Cinecittà Studios Reports Profit Amid Hollywood Productions

Italy’s Cinecittà Studios has reported a significant turnaround, achieving an operating profit of €1.1 million ($1.2 million) for the fiscal year 2025. This marks a notable recovery from the previous fiscal year, during which the studios incurred losses of approximately $12 million. The resurgence in profitability coincides with the presence of major Hollywood productions on its backlot, including Mel Gibson's “The Resurrection of the Christ,” Antoine Fuqua’s untitled Netflix film starring Denzel Washington, and the live-action “Assassin’s Creed” series directed by Johan Renck. Filming for “Assassin’s Creed” commenced in March 2026 and is projected to continue for seven months.

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Cinecittà's CEO, Manuela Cacciamani, highlighted the studio's international commercial activities, stating, “A lot of recruitment work was done for the sale of the studios [to attract shoots] and therefore the second half of the year went very well.” The studio's turnover increased by €8.9 million ($10 million) to €30.5 million ($35 million), with EBITDA rising to €14 million ($16 million) from €7 million ($8 million).

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The financial recovery is part of a broader revitalization effort, supported by a €233 million ($268 million) loan from the European Union’s post-pandemic recovery fund. This six-year plan, initiated in 2021, aims to enhance Cinecittà's infrastructure and production capabilities. By June 2026, the studio is expected to complete its upgrades, which will include 25 state-of-the-art sound stages and 10 hectares (25 acres) of backlot space.

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Cinecittà's restoration also includes the reactivation of its water tank, which had been non-operational for the past decade. Once fully operational, the studio anticipates a 60% increase in production capacity compared to pre-revamp levels.

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Cinecittà's appeal to international filmmakers is bolstered by Italy's 40% tax rebate for film and television productions, which allows for cash back during production. Cacciamani noted that this incentive, along with the high-quality artisans and crews available at Cinecittà and its advanced sound stages—including one of the world’s largest LED walls—are key factors driving international projects to the studio.

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Additionally, Cinecittà has enhanced its post-production facilities, which have attracted projects even from films not shot on-site, such as Tim Burton’s Netflix series “Wednesday” and Luca Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt.”

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Cacciamani emphasized the importance of the studio's upgrades and incentives, stating, “It’s one of the three reasons for which international productions choose us.” The ongoing improvements and financial recovery position Cinecittà as a competitive player in the global film industry.

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While Cinecittà's revival is generally viewed positively, some critics argue that the reliance on international productions may overshadow local Italian filmmaking. Concerns have been raised about whether the focus on attracting Hollywood projects could divert resources and attention from domestic talent and stories.

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As Cinecittà continues its transformation, the completion of its revamp in June 2026 will be a pivotal moment for the studio, potentially solidifying its status as a premier destination for both international and local film productions.

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