Rai Fiction’s Maria Pia Ammirati on How to Revive Public Broadcasting

Before joining Rai Fiction in 2020 as the director of the drama section of Italy’s public broadcaster, Ammirati had the mojo for getting the channel’s fiction back on the track.

As a gifted scriptwriter with TV series background, Ammirati now spearheaded new series types like the award-winning My Brilliant Friend, the teen drama The Sea Beyond, The Count of Monte Cristo, the English-speaking adaptation of the revenge novel. Finally, according to Ammirati, well-capitalized global streamers entering the Italian market means that everyone has upped their aggression level, but ‘on the downside, we have witnessed the increase in the costs… Still, it’s a steep path and it turned out that we can make virtue of necessity.”

Another member of the THR’s Most Powerful Women in International TV for 2024; Ammirati reveals ways of rejuvenating a public broadcaster in the age of disruption.

Can you tell me about your first job?.

For the TV writing, I joined RAI which is the Italian public service broadcasting company. Due to that, I got aquintied with the production machine and how to design and construct a program and an audiovisual product in general. But of course, as a literary critic, a writer and author of literature programs, I have always dealt with stories for quite some time now.

What was the biggest problem that occurred skillfully in the past one year?

The environment I operate in is constantly evolving, and this comes with structural issues to deal with. However, competition is stiff and it is growing much stiffer due to the increasing تعدادEntrants and new entrants into the industry. They have great reserves and work according to international tendencies which are modified for the country. This is a contact as well as a stimulus for which there is only one solution: to increase the level of quality. On the negative side we have seen an increase in costs that are pushing us to the utmost to optimize each and every dollar, pound, euro out there without compromising the quality of the offering. It has been a tough process – but looking at the outcomes – we have learned the hard way that sometimes necessity makes a virtue.

What seems to you the most significant thing that has been accomplished in the past year?

I am proud of the vast proposal that has been developed so that we can enlarge in formats and genres offering original and creative inputs. For example, the adaptation of History: An Exemplary Product for the centrality of women and for the manner with which it introduced to the public a novel of one of the most influential writers in modern literature, who tamed us with the humanism of a global story. Indeed, it is a series that helps to say what principles we adhere to in our actions. And this is far from mentioning The Sea Beyond that has recently celebrated its fifth season and has a work in progress. The series is very much loved by the younger generation and enjoys a great success both on TV airtime and on the RaiPlay streaming service, which it leads in popularity.

In this regard, I am delighted to note that all our series have considerable export market potential. One of such examples is the show called My Brilliant Friend which was shown — and this year Leopardi as well — in the temple of the cinema, Venice Film Festival, as well as at such festivals as Tribeca Film Festival or in Movie Association of Movie Artists, MOMA New York.

Where do we stand and what will/can be done about increasing equality and diversity within the industry?

We are to work on a twin front. Assessing the potential of television programs in addressing the issue of diversity and inclusion both in, and of, their content as well as the likely adoption of diverse production approaches. This is powerful tool and by virtue of that, it is a mirror that mediates the density of social relations and that is why it is a laboratory. As in the production chain, promoting the talent of women and demanding their presence before and behind the camera as scriptwriters, directors, and cinematographers is social responsibility and a business advantage.

What is or was the toughest experience in being a woman for this (which is still largely a man’s world)?

I always considered the Curiosity and Goal direction values as of the primary importance. I kept my focus to the profession I was keen on studying and on careerism. This enabled me to approach a very masculine environment with a sort of outsider’s perspective. Challenging moments? Yes I have had them and I have never turn my back; I have stood for the causes I believed in. At times I acted as a brawler, but I only did this with a fair spirit because I believe that at the end of the day, it is the vision that has room for diversity that is respected, in other words, that there should be more balance for everyone.

What do you have to suggest to young ladies as they join the industry?

E-mail At large I don’t like to advice — you feel and do things in your own way and you have to face everything alone You have your your. I often explain to them how to get into a world as challenging and tumultuous as the audiovisual industry. The only thing that I can say is, I guess there aren’t any methods. Instead, you need goals established by a vision, the commitment on achieving the laid goals, and adequate knowledge of the intended agenda. But never be shallow in any way – stay true to yourself and your work – study, read and learn.

To Whose Credit would you still enjoy watching the creation of if the show was still on the air?

Ripley! It still appears to be a perfect series. They have good writing, high production values, good photography, and an incredible knack for exploring people.

What do you watch with the intent of enjoying?

As a serial fanatic I consume a lot of cinema and documentary. Also I am a fan of modern art and if only I could I would go to a museum or a gallery to watch exhibitions.

What do you do to unwind?

I prepare foods for my family and friends. Hi, I have fun wheniam dealing with different meals and testing them out.