Amid the ongoing strike by actors and writers in the U.S. entertainment industry, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO, Tony Vinciquerra, has expressed his desire to find a resolution to the labor impasse. Speaking at the Audio-Visual Producers Summit in Trieste, Italy, Vinciquerra stated that despite what the media may have reported, the studio wants to negotiate and reach a deal with SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union that has been on strike since July 13.
Vinciquerra emphasized the importance of screenwriters and actors as key partners in the production of films and series. He acknowledged the challenging situation that the industry is facing, not only for union members but also for non-union members who are unable to work during the strike. The CEO expressed his apologies for the strike and affirmed that Sony Pictures Entertainment is committed to finding a swift resolution to the issue.
Addressing the offer made to SAG-AFTRA, Vinciquerra claimed that it was the best offer ever presented by the studio. He emphasized the studio’s commitment to negotiating and resolving the ongoing dispute.
During the summit, Vinciquerra was joined on stage by Tarak Ben Ammar, the producer who heads the production and distribution company Eagle Pictures, which distributes Sony films in Italy. Ben Ammar shared an anecdote about witnessing picket lines outside the Sony office and engaging in conversation with the striking individuals. The producer mentioned that work will resume soon and that both the studios and the workers share the desire to get back to work.
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While the U.S. entertainment industry is currently experiencing a standstill, the situation in Italy is quite different. Cinecittà studios are fully booked for the upcoming months, and Ben Ammar himself announced plans to invest “40-50 million euros” in a new production hub, referred to as “Cinecittà 2.” The producer expects the agreement for the selected land to be finalized this summer, with operations set to begin by the summer of 2024.
The partnership between Eagle Pictures and Sony has already resulted in several co-production projects, including Italian-language films. Notably, Sony has acquired the intellectual property for the romantic comedy “Hotspot – Amore senza rete” by Giulio Manfredonia for Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal. Additionally, Vinciquerra’s company will produce the Mexican version of the film “Sul più bello,” and “Il matrimonio del mio migliore amico.” Moreover, a future co-production inspired by a Spanish film, “El cuerpo,” is in the works, with Vincenzo Alfieri set to direct it in October.
In conclusion, Tony Vinciquerra, the CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, is actively seeking a resolution to the ongoing strike by actors and writers in the U.S. entertainment industry. He expressed his commitment to negotiating with SAG-AFTRA and finding a swift resolution to the labor impasse. Despite the strike in the U.S., the industry in Italy is thriving, with Cinecittà studios fully booked and plans for a new production hub underway. The partnership between Eagle Pictures and Sony has already resulted in several co-production projects, highlighting the potential for further collaboration between the two companies in the future.
