Vincenzo Mosca’s career began in ’86, when he was hired at SACIS, RAI’s commercial company, with responsibility for program sales to Western European television stations. He was later appointed head of the Paris office of SACIS, with a specific mandate to develop co-productions. In 1990, he was in charge of international sales for the live television broadcast of the first concert of the Three Tenors produced by RAI.
Mosca’s reputation has been established over the years as a successful foreign distributor of all the major Italian films of the 1990s, directed by some of the most internationally appealing directors such as Marco Ferreri, the Taviani brothers, Liliana Cavani, Dario Argento, Nanni Moretti, Ferzan Ozpetek and many others, succeeding in getting the films theatrically released in key markets such as the United States, France, Spain, Japan and Germany.
In 2000, he left SACIS, which has since merged with RaiTrade, to move to Spain as commercial and development director of Grupo Europroducciones, among Spain’s largest entertainment producers. He contributed to the Group’s international development by forming companies to produce Spanish formats in various countries including Portugal, Germany, Poland, Romania and Turkey.
A few years later, in 2003, he returned to Rome as commercial director of Lux Vide, a leading Italian and European producer of prime-time dramas. Since then he has been in charge of all co-productions, financing, pre-sales and sales of all the company’s productions, including Mother Teresa with Olivia Hussey for RAI, Peter with Omar Sharif for RAI, John Paul II with Jon Voight for RAI and CBS in the U.S., War and Peace directed by Robert Dornhelm with Malcolm McDowell, a co-production for RAI with Spain, France, Germany, Poland and for the first time with the RTR Channel, Russian state TV; Coco Chanel, a co-production with RAI, France2 and LifeTime in the U.S., starring Shirley MacLaine; and Pinocchio, a co-production for RAI with POWER/RHI for the U.S. and U.K. with Bob Hoskins and Thomas Sangster, also assuming the role of associate producer.
In 2006, he founded TVCO to develop, produce, distribute and acquire independent feature films and television programs internationally. As CEO and founder of TVCO, he has been expanding its market share by co-producing third party projects, providing a wide range of services for the industry and building a large catalog and line-up of over 100 titles.
TFV: Thank you for taking the time to meet with The Film Verdict. You have a unique view of the Italian film industry, having begun your career in 1986 and spending ten years at SACIS as head of TV and Film sales, after which you moved to Head of Internationals Sales for RAITRADE. In 2000 you moved to the private commercial sector, Grupo Europroducciones in Spain, 2003 Director of SIRIO VIDE, LUX Vide as Head of Business Affairs/Coproductions and Sales, and now you are CEO and founder of TVCO and President of ADECI. Along the way, you have been involved in several major productions – Have I missed anything so far?
VM: Thank you for the comprehensive overview of my career and the recognition of my unique perspective on the Italian film industry. Yes, you have captured my professional journey quite accurately. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in various aspects of the film industry, from sales to business affairs, and from international co-productions to the private commercial sector. Each step of my career has added valuable knowledge and experience and has allowed me to understand the intricacies of the film industry from different angles. I am proud of my accomplishments, but also humble to have been a part of several major productions and to have contributed to their success. I look forward to continuing to work in this dynamic industry and to making a positive impact through my current role as CEO of TVCO.
TFV: With such a deep career in the Italian film and television business since 1986, you have been part of the State Run media (RAI & SACIS) to the private sector; do you believe that there continues to be a role in State run media conglomerates that compete with the private sector, especially in Film?
VM: I do believe that there is a role for state-run media in the film industry. While the private sector is focused on maximizing profits, state-run media has a different mandate and can play a crucial role in supporting and promoting local content and talent. However, it is important to strike a balance between the role of state-run media and the private sector. In my experience, a healthy balance between state-run media and the private sector can lead to a thriving film industry that produces a diverse range of high-quality content. By working together, the two can complement each other and create a positive environment for the industry as a whole.
TFV: You have been in film and television sales your entire career; what have been the major changes you’ve seen selling films internationally than when you first began your career?
VM: The film and television sales landscape has undergone significant changes since I first began my career. When I started, the process of selling films internationally was much more limited and often relied on traditional methods such as film festivals and market screenings. The advent of new technologies and the growth of the internet has revolutionized the way films are marketed and sold globally.
One of the biggest changes I have seen is the increased use of digital platforms for distribution and marketing. Online streaming services, social media, and other digital channels have opened up new opportunities for filmmakers to reach a wider audience and sell their content to a more diverse range of territories.
Another major change is the increased focus on data-driven decision making. With the availability of real-time data on viewing habits, box office results, and other metrics, sales teams can make more informed decisions about which films to market and distribute, and in which territories they are likely to be successful.
Finally, the consolidation of the media industry has also had a significant impact on film sales. The emergence of a small number of large multinational companies has led to a more competitive marketplace, with fewer players controlling a greater share of the market. However, it has also created new opportunities for niche players and smaller companies to find success by focusing on specific areas of the market.
Overall, I have seen many changes since I first began my career, but I remain excited and optimistic about the future of this industry. The continued growth of new technologies and the increasing global reach of digital platforms will only continue to create new opportunities for filmmakers and sales teams alike.
TFV: You founded TVCO 2006, as an independent production and world sales company, specializing in distribution, sales and acquisition of rights and built a respectable library. What is your ambition, vision, and growth for TVCO?
VM: When I founded TVCO in 2006, my goal was to create an independent production and world sales company that could offer a full range of services to filmmakers and content creators. I am proud of what we have accomplished over the years, and I am grateful to have built a strong reputation in the industry and a respected library of content.
As we look to the future, my ambition for TVCO is to continue to grow and evolve, while staying true to our roots as a company that values creativity, quality, and innovation. I see a future for TVCO as a leading player in the global film and television markets.
My vision for TVCO is to continue to build strong relationships with our clients, and to be a trusted partner in the development and distribution of their content. I also see an opportunity for us to expand our offerings to include new technologies and distribution platforms, as well as to explore new areas of the market and new geographies.
In terms of growth, I am committed to growing TVCO in a sustainable and responsible way, while maintaining the highest standards of excellence in everything we do. I believe that by continuing to focus on our core values and by investing in the development of our team and our business, we can achieve our goals and create a bright future for TVCO.
Overall, I am enthusiastic about the future of TVCO, and I am confident that by staying true to our vision and mission, we can continue to make a positive impact on the film and television industry.
TFV: You are attending the European Film Market – what’s your objective at the market? Do you have different approaches to each major sales market (EFM, Marche, AFM)?
VM: As a participant in the European Film Market (EFM), my primary objective is to connect with industry professionals and to showcase the best of what TVCO has to offer. This includes our current slate of films and television series, as well as any new projects that we are developing.
One of my main goals is to build new relationships with buyers, distributors, and other key players in the industry, and to strengthen existing relationships with our partners. I also aim to gather intelligence on industry trends and to identify new opportunities for TVCO to expand our reach and impact.
In terms of approaching different sales markets, such as the EFM, Marche, and AFM, I believe that each market is unique and requires a tailored approach. For example, the EFM is focused on European content and tends to attract a large number of European buyers, while the AFM is more focused on the North American market and tends to attract a larger number of American buyers.
That being said, our approach to each market is always grounded in our core values of quality, innovation, and creativity. We aim to showcase our best content, and to connect with the right people in each market to help us achieve our goals.
Overall, I believe that a presence at key film markets like the EFM is critical for success in the industry. By attending these events, we can build relationships, gather intelligence, and showcase our best work to a global audience, all of which is critical to achieving our goals and growing our business.
TFV: As a film & television sales expert, what is your opinion of the on-line digital sales platforms that are emerging on-line?
VM: As someone who has been working in the film and television sales industry for many years, I have watched the emergence of online digital sales platforms with great interest. I believe that these platforms have the potential to revolutionize the way we distribute and consume content, and I am optimistic about their future.
These platforms offer a new level of convenience and accessibility for consumers, making it easier than ever to find and watch the content they love.
However, I also believe that it is important to approach these platforms with caution, as they also present new challenges and risks.
For example, the sheer volume of content available on these platforms can make it difficult for individual pieces of content to stand out, and it can be challenging to monetize content in a way that is both fair and sustainable for content creators and distributors.
In my opinion, the future success of these platforms will depend on a number of factors, including the quality and diversity of the content available, the effectiveness of the monetization models, and the ability of these platforms to offer a seamless and user-friendly experience for consumers.
Overall, I believe that the emergence of online digital sales platforms represents a major opportunity for the film and television industry, and I am excited to see how they will evolve and impact our business in the coming years.
TFV: Does TVCO participate in any of the digital sales companies? What advantages are there to the on-line digital sales companies? And do you see these companies encroaching on international film markets like EFM or the Cannes Marche?
VM: At TVCO, we understand the importance of adapting to new technologies and changing market trends, which is why we have established our own branded digital marketplace for our B2B activities. This platform allows us to streamline our sales processes, reach a wider audience, and offer our clients greater convenience and accessibility.
As for participating in other digital sales companies, we do keep a close eye on these platforms and evaluate their potential to support our goals and grow our business. We believe that there are many advantages to these online digital sales companies, including the ability to reach a wider audience, increase efficiency and convenience, and offer a wider range of content to consumers. However, we also recognize that it can be a highly competitive environment, and it’s important to approach them strategically to ensure the best outcomes for our business and our clients.
In terms of encroaching on traditional film markets like the EFM or the Cannes Marche du Film, I believe that these digital sales platforms can complement and enhance traditional film markets, rather than replace them. Film markets like the EFM and Cannes Marche du Film offer unique opportunities for face-to-face interaction and relationship-building, which are critical to the success of our business.
Overall, we believe that a multi-channel approach, including both traditional film markets and digital sales platforms, is the best way to ensure success and growth in the ever-changing film and television industry.
TFV: Staying on the subject of digital, how is TVCO confronting digital rights that embrace AI or VR regarding territories and geo-blocking? What are the issues that you are encountering?
VM: At TVCO, we are actively studying and exploring the potential of new developments in the film sales industry, including NFTs and blockchain, to stay ahead of the curve and provide our clients with cutting-edge solutions.
In terms of digital rights and the challenges posed by AI and VR, we are aware of the complexities of territorial and geo-blocking issues, particularly as they relate to the distribution and protection of digital content. To address these challenges, we have established a dedicated unit within our company to study these developments and find solutions to protect our clients’ interests.
We believe that with continued research and collaboration with industry experts, we can overcome these challenges and find innovative solutions that embrace the potential of new technologies while protecting the interests of our clients.
In conclusion, TVCO is committed to staying ahead of the curve and exploring new and emerging technologies to provide our clients with the best solutions in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
TFV: There are many upcoming international film sales agents, what advice would you give these professionals? Who was your mentor? What was the most single influential advice you received in your career that you apply to your business activities today?
VM: As a veteran in the international film sales industry, I’d be happy to share some advice with upcoming agents.
First and foremost, I believe it’s important to have a passion for the industry and a strong understanding of the market and trends. This will enable you to make informed decisions and effectively navigate the complexities of the film sales landscape.
In terms of mentorship, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Sesto Cifola early in my career. Sesto was the head of sales at SACIS, where I started my career, and he was a fantastic mentor. He taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and building strong relationships with clients.
These lessons have stayed with me throughout my career and have been critical to my success.
The most influential advice I received in my career was to always put the interests of the client first. This means being honest, transparent, and providing them with the best possible solution, even if it means making a tough decision. I apply this principle to all of my business activities today and I believe it has been a key factor in building strong, long-lasting relationships with clients.
In conclusion, my advice to up-and-coming international film sales agents is to work hard, stay informed, and always put the interests of your clients first. With these principles in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career in the film industry.
TFV: Your Oscar Predictions? And why do you think that there is an ever-increasing number of international films in an array of Academy categories?
VM: Ah, the age-old question of Oscar predictions ?! I don’t have personal opinions or the ability to predict the future, but I can certainly provide some insights.
Regarding the increasing number of international films in the Academy Awards, I believe it reflects the growing global appreciation for diverse perspectives and stories in cinema.
The film industry has become more inclusive and open to films from all over the world, which has led to a wider range of stories being told on the big screen.
Additionally, with advances in technology and distribution, it has become easier for international films to reach wider audiences.
So, while I can’t predict who will take home the Oscars this year, I do believe that the increased representation of international films in the Academy Awards categories is a positive trend and a testament to the growing diversity and impact of world cinema.
