05/02/2010

In 2009 the number of films produced dropped, public funds for production plummeted, and while overall box office revenue rose 5% the market share of Italian films dropped 15% (see news on 2009 box office). The figures on Italian cinema were presented by ANICA .

After a peak in 2008, in 2009 the number of films produced went back to decreasing: 131 titles (including co-productions), with respect to 154 in 2008 and 121 in 2007. The 26 fewer 100% Italian films made in the year (from 123 to 97) were for the most part (20) very low-budget films with budgets of up to €1.5m, while the other six had higher budgets.

Private investments remained basically stable in 2009 (€258m versus €259 in 2008) but public investments in production plummeted nearly 50% (€38m), for a total of €296m. Thus, the drastic cuts to public investments (including co-productions), which already dropped over the last two years to 20%, in 2009 dropped even further to under 13%.

Twenty-six of the 100% 97 Italian films enjoyed state funds set aside the previous year, compared to 12 out of 34 co-productions. Average invest in Italian films was €941,000 each and €1.13m for co-productions.

Average overall investment in 100% Italian films rose from 2008, from €2.1 to €2.3m. The data on the only 44 films with budgets over €1.5m shows worrisome average costs in continuous growth: almost €4.5m with respect to the €4.3m in 2008 and €4.2m in 2007. Private investments in co-productions also rose, especially in minority co-productions, works for which public funding dropped by nearly 60%.

To download the ANICA report in PDF format, click here.

(Translated from Italian)