Renowned Italian film producer, Andrea Iervolino, recognized for his involvement in critically acclaimed works like the Oscar-nominated “Tell It Like a Woman” and the forthcoming Ferrari biopic by Michael Mann, is embarking on a grand venture to establish a cutting-edge film studio complex in the picturesque region of Tuscany.
Named “Tuscany Film Studios,” this remarkable endeavor is set to materialize with an investment of $55 million (€50 million), nestled just outside the historic city of Florence. With aspirations to commence operations as early as the fall of 2024, Iervolino envisions this studio complex as a pinnacle of cinematic innovation and creative expression.
In a candid conversation with THR Roma, Iervolino elaborated on his vision: “My concept is simple – to forge a forward-looking film nucleus within one of the world’s most stunning locales. A place that beckons celebrities to participate in filming endeavors enthusiastically… I recently dined in Rome with James Franco, and when I shared the underway project details, he responded, ‘I’d be ready to film there tomorrow!'”
The current landscape in Italy reflects a burgeoning surge in film production, thanks to a generous 40 percent tax incentive extended to international exhibitions and the Italian government’s steadfast support of the revered Cinecittà studio. Notably, Mann utilized Cinecittà to film “Ferrari,” featuring luminaries Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz. Additionally, talents like Joe Wright partnered with Italian star Luca Marinelli (known for “The Old Guard”) for the creation of the Mussolini miniseries “M. Son of the Century,” and Roland Emmerich employed Rome as a backdrop for his epic series “Those About to Die,” starring Anthony Hopkins.
As the demand for filming locations swells, independent producers discern an opportunity to augment Italy’s filming capacity. Tarak Ben Ammar, the proprietor of prominent Italian independent distributor Eagle Pictures, has recently announced plans to inaugurate his $50 million-plus studio near Rome.
Iervolino’s visionary scheme encompasses the construction of a comprehensive backlot, encompassing conventional soundstages and facilities primed for virtual reality applications. Notably, Tuscany Film Studios aspires to become Italy’s most expansive VR studio complex, with 360-degree production capabilities.
“The realm of live-action 360-degree cinema beckons us toward the future,” asserted Iervolino, emphasizing that his new studios will be adept at crafting content for emerging VR headsets such as Apple’s Vision Pro. “We’ve amassed an extensive repository of global backdrops and landscapes, eliminating the need to physically journey to remote locales like Siberia or Bangkok to capture scenes set in these areas, even for immersive 360-degree experiences.”
The audacious project blueprint encompasses a public cinema, production offices, and an integrated hotel complex. Iervolino detailed, “The hotel shall embody opulent hospitality, accommodating the actors drawn to our studios. Concurrently, it will be accessible to private guests. Furthermore, we envision arranging excursions to the local environs, encompassing wine estates. Our vision seeks to harmonize high-quality tourism with cinematic production.”
Monika Bacardi, the benefactor of Iervolino, has facilitated the establishment of various media entities, including AMBI Media Group, Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment, TaTaTu, and Space 11. Notably, Space 11 collaborates with experts from Elon Musk’s SpaceX to conceive projects to be filmed in outer space. Beyond Mann’s “Ferrari,” Iervolino has also produced “Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend,” featuring Frank Grillo, Gabriel Byrne, and Mira Sorvino, and is presently developing another automotive legend narrative, “Maserati: A Racing Life.” Recently, Iervolino acquired a stake in the esteemed U.S. professional soccer team, Miami FC.
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