´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide is enjoying la dolce vita in Rome this week as its rich catalogue has been honoured with seven nominations and eleven special screening events at the prestigious Rome Fiction Fest, the sister event of the Rome Film Festival.
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The Italian judges have shown particular appreciation for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide's drama, with five of its seven nominations being in this genre – contemporary drama Kiss of Death and 10 Days to War have been nominated for 'Best TV Movie', while Spooks, The Fixer and Ashes to Ashes have all been nominated for 'Best Continuing Series'.
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"I'm delighted that the Roma Fiction Fest has decided to recognise the fantastic content that ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide has to offer and it's a great tribute to the calibre of our catalogue," commented Ben Donald, Head of Northern Mediterranean, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide Sales and Distribution.
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"In particular they really reinforce the growing appeal of British drama in Italy.ÌýThis year we've already concluded deals with Italy's state broadcaster Rai Due for two major series Life on Mars and Primeval and Robin Hood recently launched on Rete 4.
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"The nominations this week are further proof that Italians are starting to look away from home grown drama to enjoy the British take on it."
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However, drama is not the only genre from ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide’s catalogue to be paid accolade.ÌýCut Up Kids, exploring the mostly unreported vicious world of self-harm, and This World: Massacre at Virginia Tech, investigating the largest mass shooting in the US, have both been nominated for 'Best Documentary'.
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Throughout the week audiences in the Eternal City are being treated to special red carpet events, where they have a rare opportunity to watch TV series on the big screen, alongside the cast and crew.Ìý
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In addition to the nominated programmes, Doctor Who, Primeval and Hotel Babylon will also be shown as part of a special 'Noon at Night' slot which focuses on the best of national and international drama, horror, thriller and science fiction productions.
For one night only, Italians will be thrown into the wonderfully warped world of Terry Phoo and Whitey Action as the dynamic duo kung-fu kick their way through futuristic London with the simple mission to save the nation.
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Scheduled as part of the 'Best Pilots' section, Phoo Action is a live action drama based on the original comic strip from Jamie Hewlett (creator of Tank Girl and musical phenomenon Gorillaz) and has been a quirky hit with audiences and reviewers alike.
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Talking about the ´óÏó´«Ã½ programmes which have been nominated Peter Salmon, Chief Creative Officer, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Vision, said: "We are very proud of the range and depth of programmes made by in house ´óÏó´«Ã½ producers. There are so many hits we create for a domestic audience that are now also being enjoyed across the globe - from our innovative Entertainment formats, beautifully crafted Dramas through to world beating science and natural history.Ìý
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"Working with ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide the work of scores of gifted programme makers now reaches a wide audience in all five continents. It’s a great collaboration."
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A wealth of international and British talent is working the red carpets at the various screenings, as well as TV industry execs from around the world.
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Phoo Action writer Mat Wakeman is in Rome to explain the thinking behind his unique pilot and Louise Lombard, star of Kiss of Death, will also be there to represent the compelling crime drama.
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Actor Andrew Buchan from The Fixer is another special guest and speaking from the festival Andrew comments: "It's fantastic that The Fixer has been nominated for this prestigious award and thanks to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide can be seen internationally. It goes to show that themes in British drama can appeal to audiences outside the UK."
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Kudos production Spooks is already airing on Hallmark in Italy and Impossible Pictures’ Primeval has been bought by digital channel Jimmy and state broadcaster RAI Due.Ìý
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Sci-fi cult series Doctor Who has also been picked up by Jimmy while SKY Italia has opted for the glamorous drama Hotel Babylon.
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The Rome Fiction Fest takes place from the 7th – 12th July.
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Cristina Dunn
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