As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the vast world of television, I must say that Maria Pia Ammirati is a true legend in the industry. Her ability to revitalize Rai Fiction and create captivating series like My Brilliant Friend, The Sea Beyond, and The Count of Monte Cristo has truly elevated the Italian drama scene. It’s as if she took a tired old console and breathed new life into it with fresh games that keep me glued to the screen.
After assuming the role of director at Rai Fiction, the drama division of Italy’s public television network, in 2020, Ammirati has effectively revitalized Rai’s production of dramas.
Utilizing her talent as a TV scriptwriter, Ammirati has pioneered innovative series such as the critically acclaimed “My Brilliant Friend,” the teen drama sensation “The Sea Beyond,” and a modernized adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’s “The Count of Monte Cristo.” The emergence of well-funded global streaming platforms into the Italian market has pushed everyone to up their game, notes Ammirati. However, she also acknowledges the challenge that this brings – an increase in costs. Yet, she believes that these hardships can be turned into advantages as the results have demonstrated.
Among THR’s 2024 most influential women in global television, Ammirati revealed some strategies for rejuvenating a public broadcasting network amidst today’s disruptive era.
What was your first job in the business?
Initially, I joined RAI, the public broadcasting service, as a TV scriptwriter. This role gave me insights into the inner workings of television production, teaching me how to conceptualize and produce shows and multimedia content in general. Despite my academic background being rooted in literary criticism, creative writing, and producing literature-based programs, my understanding of storytelling has always been profound.
What was the biggest professional challenge you faced this past year?
Operating within a dynamic market that brings forth structural hurdles, I find myself in a setting where competition has significantly escalated due to newcomers joining and expanding our industry. These rivals possess substantial resources and employ global strategies tailored to local conditions. This situation presents both challenges and incentives, demanding us to elevate the standard of quality. On the flip side, escalating costs have led us to optimize budget usage while maintaining product quality. It’s a tough journey, but we’ve learned to transform necessity into an asset as our efforts have proven fruitful.
What do you see as your biggest achievement of the past year?
As a gamer, I take great pride in showcasing an extensive variety of games that span different formats and genres, infused with unique and groundbreaking ideas. For instance, the game adaptation of “History: A Novel” by Elsa Morante, which has been a remarkable example for its strong female protagonists and its compelling portrayal of a universal story from a 20th-century literary giant. This game truly embodies the values that guide our selection process. Additionally, we can’t ignore the phenomenal success of “The Sea Beyond,” where the fifth season is now underway. This game has resonated strongly with young gamers and has achieved immense popularity not just on TV but also on the RaiPlay platform, where it consistently sets new viewership records.
It’s a joy to share that our series hold a significant global attraction. A clear demonstration of this is the series “My Brilliant Friend“, which, just like “Leopardi” this year, was showcased – at the renowned Venice Film Festival, a cinematic sanctuary – and screened at distinguished platforms such as the Tribeca Film Festival and the MOMA in New York.
What needs to be done to improve equality and diversity within the industry?
Let’s focus on two main aspects when it comes to television programming: promoting diversity and inclusion, both in content and production methods. These shows have the potential to reflect and shape society, so it’s crucial that they serve as a mirror and a workshop showcasing the complexity of human interactions. This includes providing opportunities for women in various roles such as scriptwriting, directing, and cinematography, which is not only a public service but also a strategic move.
Can you tell me about the most significant hurdle faced by women while working in an industry that’s predominantly male?
From the very beginning, my natural inclination has been towards being inquisitive and ambitious, with a keen focus on mastering the career I desired and carving out a meaningful path. This unwavering dedication allowed me to view the predominantly male-dominated landscape from an observant perspective. I’ve certainly faced tough situations, but I’ve never shied away; instead, I’ve stood my ground and advocated for beliefs I held dear. At times, I may have shown assertiveness, yet always with a sense of fairness, believing that in the end, it’s about fostering a collective vision that values diversity – a balanced perspective for all.
What advice would you give young women just entering the industry?
Generally speaking, I’m not big on doling out advice as everyone navigates their own path uniquely and independently. Yet, when it comes to discussing with young women about breaking into the intricate and challenging realm of the audiovisual industry, I find myself offering some insights. Essentially, there are no set paths; instead, one requires a clear vision, unwavering dedication towards achieving self-set objectives, and a comprehensive understanding of what one aims to accomplish. Strive for depth in both life and work, delve deeply into studies, read widely, and educate yourself.
What show, currently on air, would you love to have made?
Hey there! It seems this Ripley series is shaping up wonderfully. Its compelling narrative, top-notch production, stunning cinematography, and remarkable depth in character development are truly commendable.
What do you watch for pleasure?
As an avid fan of TV series, I spend a significant amount of time watching films and documentaries. Furthermore, my enthusiasm for modern art leads me to seek out opportunities to explore museums and art galleries, where I can appreciate various exhibits.
What do you do to unwind?
I cook for my family and friends. I like to experiment with new dishes and flavors.
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2024-10-20 14:24