Wildside sets up TV, film arms

Italian production company Wildside has formed two new divisions, including a TV-focused production arm, as part of its strategy to expand internationally.

Rome-based Wildside, which was formed in 2009 after the merger of prodcos Wilder and Offside, will now operate TV production arm Wildside Series alongside film-focused Wildside Cinema.

Both will continue to be based in Rome and use the expertise from their independent days to expand productions and sales.

Before becoming Wildside, Wilder had produced TV series for nearly a decade for the likes of Rai, La7, Fox and Sky.

Current Wildside Series projects will include The Young Pope for Italy’s Sky Atlantic, while Wildside Cinema will draw on the filmmaking heritage of Offside, which began producing films and documentaries in 2001.

Lorenzo Mieli, Wildside’s president, said the creation of the new TV division reflected the growth this area of the business has experienced and will see in the future.

He said: “Our aim is to expand the portfolios of each division internationally, collaborating with other global production companies to work on new brands, programmes and films. We want to be recognised as a valuable company internationally, and to continue delivering the highest level of quality in the industry.”

Mario Gianani, Wildside’s CEO, added: “The success of our productions, such as The Young Pope, has demonstrated the potential for us to expand internationally. There are many opportunities for Wildside on the global stage and we are keen to continue collaborating with the very best producers and broadcasters across the world.”