Tributes paid to respected consultant and international TV sales exec Giannina Antola

Giannina Antola, the international TV distribution executive who ran her own successful consultancy company for over two decades and headed international sales for companies such as Endemol, has died.

Giannina Antola

Antola, a much-respected figure in the international TV industry, passed away over the weekend.

A dedicated and passionate sales agent, Antola ran her consultancy, Antola.tv, for over 20 years out of London, having previously held senior roles at companies including Endemol and Guinness World Records.

Antola, who was Italian by birth, started her career at Procter & Gamble after graduating with an MA in Economics from Duke University and a BA from Wellesley College.

In a TV career that spanned almost 40 years, Antola went on to head international sales for leading entertainment companies such as Rysher, Gullane, Evergreen Entertainment, Distribution 360 and Tele-München International.

She also set up her own consultancy representing CINAR, DIC, ABC Network, Canal+, Thames Television, Sunbow and Westinghouse in Latin America. Most recently, Antola was providing maternity cover and leading sales at UK-based children’s outfit Cake and working with K5, the international sales and distribution company for independent films and series.

Friends and colleagues of Antola, who was born in 1961 and specialised in sales into Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia, have shared tributes to her on social media.

The team at K5 said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Giannina Antola, who left us last weekend. Giannina was a dedicated and passionate film lover and sales agent with an entertainment career approaching four decades. Her contributions to our work and her infectious enthusiasm were truly exceptional. Giannina’s camaraderie, laughter and joy for movies brought a unique and irreplaceable energy to our workplace.

“Her presence will be profoundly missed by all of us. Our hearts go out to Giannina’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and support to them as they navigate through this immense loss. With heavy hearts, we remember Giannina’s legacy and the warmth she brought into our lives. She will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories.”

Mexico-based TV exec Alejandro Vázquez-Vela Duhalt said: “Today is a very sad day for me. My dear friend Giannina Antola has passed away. One of the most talented media professionals, but above all, one of the most generous people I have ever met. It is undoubtedly a great loss for the industry. I’m going to miss our jokes and our fun dinners in Cannes. A very strong hug for Livia and Milo, her siblings, for her niece Celina and for all of us who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

A statement from Cake said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that our dear colleague and friend Giannina Antola passed away over the weekend. Giannina was much loved and respected in the industry and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and colleagues.”

Cake CEO Ed Galton said: “We are devastated by the sudden loss of Giannina. She was a great friend for over 25 years and was a part of so many people’s lives in our industry. Over the past year she came to work with us at Cake and was a delight to work with. The team really enjoyed her company and the warmth that she brought to the office. We will miss her dearly.”

Erik Pack, senior VP of global sales and coproduction at Boat Rocker Studios, said: “Giannina was the most thorough and talented sales exec any of us have ever known. All while being a real and kind friend to so many all over the world. Quiet and smart and so funny, the industry will miss her gentle soul.”

Jerry Diaz, VP of global sales and distribution at Big Bad Boo Studios, said: “A great friend who leaves a void in all of us. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her. It will never be the same.”