In an exclusive interview with Matteo Mariotti, Founder and CEO of Italy’s leading production agency, MM Productions, we delve deep into the success story of his dynamic business.
MM Productions was founded 19 years ago, paving its way up in the production industry and expanding its services across all of Italy. Today, the agency provides full production services for any project across Italy, ranging from pre- to post-production, and boasts cutting-edge filming equipment, offering onset technical support.
Can you share the story behind MM Productions and its evolution in the photo and film production industry in Italy?
MM Productions was born from a deep passion for photography and cinema. Growing up in Rome, I was inspired by the legacy of the Dolce Vita — the Italian style in various fields as architecture, design, fashion, and luxury casual. The vintage mood is attractive such as old-timer cars as Fiat 500s, Vespas weaving through cobbled streets, stopping to eat a “gelato” or a plate of spaghetti in a nice osteria, or having a look at the iconic works of Fellini, and the magic of Cinecittà. This rich cultural backdrop planted the seeds for what MM Productions is today.
Italy’s stunning locations, from historic cities to breathtaking coastlines, offer endless possibilities for visual storytelling. Our mission is to bring these backdrops to life for international clients, providing seamless 360-degree production services: location scouting, permit management, equipment rental, and assembling top-tier crews.
Over the years, we’ve evolved by embracing new technologies and trends while staying true to our roots — a love for Italian culture and the art of storytelling. This has allowed us to collaborate with leading luxury and fashion brands from all over the world, delivering productions that capture the essence of “la bella Italia.”.
With your main office in Rome and subsidiaries across Italy, how does this network enhance your service quality?
Having our main office in Rome and subsidiaries across Italy allows us to offer flexible, efficient, and top-quality service, no matter the location. Our Rome headquarters is equipped with cutting-edge gear for both photo and video productions — we have everything needed to handle any challenge because our motto is: “Solve the problem.” We’re operational 24/7, understanding the stress and unpredictability that come with production.
In the age of social media, speed and immediacy are essential. Our network of external professionals and collaborators spread across the country ensures rapid response times and full territorial coverage. Whether in Venice, Puglia, Cortina, the Amalfi Coast, Milan, or Florence. We manage permits, location scouting, and logistics efficiently.
We also take pride in offering unique and lesser-known locations, unveiling hidden gems that are as stunning as Italy’s iconic spots. This local expertise guarantees a seamless experience, tailored to every client’s needs.
How does MM Productions manage to produce high-quality photo and film projects throughout Italy, from Venice to Puglia?
At MM Productions, delivering high-quality productions throughout Italy requires experience, organization, and a reliable network. With over twenty years in the industry, we anticipate challenges and provide effective solutions. Our 360-degree service covers all phases of production, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Our extensive network of professionals—including photographers, DOPs, directors, and assistants—allows us to operate seamlessly from Venice to Puglia and beyond. Our subsidiaries and collaborators across the country also give us the flexibility to respond quickly and efficiently, even to last-minute needs.
We are committed to using the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment, available at our Rome headquarters, to ensure top-tier results. This combination of expertise, resources, and passion allows us to transform creative visions into stunning productions, no matter the region.
Could you highlight any particularly memorable projects that showcase your ability to work seamlessly across different regions?
Several projects stand out as examples of our adaptability and dedication. One of the most memorable was a Belgian reality show in which we managed the GPS mapping and production for the Cammino di San Francesco, from Assisi to Rome. The actor trekked through forests over eight stages, and the project culminated with us entering the Vatican on horseback—a challenging yet rewarding experience.
We’ve also produced stunning shoots in the Dolomites for a German clothing brand, where we scouted locations using snowcats and skis, showcasing our expertise in handling snowy conditions.
Another remarkable production took place on the Amalfi Coast with superstar photographer David Sims and top model Daria Werbowy for a Vogue Paris cover shoot. The scenery evoked the timeless charm of the 1960s.
A recent production for KIA comes to mind also, for which we completed a 15-day shoot, capturing their cars along Italy’s most scenic routes, from the Alps to southern Italy. These experiences reflect our ability to excel in any location, no matter how challenging.
What role do your subsidiaries, like MM Studio Roma and Equipment Rome, play in ensuring flexible and precise service delivery?
Our subsidiaries, MM Studio Roma and Equipment Rome are crucial for delivering efficient and high-quality production services. MM Studio Roma serves as a versatile workspace for shoots and post-production, providing a central hub in the heart of Rome for our clients. It allows us to accommodate different types of productions — from fashion campaigns to corporate shoots — in a professional and well-equipped environment.
Equipment Rome ensures that Clients have access to the latest and most reliable photographic and video equipment, including professional cameras, Profoto flashes, Arri, Manfrotto, Avenger, Magliner I-work, California Sunbounce, Hionda generators, and a wide range of accessories. Our gear is meticulously maintained and ready for immediate use. We also offer delivery services across Italy and provide skilled professionals to assist with the equipment on set.
These subsidiaries give us the flexibility to meet last-minute requests, adapt to the dynamic needs of production, and maintain the precision and quality our clients expect, no matter where they are in Italy.
How do you adapt your approach for diverse clients, ranging from luxury brands to film productions?
At MM Productions, we work almost exclusively with international clients who choose Italy as their production destination. Our team speaks fluent English to ensure smooth communication and collaboration. Our Rome headquarters serves as a reliable base for all types of productions, whether it’s a large-scale fashion campaign or a smaller social media project.
We specialize in photo and video productions, including aerial drone footage, providing Clients with a comprehensive range of services. We respect each client’s budget and vision, treating every project — big or small — with the same dedication and enthusiasm.
While we’re proud to collaborate with renowned brands like Bulgari, Gucci, and Valentino, we are always open to new partnerships and committed to making every client feel valued. Our focus is on delivering tailor-made solutions that meet the unique needs of each production, ensuring exceptional results without intimidating new collaborators.
What trends have you observed in the photo and video production industry during your years of experience?
Over the years, we’ve noticed several key trends shaping the photo and video production industry. The rise of social media & live streaming has significantly increased the demand for fast, high-quality content at low cost, pushing productions to be more dynamic and immediate. Brands now require shorter, impactful videos and photos for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, often with behind-the-scenes and real-time streaming elements.
Another major trend is the increasing use of drones for aerial shots, adding cinematic quality and new perspectives to productions. Clients also seek more unique and lesser-known locations to make their content stand out, which aligns with our passion for discovering hidden gems across Italy.
Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices in production, especially in the fashion industry. Finally, advancements in technology and equipment — such as the latest cameras, lighting systems, and post-production tools — require us to stay constantly updated to meet our clients' evolving expectations.
How does your focus on collaboration with top-tier equipment and professionals set you apart in the Italian market?
At MM Productions, our commitment to working with the best equipment and top-tier professionals is a key factor that distinguishes us in the Italian market. We invest in the latest technology and equipment, including professional cameras, Profoto flashes, and advanced drone systems starting from the DJI brand, ensuring our clients have access to the tools needed for high-end productions.
We collaborate with some of the world’s most renowned photographers, directors, DOPs, and creative professionals. These partnerships allow us to deliver results that meet international standards. Our team’s experience, flexibility, and problem-solving skills ensure that each production runs smoothly, regardless of its complexity or location.
Additionally, our 360-degree service — covering everything from location scouting to permits and logistics — gives clients peace of mind, knowing that their project is in expert hands. This dedication to quality, combined with a deep passion for what we do, makes MM Productions a trusted choice for international clients producing in Italy.
With such a vast client list, how do you maintain personalized relationships and deliver tailored solutions?
At MM Productions, maintaining personalized relationships is central to everything we do. As Italians, we pride ourselves on being welcoming, friendly, and approachable. With each Client, we build a relationship that is not only professional and honest but also warm and convivial. We believe that great productions are a team effort and a good atmosphere on set leads to the best results.
We take the time to understand each client’s vision, needs, and budget, ensuring we provide tailor-made solutions. Whether it’s a large luxury campaign or a smaller social media shoot, we give every project the same care and attention. Our team is flexible, reliable, and always available to handle last-minute requests and solve problems efficiently.
At the end of each production, we love to celebrate success together with some delicious pasta and wine, sharing a moment of joy and connection. This blend of professionalism and hospitality keeps our clients returning and makes every collaboration memorable.
If a filmmaker or brand were new to working with you, what should they expect in terms of service and experience?
New clients working with MM Productions can expect a professional, flexible, and enjoyable experience. We offer full-service support, including location scouting, permits, equipment rental, art buying, and crew coordination. If clients want everything done by the book, we handle the necessary permits, keeping in mind that in Italy, this process typically takes 15 working days or more.
However, if an independent filmmaker prefers a “guerrilla style” approach, we’re ready to assist and tackle the challenge. We love finding creative solutions and are always open to new working methods. Our team thrives on problem-solving and is committed to completing every project successfully — no matter the constraints.
Clients can count on our positive, optimistic attitude and genuine Italian hospitality throughout the process. We handle challenges with a smile and are driven by the passion to deliver outstanding results, making every production, big or small, a memorable and successful experience.
In his concluding statement, Matteo Mariotti asserted that along with his team: "We make the impossible, possible! Just think of the best production, and we’ll take care of the rest!”.
We thank MM Productions for their time and insight! You can see more of their work on their Production Paradise member page and website.
