Warner Bros. International Television Appoints Team For Italy Unit

Warner Bros. International Television Production has appointed the senior management team that will lead the recently launched local production operation in Italy that is its latest label in Europe.

Following the launch in February of the Milan-based WBITVP Italy unit – which is headed by Stefano Torrisi, who also heads up its production unit in Spain – WBITVP will now see former Banijay Italia exec Pierangelo Marano joining as head of entertainment, taking creative and strategic lead on non-scripted programming. 

Also joining WBITVP Italy from Banijay Italia is Max Giammarrusti who will be head of production, in charge of all operational aspects of non-scripted production, from budgeting and compliance to delivery and staffing.

Rounding out the appointments, Nicolás de las Peñas will now expand his current role as business director for WBITVP Spain and Portugal to also oversee finance and operations for the new Italian label.

The new unit’s first production is the upcoming season of “Primo Appuntamento,” the Italian version of the hit U.K. format “First Dates” for Italy’s Discovery Real Time channel.

“Since announcing our plans for a local production unit in Italy earlier this year, we’ve been focused on building the strongest possible team around Stefano to lead it,” said WBITVP president Ronald Goes in a statement. “Max and Pierangelo bring sharp insight, a deep understanding of the Italian market inside and out, and impressive international credentials,” he added, noting: “I’m equally delighted that Nicolás will join them, having agreed to take on this expanded role, so the team can draw on his extensive operational experience and working knowledge of the group.”

Founded in 2009, Warner Bros International Television Production produces local scripted and non-scripted programming through its network of local production operations comprising 22 production businesses in 15 territories: the U.K., Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and also in Australia and New Zealand.