When you think of the great producers of animated cartoons, the first countries that come to mind are Japan and the United States. Yet few people know that one of the leading players in this sector in Europe is Italian, based in Rome. Mondo TV, with its successful productions such as Lupo Alberto, Nel nome di Gesù and Angel’s Friends, is Europe’s second largest producer in terms of title numbers. We spoke with Matteo Corradi, board member of the Roman company.

Growth in turnover and an export share of over 50%: what is the key to Mondo TV’s success?

There are three keys to our group’s success: our long experience of over thirty years in the animation sector, an established global distribution network and continuous research into new products for the international children’s entertainment market.

Which foreign markets do you prefer?

The world has always been our reference market: in some areas we are stronger, while in others we notice some very interesting opportunities. Apart from Italy, where we have always had a strong presence, Mondo TV is also one of the most dynamic realities in markets such as Asia and the Middle East, where it has successful marketing strategies.

Which of the markets that are still unexplored do you find interesting?

Without doubt, the United States, India and China.

Mondo TV is involved in the production and distribution of children’s cartoons and TV products: which of these two sectors will be decisive for the group’s future?

We began to import the top Japanese cartoons more than thirty years ago and we then gradually expanded our business to include production. Today we cover both segments and they will continue to be decisive for our future.

The key to our success, now as always, is quality, which does not necessarily boil down to costs and therefore market prices. We are focusing on series and full-length feature films with high quality standards and a view towards licensing, i.e. the possibility of further earnings from the rights. Our two latest productions (Angel’s Friends and Cuccioli cerca Amici) are moving in this direction.

Regarding production, what leads a foreign network to choose a cartoon made by Mondo TV?

The market acknowledges us for three fundamental qualities: our production rate, our quality and the great care we take over each stage of production and, not least, costs that are below the market average.

What distinguishes Mondo TV from other international competitors?

The extent of our library, with already 1,500 of our own episodes and another 1,000 acquired from third parties, is one of Mondo TV’s most distinguishing features. Furthermore, being both producers and distributors provides us with synergies and therefore undeniable advantages for our customers. Lastly, but perhaps this is our main quality, our experience: thirty years of activity in the sector enables us to interpret the signs and use them to chart our course for future development.