaces, and working closely with local authorities to make filming as smooth as possible.

Pitching Valle d’Aosta, Simone Gandolfo leaned into the region’s compact but dramatic geography. Within an hour’s drive, productions can access 4,000-metre-high mountains, castles spanning multiple centuries, Roman archaeological sites and highly skilled local crews used to working in extreme environments. He spoke proudly about the region’s ability to host everything from intimate indie projects to large-scale European co-productions at altitude, while also being within easy reach of major cities when needed.

Reflecting on recent highlights, Simone Gandolfo pointed to “The Eight Mountains (Le otto montagne)”, which played at Cannes in 2022, and the internationally successful TV series “Rocco Schiavone”, which continues to sell strongly in the US and across Europe. He also referenced past large-scale productions, including ” The Avengers” and “House of Gucci”, describing the region’s approach as one of balance — supporting blockbusters, TV, documentaries and European indie cinema side by side. Looking ahead, Simone Gandolfo highlighted strong green, HR and diversity protocols already in place, expressed optimism about AI as a tool if handled responsibly, and, on a more playful note, revealed his personal wish to welcome Darren Aronofsky or even an HBO-scale fantasy series, insisting that Valle d’Aosta could easily double for something on the scale of “Game of Thrones”.

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This interview was recorded during the Focus London 2025, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency.

The post Interview with Simone Gandolfo, President of Valle d’Aosta Film Commission at Focus London 2025 appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

At Focus London 2025, Fred Film Radio spoke with Jacopo Chessa, Director of the Veneto Film Commission and President of the Italian Film Commissions Association, about Italy’s film commission system, Veneto’s recent screen successes, and why international collaboration is now central to the industry.

Jacopo Chessa explained that Italy’s film commissions operate at a regional level, with all 20 regions offering public support to film and TV productions. This includes funding, permits and infrastructure, with around €80 million in regional funding available each year nationally, on top of national incentives. A key aim, he stressed, is attracting international productions while working collaboratively across regions rather than competitively.

Focusing on Veneto, Jacopo Chessa described Venice as both a global brand and a challenging place to film, requiring experience and careful planning. He outlined the region’s €6 million annual fund, supporting up to 50% of local costs, and reflected on a wide mix of recent projects. These ranged from Cannes-selected “Le città di pianura (The Last One for the Road)” and Venice competition title “Duse”, to large-scale productions such as “Dune: Part Two”, “FBI International” and “Emily in Paris”. On the TV side, he also highlighted “Stucky”, affectionately describing it as a Venetian take on “Columbo”.

Chessa spoke about sustainability initiatives, including the adoption of the Green Film protocol and an upcoming international training programme to develop green managers for film sets. He described Focus London as a particularly useful, location-driven market and highlighted the newly signed agreement with the British Film Commission as a practical first step towards deeper collaboration. Looking ahead, he emphasised the need for stronger organisation, international presence and better communication around contemporary Italian cinema, noting with pride that Veneto had enjoyed a standout year across major festivals.

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This interview was recorded during the Focus London 2025, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency.

The post Interview with Jacopo Chessa, Director of Veneto Film Commission and president of the Italian Film Commissions Association at Focus London 2025 appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

We met with Laurence Fishburne, at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival. He has built a remarkable career spanning decades, becoming one of the most respected figures in Hollywood. From iconic film roles to theatrical productions, his work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling and cultural representation. We talked about his career, his approach to acting, and his future projects.

Laurence Fishburne gained worldwide fame with his role in “The Matrix”, where he portrayed Morpheus. This film became a cultural phenomenon, and his portrayal set a new standard for science fiction characters. Beyond “The Matrix”, Fishburne’s performances in movies like “Boyz n the Hood” and “Apocalypse Now” showcased his range and ability to embody complex characters. His contributions have cemented his status as a leading figure in American cinema. His dedication to roles that resonate on a deeper level is evident in his choice of projects. Fishburne has expressed a desire to create work that impacts audiences emotionally and intellectually. His involvement in critically acclaimed films and series demonstrates his commitment to storytelling that moves the soul.

Looking at his latest endeavors, Laurence Fishburne is expanding into directing while continuing to perform. He has recently written and performed a solo show that reflects his personal journey and storytelling passion. His future projects include developing new film concepts and stage performances, indicating his desire to explore new creative horizons. In addition to his acting and directing pursuits, Fishburne remains passionate about social and cultural issues. His roles often inspire conversations about identity, history, and society.

The post Interview with actor Laurence Fishburne appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

We met with Guillermo del Toro at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival. We talked about his approach to storytelling, his artistic influences, and the themes that shape his films.

Guillermo del Toro is renowned for creating monsters that evoke sympathy rather than mere terror. His fascination with the emotional depth of creatures is rooted in childhood encounters with classic horror and Japanese kaiju movies, where monsters like Godzilla transitioned from destructive forces to misunderstood beings. del Toro often stresses that his monsters symbolise broader human experiences such as loneliness, rejection, and the need for understanding. His films, including “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water“, exemplify this approach by showcasing creatures that are tender, often suffering, and deeply human.

The work of Guillermo del Toro is heavily influenced by visual arts, illustration, and literary classics, especially Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. del Toro often cites painting, comic art, and film pioneers like Hitchcock and Fellini as essential to his aesthetic development. His cinematic language is characterized by richly textured visuals, expressive composition, and deliberate use of color and sound to evoke emotion. These influences inform his storytelling, allowing him to craft films that are visually dense and narratively profound, echoing the philosophical depths present in Shelley’s novel, which del Toro admires for its exploration of creation and empathy.

Throughout his career, Guillermo del Toro has balanced homage and innovation, drawing from his personal history and artistic influences to develop unique films. Inspired by legendary directors like Hitchcock and Cronenberg, del Toro embraces creative risk, often advocating for artists to “scare themselves into being young.” His upcoming projects promise to continue pushing boundaries, exploring new themes and aesthetics while maintaining his signature depth and humanity. In reflecting on his body of work, it is clear that Guillermo del Toro’s exploration of monsters—both literal and metaphorical—is driven by a desire to understand and humanize the other, a perspective central to his identity as a filmmaker.

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During Focus London 2025, the British Film Commission and the Italian Film Commissions Association signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening collaboration between the UK and Italian screen industries.

Building on the 2022 agreement, this new Memorandum of Understanding reinforces strategic cooperation, encourages inward investment, supports high-end film and television production, and promotes both countries as leading global filming

The partnership focuses on facilitating co-productions, enhancing joint international promotion, and organising reciprocal industry initiatives to stimulate new opportunities. Within this framework, Cinecittà’s International Department will support missions for Italian producers, further boosting collaboration between the two territories.

This podcast features an exclusive extract with Maria Giulia Bofano, First Secretary for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of Italy in London and insights from the conference, offering a deeper look at the objectives, expectations and future opportunities arising from this enhanced bilateral agreement. Listeners will hear reflections on Memorandum of Understanding, policy, industry development, creative partnerships and the shared commitment to strengthening Europe-UK relations in the audiovisual sector. From tax incentives to real production case studies—including major titles filmed across both territories—this conversation highlights why the UK and Italy continue to play a key role in the global film and High-End TV landscape.

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This interview was recorded during the Focus London 2025, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency.

The post Memorandum of Understanding: interview with Maria Giulia Bofano, First Secretary for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of Italy in London appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

During Focus London 2025, the British Film Commission and the Italian Film Commissions Association signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening collaboration between the UK and Italian screen industries.

Building on the 2022 agreement, this new Memorandum of Understanding reinforces strategic cooperation, encourages inward investment, supports high-end film and television production, and promotes both countries as leading global filming

The partnership focuses on facilitating co-productions, enhancing joint international promotion, and organising reciprocal industry initiatives to stimulate new opportunities. Within this framework, Cinecittà’s International Department will support missions for Italian producers, further boosting collaboration between the two territories.

This podcast features an exclusive extract with Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of British Film Commission and Jacopo Chessa, President of Italian Film Commissions Association of and insights from the conference, offering a deeper look at the objectives, expectations and future opportunities arising from this enhanced bilateral agreement. Listeners will hear reflections on Memorandum of Understanding, policy, industry development, creative partnerships and the shared commitment to strengthening Europe-UK relations in the audiovisual sector. From tax incentives to real production case studies—including major titles filmed across both territories—this conversation highlights why the UK and Italy continue to play a key role in the global film and High-End TV landscape.

– – –

This interview was recorded during the Focus London 2025, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency.

The post Memorandum of Understanding: interview with Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of British Film Commission and Jacopo Chessa, President of Italian Film Commissions Association appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

During Focus London 2025, the British Film Commission and the Italian Film Commissions Association signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening collaboration between the UK and Italian screen industries.

Building on the 2022 agreement, this new Memorandum of Understanding reinforces strategic cooperation, encourages inward investment, supports high-end film and television production, and promotes both countries as leading global filming

The partnership focuses on facilitating co-productions, enhancing joint international promotion, and organising reciprocal industry initiatives to stimulate new opportunities. Within this framework, Cinecittà’s International Department will support missions for Italian producers, further boosting collaboration between the two territories.

This podcast features an exclusive extract with Giovanni Sacchi, Director of Italian Trade Agency of and insights from the conference, offering a deeper look at the objectives, expectations and future opportunities arising from this enhanced bilateral agreement. Listeners will hear reflections on Italian Trade Agency policy, industry development, creative partnerships and the shared commitment to strengthening Europe-UK relations in the audiovisual sector. From tax incentives to real production case studies—including major titles filmed across both territories—this conversation highlights why the UK and Italy continue to play a key role in the global film and High-End TV landscape.

– – –

This interview was recorded during the Focus London 2025, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency.

The post Memorandum of Understanding: interview with Giovanni Sacchi, Director of Italian Trade Agency appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

At Focus London 2025, Fred Film Radio spoke with Georgia Cecconi, Director of West London Film Production, about building creative bridges between the UK and Italy, wearing multiple hats across the industry, and why connection and collaboration sit at the heart of her work.

Georgia Cecconi spoke openly about juggling roles as an actor, producer, and company founder, describing it as both challenging and creatively freeing. Having launched West London Film Production as a largely one-woman operation, she explained how the company is now growing into a wider team, alongside an increasingly busy slate. Recent projects include the short films “Socrates Chair” and “Villa Moret”, both produced between the UK and Italy, with a UK–Italy feature film already in development. For Cecconi, wearing multiple hats has become a way to create more opportunities rather than limitations.

A major part of Georgia Cecconi‘s work centres on the West London Film Festival, now heading into its third edition in 2026. She described the festival as an inclusive, international platform designed to support emerging talent while welcoming more established voices. Recent highlights included Italian feature “Unicorni” by Michela Andreozzi, the series “Pesci Piccoli”, and a wide range of shorts, documentaries and animation. Beyond screenings, the festival places strong emphasis on workshops, talks and panels — including a well-received focus on post-production — as well as children’s workshops aimed at introducing younger audiences to the industry.

Georgia Cecconi highlighted Focus London as a vital space for face-to-face connection, particularly as the industry becomes increasingly virtual. She spoke positively about the newly signed agreement between Italy and the UK, aligning closely with her own work in international co-production. Looking ahead, she expressed optimism about the industry’s health and a pragmatic openness towards AI, viewing it as a tool to adapt to rather than fear. Ending on a personal note, Georgia Cecconi shared an ambitious wish list that includes making her first feature film, expanding her slate of romantic comedies, and, one day, working with a director like Quentin Tarantino, while continuing to champion collaboration, inclusion and female-led production both on and off screen.

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This interview was recorded during the Focus London 2025, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency

The post Interview with Georgia Cecconi, Director of West London Film Production at Focus London 2025 appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

At Focus London 2025, we spoke with Alberto Battocchi, Film Commissioner at the Trentino Film Commission, about what a film commission really does today, why being present at Focus remains important, and how Trentino is balancing international ambition with local responsibility.

Alberto Battocchi described the role of a film commission as having two clear missions. On one side, he explained, is the work of attracting film and TV productions from outside the region, whether from elsewhere in Italy, across Europe or further afield. On the other is the responsibility to grow the local film industry, ensuring that professionals continue to develop their skills and that local producers are supported in taking their projects beyond regional borders.

When talking about Trentino itself, Alberto Battocchi highlighted the region’s position in the very north of Italy, where Italian and continental European cultures meet. He explained that this gives filmmakers access to a wide variety of locations within a relatively small territory, from cities and castles to lakes, villas and public spaces. He also pointed out that many public locations can often be used free of charge, describing this as a practical advantage for productions. Being at Focus London, he added, allows him to meet producers and location managers face to face, exchange ideas with colleagues from other countries, and build relationships that simply aren’t possible remotely.

Alberto Battocchi spoke with particular pride about “Vermiglio” by Maura Delpero, shot entirely in Trentino and winner of the Silver Lion in Venice, describing it as a perfect collaboration between a sensitive director and the territory itself. He also mentioned a major Netflix series currently shooting in Trento, drawn to the city’s Christmas market and seasonal atmosphere. Beyond individual productions, he highlighted Green Film, the sustainability certification system Trentino launched in 2017, which has since been adopted by many other regions and has certified more than 300 projects. Looking ahead, Alberto Battocchi said his personal wish is to see more high-quality European co-productions choosing Trentino, believing strongly in the power of collaboration to allow one region’s culture and landscapes to reach audiences across Europe.

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This interview was recorded during the Focus London 2025, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency.

The post Interview with Alberto Battocchi, Film Commissioner at the Trentino Film Commission at Focus London 2025 appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

At Focus London 2025, we spoke with Stefania Ippoliti, Director of the Toscana Film Commission, about the evolving role of film commissions, what Tuscany continues to offer productions, and why international collaboration feels more important than ever.

Stefania Ippoliti described the core role of a film commission as welcoming productions from Italy and abroad and helping them navigate everything from permits to local systems they may not be familiar with. While Tuscany is already a globally recognised brand for its culture and landscapes, she stressed that a key part of the commission’s work is making it genuinely easier for producers to set up and shoot in the region. Alongside financial support, this includes acting as a bridge between international working habits and local realities, helping productions feel “at home” while filming.

Talking about the kinds of stories drawn to Tuscany, Stefania Ippoliti noted the continued popularity of romantic narratives, particularly for platforms, often centred on characters from different cultures meeting in the Tuscan countryside. At the same time, she highlighted a broad mix of productions, including documentaries, unscripted work and TV series. Among the projects she mentioned with particular pride were the series “The Monster of Florence”, which revisits a traumatic chapter of local history, and “Jay Kelly” by Noah Baumbach, shot in Tuscany in part because of the region’s unique railway depots housing historic trains. These less obvious assets, she explained, are just as important as Tuscany’s famous cities and landscapes.

Ippoliti described her return to Focus London as especially meaningful this year, highlighting the newly signed agreement with UK institutions and Tuscany’s long-standing cultural ties with British creatives. She spoke about the potential of stronger UK-Italy collaboration, particularly as a bridge to the American market. Looking ahead, she expressed less concern about AI than about global political instability and its impact on cultural industries, stressing the importance of continuing to support film as both a cultural and economic sector. Ending on a lighter note, Ippoliti shared her personal wish to work more closely with Shonda Rhimes, praising her as a powerful creative entrepreneur and jokingly suggesting a “Tuscany-style” take on “Bridgerton”.

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This interview was recorded during the Focus London 2025, in partnership with the Italian Film Commissions Association and with the support of the Italian Trade Agency.

The post Interview with Stefania Ippoliti, Director of Toscana Film Commission at Focus London 2025 appeared first on Fred Film Radio.