Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) has announced the launch of a new production business in Italy. Based in Milan, the new unit marks WBITVP’s 15th production territory and 22nd production company, expanding its presence across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. Additional senior creative and production staff are being recruited, with more announcements expected in the coming months.
Ronald Goes, President of WBITVP, said, “Italy is a vibrant TV market and as several of our formats have already been successfully adapted there – with frequent recommissions – now feels like the right time to establish a WBITVP business on the ground and grow our presence in the territory. We are ambitious for this business and its contribution to our wider group, and I can think of no better executive than Stefano to lead the new team. His creative, production and commercial strengths, coupled with his experience of working at the highest levels in Italy, make him a real asset to the business. I’d also like to express my thanks and gratitude to Discovery for its trust in making First Dates our first commission and also to Stand By Me, which in recent years has acted as a wonderful guardian to this important WBITVP brand.”
The first confirmed project for WBITVP Italy will be Season 10 of First Dates (Primo Appuntamento), a popular dating show commissioned by Discovery Real Time. The show was previously produced in Italy by Stand By Me.
Stefano Torrisi, Managing Director, WBITVP, said, “I am excited for this new adventure in Italy and am grateful to Ronald for such a wonderful opportunity. WBITVP formats have an excellent reputation in the territory, and we will work closely with existing clients to grow and extend relationships, always delivering on the high quality they have come to expect. As our business grows, we will also be looking to expand our client base and create our own IP that WBITVP can deliver not only in Italy but globally through the wider WBITVP network.”
With this expansion, WBITVP aims to strengthen its presence in Italy’s television industry, bringing both international and original formats to the market.