Florence-born, Rome-based Alessandro Ravani is a Rai Com veteran, joining the film and TV sales arm of Italy’s national broadcaster 15 years ago.
He now works as commercial director, overseeing sales and acquisitions, working with titles including Matteo Garrone’s Dogman and Gabriele Mainetti’s Freaks Out. The company’s catalogue includes around 600 feature films, 700 classic films and 8,000 television hours.
What is your office like?
It’s opposite Rai’s Via Teulada headquarters in Rome, where some of Italy’s most iconic shows were produced. It’s on the fifth floor, a bit messy, full of books and notes. There’s a nice terrace from which to enjoy beautiful Roman sunsets.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive in your office?
I check my appointments and have a coffee with colleagues to align on the day’s work.
What was your first job in the film industry?
I’ve always worked in distribution. I started in home video and moved 360-degrees into co-production collaborations. It’s impossible to achieve total knowledge of the film industry. It’s too complex. It constantly adapts to technological developments and societal changes through different genre development.
Who helped you most when you were first starting out?
I’ve been in contact with colleagues and personalities within the Italian cultural universe who are impossible to forget. Andrea Camilleri, who authored the Montalbano novels, and Italian television host Piero Angela for example. There’s always something to learn from them.
What was your favourite film growing up?
I liked the films of Mario Monicelli, one of the great masters of Italian comedy. Cynical, disenchanted, yet full of civic passion. Among my favourites was My Friends (Amici Miei, 1975) about a group of friends in Florence, my city. A tribute to lightness and the joy of living.
What do you like best about your job?
I appreciate returning to markets and festivals, which lets us talk to each other in an international context that’s always a source of stimulus and innovation.
What excites you about the future of the business?
Change. We are in a transitional phase. There’s much excitement in terms of understanding where we’re going. The birth of the likes of Netflix and Amazon has been particularly interesting. However, local market knowledge of Europe’s main countries is of fundamental importance. It is public and private broadcasters that have knowledge in terms of creativity and investment in these spaces.
What is the biggest challenge facing the business?
Again, it is change. We are in continuous evolution, and this requires knowledge and presence in many markets.
Who is the most famous person in your contacts book?
The great Roberto Baggio. I worked with him on a project directed by Stefano Mordini [Io Che Sarò Roberto Baggio, a documentary series about the Italian footballer].
What are you most proud of professionally?
Of my team. Of promoting Italian culture abroad.
With whom would you most like to take a meeting?
Clint Eastwood. A great actor and also a great director.
What is your favourite festival?
The big festivals are all important, so it’s a difficult question. Venice has a special charm, both in terms of history and the magic of the place.
Where do you want to be five years from now?
Where I am now, and still happy.
What job would you do if you didn’t work in film?
A schoolteacher.
What book are you reading?
The Alaska Sanders Affair by Joël Dicker. I didn’t expect to be surprised — my attention started to wane because the structure and plot were similar to his previous works, but dear Joël introduced a surprise jolt. As always, everything runs smoothly and all the pieces fit together.
What is the one TV series everyone should watch this year?
Andor on Disney+.
What do you do to unwind?
I go jogging. It relaxes and can be done anywhere, with little time commitment.
Where do you go to unwind?
By the sea in Greece, it’s my favourite place.
Who would play you in the biopic of your life and who would direct?
Adam Sandler, and directed by Tim Burton.
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