The Walt Disney Company has appointed Sonia Rovai to serve as vice president of original production for its Italian operations. Rovai will be responsible for overseeing scripted and unscripted local original productions, along with production management and business affairs duties. She will report to Angela Jain, head of content for Disney+ EMEA.
Rovai brings extensive experience in European television production. Since 2024, she has served as CEO of Wildside, a Rome-based production company owned by Fremantle that has produced notable series including “My Brilliant Friend” and Netflix’s “The Monster of Florence.” Prior to that role, she spent eight years leading Sky Italia’s original series department, a division of Comcast, where she oversaw the development of more than 80 original productions. Her track record includes acclaimed international series such as “Gomorrah,” “The Young Pope,” and “ZeroZeroZero.”
Disney+ has greenlit several Italian productions as part of its strategy to expand original content in international markets. Among the upcoming projects is “Murder on Lake Garda,” a series adaptation based on Tom Hindle’s Sunday Times bestselling book. The project will be directed by Laura Bispuri, known for films including “Sworn Virgin” and “Daughter of Mine,” though cast information has not yet been disclosed.
Jain commented on the appointment in a statement, noting that Italy represents a significant market for the streaming service. She indicated that the company aims to develop local content that combines cultural authenticity with global appeal. The hiring reflects broader strategic goals outlined by Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, who recently stated the company plans to substantially increase its slate of local original series across Disney+ over the coming three years to attract new international subscribers and reduce customer turnover.
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