A bold move in the world of Italian entertainment has just taken place, and it’s one that’s sure to spark some interesting conversations. Roberto Pisoni, a seasoned veteran of Sky Italy’s senior leadership team, has decided to embark on a new chapter with I Wonder Pictures, a rapidly expanding force in the industry. But here’s where it gets controversial… Pisoni’s departure from Sky Italy, owned by Comcast, coincides with I Wonder’s ambitious plans to revolutionize its creative processes with the integration of AI.
Pisoni, with his extensive experience dating back to Sky Italy’s launch in 2003, is now taking on the role of VP of AI Innovation, Content, and New Media Development at I Wonder. Based in Bologna, he will report directly to I Wonder’s founder and CEO, Andrea Romeo.
I Wonder Pictures has made significant strides in recent years, establishing itself as a leading distributor in Italy. Their success stems from a clever blend of arthouse and mainstream movies, working with notable companies like A24 and Neon. Recent releases under their belt include “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” “The Substance,” “Together,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Whale,” and “The Zone of Interest.”
However, their vision extends beyond traditional distribution. The company has launched streaming platforms, Iwonderfull and Top Doc, further expanding their business model.
Pisoni’s appointment is a strategic move by Romeo to strengthen I Wonder’s organizational structure during a period of significant growth and expansion. According to an official statement, this growth encompasses production, distribution, and the exploration of new narrative spaces and models from an integrated perspective.
In his new role, Pisoni will oversee the launch of a new unit within I Wonder called Top Contents. He will also lead the curation of the Iwonderfull and Top Doc platforms and spearhead the adoption of innovative narrative and production models that seamlessly integrate cinema, documentary filmmaking, new media, and experimentation, all while leveraging artificial intelligence within the creative and production processes.
Giulia Moretti and Giorgia Fassiano, who currently lead I Wonder’s production unit and channel editorial curation, respectively, will continue to play pivotal roles in project development, coordination, and management.
“Our work is deeply rooted in a specific cultural vision, which we must protect and ensure remains evident in every editorial and organizational decision,” Romeo emphasized. “Roberto’s arrival enables us to give this vision a more stable and shared form.”
Pisoni shared his thoughts, stating, “I Wonder Pictures offers a unique space for research and dialogue with the public, which is rare in Italy. My role will be to translate this identity into a methodical approach, applying it to production, editorial curation, and the development of new formats.”
So, what do you think? Is this a brilliant step forward for the industry, or does it raise concerns about the role of AI in creative processes? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!