Written by new-contact on Jul 27, 2012. Posted in On Location

Workers at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios protest against development plans

Workers at Cinecittà Studios in Rome are protesting against development plans. Executives want to spend EUR175 million on a hotel and spa, as well as a separate studio-inspired theme park, but workers are concerned it could affect their jobs.

Striking and demonstrations have been ongoing for several weeks now and the general sentiment has the support of some Italian filmmakers. Directors Bernardo Bertolucci and Ettore Scola are petitioning executives to reconsider the plans. The studio says the changes will help streamline production and are needed to help modernise its facilities and keep it internationally competitive.

Luigi Abete is Head of Cinecittà Studios and spoke to Associated Foreign Press: “In order to be on the market and attract international productions, we have to expand our services like other studios.

Either we keep up with the outside world or we entrench ourselves in a world, while everything outside changes and we really risk shutting down.

Luigi Abete, Head of Cinecittà Studios

“Either we keep up with the outside world or we entrench ourselves in a world, while everything outside changes and we really risk shutting down. The position of the unions is absurd; it shows backwardness.”

Cinecittà faces stiff competition from major studios around the world. Sites like the UK’s Pinewood Studios are frequently upgrading to compete effectively and attract big-budget productions. Cinecittà may need to reach a compromise if it’s to remain a global player.