Andrea Iervolino

Andrea Iervolino
Iervolino at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018
Born
Cassino, Italy
Occupation(s)Filmmaker, producer, entrepreneur
Years active2002–present

Andrea Iervolino is an Italian–Canadian film producer, entrepreneur, and businessman, and producer of the Academy Award-nominated movie Tell It Like a Woman (2022).

In 2013, Iervolino, along with Monika Gomez del Campo Bacardi, launched AMBI Media Group, an international consortium of companies encompassing all areas of filmmaking from development to distribution.

Early life and education

[edit]

Andrea Iervolino was born in Cassino, Italy, in the province of Lazio. His Canadian-born mother, Sonia, was adopted and moved to Italy at a young age. His father, Giovanni, came from a wealthy Italian family, but his grandfather left the family business in inexperienced hands when he passed. Consequently, the family quickly went bankrupt.[1]

As a child, Iervolino had a stutter and was frequently bullied. Despite his teachers' recommendations, his mother blocked his transfer to a school for disabled children. He believes his stammer was triggered by the shock of his father's descent into alcoholism following the family's financial hardship.[1]

Career

[edit]
Iervolino at the 2017 Canadian Screen Awards with Kathleen Wynne, Sergio Marchionne and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

At thirteen, Iervolino and his friends launched a small tech business selling websites to local entrepreneurs in Cassino, where it was unusual to use the Internet for advertising. Following this success, Iervolino left home at the age of fifteen to work as a producer's assistant on Broadway-style shows in the resort town of Bibione, Italy.[1]

In September of that year, he returned to his hometown to produce his first film, The Cavalier of Love, financed through crowd-funding from local investors willing to sponsor his project. The film was released in 2003.[2]

In 2014, he made his film-producing debut in the United States[3] as a co-producer of The Humbling, which premiered at the 71st Venice International Film Festival.

Iervolino's film In Dubious Battle was screened at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival[4] and the 73rd Venice International Film Festival, and his 2019 film Waiting for the Barbarians premiered at the 76th Venice Film Festival.[5]

After failing to distribute it in local cinemas, Iervolino began the Cineschool Day initiative.[6] This strategy involved adding his films into Cassino schools' curricula, giving students the opportunity to watch the films during the daytime at a reduced price. The screenings would then be followed classroom debates. For this purpose, Iervolino put together a library of existing films with strong social themes and proposed them to schools, complete with information brochures and ideas for how the students could debate. The initiative gained enough traction that former Italian Prime Minister and Senator for life Giulio Andreotti attended as spokesperson in 2011 and 2012.[7][8]

In 2011, he founded the production company Iervolino Entertainment.[9] The company debuted under the Italian Bourse's AIM Italia market in August 2019.[10] The company name changed to Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment in 2021.[11]

While in Italy, Iervolino met Luciano Martino, who became his mentor and business partner.[2] Together, they co-produced several films, including The Merchant of Venice. After Martino's death in 2013, Monika Bacardi became Iervolino's new partner, establishing the AMBI Media Group.[12][13]

Following the launch of AMBI Media Group, AMBI Distribution in Beverly Hills and AIC Studios in Toronto were formed.[14][15] As of 2017, AMBI Media Group also has offices in London, China, and Italy.[16]

In 2015, Iervolino's company acquired 85% of the Exclusive Media Group (EMG) film library[17] in partnership with New York-based private equity firm Raven Capital Management, granting licensing, sequel and remake rights to over 400 features including Begin Again, Cruel Intentions, Donnie Darko, End of Watch, Ides of March, Rush, The Skulls, Snitch, Undefeated, and Memento.[18] These are now listed amongst AMBI Exclusive's library and relicensed around the world.[19][20]

Also that year, Iervolino and Lady Bacardi created the AMBI Gala Foundation and hosted the first annual AMBI Gala the night prior to TIFF.[21] The proceeds of the gala were given to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for investing in environmental causes.[22]

In 2017, Iervolino became one of the first film producers to co-produce a film involving the Pope, when Pope Francis appeared as himself in the film Beyond the Sun, which premiered in Vatican City in September 2017.[23][24]

In 2018, Iervolino launched TaTaTu, an entertainment platform with cryptocurrency rewards for users watching and sharing content.[25] TaTaTu has co-financed and co-produced movies such as Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend[26] and Waiting for the Barbarians.[27] The company also publishes the vodcast Giving Back Generation hosted by Raquelle Stevens and directed by Chiara Tilesi.[28][29]

His film Waiting for the Barbarians premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival.[30] In 2020, Iervolino opened Iervolino Studios, a branch of ILBE, in Serbia with actor Miloš Biković.[31] The studio focuses on short animated films, including the Johnny Depp-starring web animated series Puffins.[32]

Other activities and roles

[edit]

In 2016, Iervolino was an ambassador for Italian Cinema of the world for the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF)[33][34] and the president of Ischia Global Film & Music Festival.[35]

In April 2021, Iervolino founded SPACE 11, dedicated to producing projects in outer space, partnering with experts from SpaceX.[36][37] In May of that year, the company announced plans for the series Galactic Combat, involving over 40 martial arts fighters competing in zero gravity, with the finalists competing in a rocket shuttle orbiting Earth.[38] It is expected to air in 2023.[39]

In May 2023, Iervolino purchased a stake in professional football club Miami FC.[40] The USL Championship club is located in Miami, Florida in the 2nd division of US Soccer. The deal values the club at $56 million.

Recognition and awards

[edit]

Iervolino was named as one of Variety's Dealmakers in 2015, and a "Producer to Watch" in 2016.[41][42] In 2020, he was named to the Variety 500 list of the global media industry's most influential figures.[43]

In 2017 he received an honoris causa degree in cinematography from Vasile Goldis University.[44] One year later he received another honorary doctorate, this time from the University of Mexico City.[citation needed]

Iervolino was awarded a Knighthood of the Italian Republic (Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana) on June 18, 2018, by Italian president Sergio Mattarella and the Italian consulate of Canada. This recognition is "the highest ranking honor of the Republic awarded for "merit acquired by the nation" in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers."[45]

Films

[edit]
  • Italian Contemporary Film Festival 2016 – Winner of the IC Saving Award for the Best Canadian Film[46]
  • Venice Film Festival 2016 – Mimmo Rotella Special Award for the production of "In Dubious Battle"[47]
  • Venice Film Festival 2015 – Mimmo Rotella Special Award for the production of "The Humbling"[47]
  • Made in Italy Awards 2015 – Nominated for Best Businessman[48]
  • Pompeii Cinema Festival 2014 – Winner of the "Fauno danzante" for best foreign production with the film "The Humbling"[49]
  • Italian Contemporary Film Festival 2018 – Winner of the Best Producer Award[50]
  • Ordine al Merito Della Repubblica Italiana – Awarded as a Knight of the Italian Republic[45]
  • Premio Eccellenza Italiana 2020 – Sezione Cinema
  • Variety 500 2020[43]

Selected filmography

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Andrea Iervolino: To Tinsel Town the Hard Way". Financial Times. May 3, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Connecting People Through News". Retrieved August 17, 2017 – via PressReader.
  3. ^ "My Miami: Andrea Iervolino". Miami Shoot Magazine. May 18, 2015. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  4. ^ Macaulay, Scott (September 11, 2016). "TIFF 2016: Five Questions for In Dubious Battle Director and Actor James Franco | Filmmaker Magazine". Filmmaker Magazine | Publication with a focus on independent film, offering articles, links, and resources. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  5. ^ "Ciro Guerra's Waiting for the barbarians to premiere at Venice". www.efe.com. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  6. ^ "Tribeca 2018: Lady Monika Bacardi and the AMBI Group | The Young Folks". May 1, 2018. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  7. ^ "Andrea Iervolino- Press Release". Italian Contemporary Film Festival. Archived from the original on September 29, 2017. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  8. ^ "ICFF 2015 Interview: Andrea Iervolino and The Humbling". Italian Contemporary Film Festival. Archived from the original on September 29, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
  9. ^ "Andrea Iervolino on the Variety500 list of the most influential people in the world of media and entertainment". Nedeljnik. December 29, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  10. ^ Pro, Redazione Economia (May 8, 2019). "Ipo Iervolino Entertainment, su Aim Italia debutto in rialzo per la casa di produzione cinema e tv". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  11. ^ admin. "The shareholders' meeting approves the change of the company's name to Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment S.p.A. (ILBE S.p.A.)". Iervolino Bacardi Entertainmen Film Productions. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  12. ^ Mitchell, Wendy (September 9, 2013). "Italy's AMBI announces first two films". Screen. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  13. ^ "The Italian-Canadian who has Hollywood film geeks fuming". Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  14. ^ "Italy's AMBI Pictures Launches Canadian Distribution Arm". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  15. ^ "Andrea Iervolino, a mogul and a gentleman". Toronto Star. August 24, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  16. ^ "AMBI Group Launches Joint Venture Film Company in China". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  17. ^ McNary, Dave (September 4, 2015). "Toronto: Ambi Group Buys Exclusive Media Library". Variety. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  18. ^ "Christopher Nolan's 'Memento' to Get Remake". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  19. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (September 4, 2015). "Exclusive Media Group Library Sold To AMBI Group". Deadline. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  20. ^ "AMBI Group Buys Exclusive Media's Library: 'Donnie Darko,' 'Memento,' 'Cruel Intentions'". TheWrap. September 4, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  21. ^ Miller, Julie. "Martin Short Kicks Off Toronto Film Festival With Donald Trump Jabs, James Franco Zings". Vanities. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  22. ^ "Diana Ross Gives Rare Performance at TIFF-Eve Fundraiser". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  23. ^ Squires, Nick (May 5, 2017). "Pope Francis to appear in feature film for first time in Vatican history". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  24. ^ Alberge, Dalya (September 20, 2017). "Film starring Pope Francis as himself gets first screening at Vatican". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  25. ^ McNary, Dave (May 7, 2018). "Ambi Media Group Launching Blockchain Platform TaTaTu". Variety. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  26. ^ Ritman, Alex (May 14, 2018). "Cannes: Lamborghini Biopic to Be Co-Financed by Blockchain Platform (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  27. ^ Ritman, Alex (May 14, 2018). "Cryptocurrency Platform TaTaTu Strikes Deal for Film4, Lakeshore, Kew Media Library Titles (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  28. ^ Bailey, Alyssa (August 5, 2022). "Selena Gomez, Raquelle Stevens, and Ashley Cook Give an Intimate Look Inside Their 10-Year Friendship". ELLE. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  29. ^ "Giving back generation on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  30. ^ "Ciro Guerra's Waiting for the barbarians to premiere at Venice". www.efe.com. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  31. ^ Rosić, Branko (June 17, 2020). "Miloš Biković i Andrea Iervolino: Snalažljivost je kreativnost, a kreativnost je danas najtraženiji resurs". Nedeljnik. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  32. ^ Vivarelli, Nick (March 16, 2022). "'Puffins Impossible' Starring Johnny Depp to Play on Apple TV App, Amazon (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  33. ^ "Andrea Iervolino- Press Release". Italian Contemporary Film Festival. Archived from the original on September 29, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  34. ^ "ICFF Awards the Most Recognized Names in the Film Industry". Italian Contemporary Film Festival. Archived from the original on September 29, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
  35. ^ "AMBI Pictures' Andrea Iervolino Named President of Ischia Festival". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  36. ^ "Veteran Producer Launches Outer Space Production Company". The Hollywood Reporter. April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  37. ^ Panzarella, Nunzio (July 25, 2021). "Il cinema vola nello Spazio. Ecco il progetto di ILBE" [Cinema flies into space. Here is the ILBE project]. Formiche. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  38. ^ Shanfeld, Ethan (June 29, 2021). "'Galactic Combat' Enlists Thomas Loureiro as Showrunner (TV News Roundup)". Variety. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  39. ^ "Il cinema vola nello Spazio. Ecco il progetto di ILBE". Formiche.net (in Italian). July 25, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  40. ^ "Film Producer Andrea Iervolino Takes Stake In U.S. Soccer Club Miami FC". Deadline Hollywood. May 4, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  41. ^ Marich, Robert (December 2, 2015). "Dealmakers Impact Report 2015". Variety. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  42. ^ Variety Staff (October 19, 2016). "10 Producers to Watch 2016". Variety. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  43. ^ a b "Andrea Iervolino – Variety500 Profile". Variety. December 22, 2020. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  44. ^ Trocan, Sorin (October 26, 2017). "Andrea Iervolino, producător de film italian la Hollywood, Doctor Honoris Causa al Universității de Vest "Vasile Goldiș" din Arad". Arad 24 - Știri Conectate La Realitate. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  45. ^ a b "Cassino – Andrea Iervolino nominato Cavaliere della Repubblica". TG24.info (in Italian). June 30, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
  46. ^ "Awards". Italian Contemporary Film Festival. Archived from the original on July 11, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  47. ^ a b "James Franco awarded in Venice 73". The Cinema Show. September 7, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  48. ^ "Vote 2015 Finalist". Made in Italy Awards. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  49. ^ "Pompei Cinema Festival 2014". LUmagazine (in Italian). Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  50. ^ McNary, Dave (June 28, 2018). "Film News Roundup: Amy Adams' Thriller 'Woman in the Window' Set for 2019 Release". Variety. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  51. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (July 7, 2022). "Samuel Goldwyn Acquires 'Tell It Like A Woman' Whose All-Star Cast & Director Lineup Includes Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Cara Delevingne, Eva Longoria & Jacqueline Fernandez; Diane Warren & Sofia Carson Team For Original Song". Deadline. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  52. ^ Busch, Anita (February 1, 2017). "Open Road Films Acquires 'Arctic Justice: Thunder Squad' For 2018 Release". Deadline. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  53. ^ "First Look! John Travolta Is a Race Car Driver Romancing Shania Twain in Trading Paint". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  54. ^ McNary, Dave (August 15, 2017). "Shania Twain, Michael Madsen Join John Travolta's Racing Movie 'Trading Paint'". Variety. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  55. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (April 17, 2018). "'Blue Night' Clip: Sarah Jessica Parker Plays A Devastated Singer Wandering The Streets Of New York In Tribeca Drama". Deadline. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  56. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (March 23, 2017). "Sofia Vergara, Karl Urban, & Andy Garcia To Topline Bobby Moresco's 'Bent'". Deadline. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  57. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (February 1, 2016). "Pope Francis To Play Himself In Feature 'Beyond The Sun' For AMBI Pictures". Deadline. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  58. ^ "AMBI goes 'In Search Of Fellini'". Retrieved August 21, 2017.
  59. ^ McNary, Dave (November 10, 2016). "Antonio Banderas, Toby Sebastian to Star in Andrea Bocelli Movie". Variety. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
  60. ^ "Italy's AMBI Pictures Moves Into Animation With 'East End'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
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