Disney Italy Names Sonia Rovai as Head of Original Production
Sonia Rovai, previously CEO of Fremantle-owned Wildside, has been appointed vice president of original production at Disney's Italian unit. She will report to Angela Jain, head of content for Disney+ EMEA. Rovai's tenure at Wildside included producing 'My Brilliant Friend' and Netflix's 'The Monster of Florence'.
Rovai's move to Disney follows a leadership stint at Wildside, where she oversaw acclaimed productions including the adaptation of Elena Ferrante's novels and a true-crime series for a major streaming competitor. Her background spans both Italian television and international co-productions, giving her experience with projects that travel across borders.
At Disney, Rovai will work under Angela Jain, who directs content strategy for Disney+ across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The appointment places an executive with a strong track record in prestige drama at the helm of Disney's Italian original slate, as the company continues expanding its local-language offerings for the streaming market.
This appointment could signal Disney's intent to elevate its Italian original programming, potentially competing more directly with local broadcasters and other streaming platforms. Rovai's reputation for high-quality drama may attract established talent and projects to Disney+, which could shift where Italian audiences discover premium series. The move may also influence career trajectories for Italian producers and writers, as a major global player strengthens its commitment to the country's creative sector.