Antonio Bello, Film Producer, Poulpoïd Production

In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Antonio Bello, Film Producer at Poulpoïd Production in Geneva (CH). USI Degree: Master in Media Management, 2022.

How did you start your career?

My career truly began when I entered the film industry through my master's internship at the Ticino Film Commission, where I encountered numerous film producers and forged essential industry connections. This led me to Central Productions, where Sara Bühring believed in my potential and gave me the opportunity to prove myself on set. I was immediately launched into the field as a production assistant on the first Amazon series episode shot in Lugano "Citadel: Diana", followed by the RSI telefilm Il Vicino Tranquillo. Central Productions subsequently hired me, and there I experienced the full spectrum of production work: from on-set operations to desk management, evolving from assistant to junior producer, and eventually handling production management for short films. This practical experience in the fields of film, television, and advertising has provided me with the comprehensive foundation necessary to understand both the creative and logistical demands of professional audiovisual production.

What inspired you to found Poulpoïd Production?

I had founded Poulpoïd Production in 2018 before my master's degree, creating communication videos for associations at UNIGE, but my master's studies and internship taught me that without industry contacts and field experience, it was extremely difficult to make the company viable and establish myself as a producer. This led me to join Central Productions to build the expertise, network, and credibility the industry demands. While this experience enriched my technical skills immensely, I felt increasingly distant from my initial ambitions, and after gaining solid professional experience, I chose to return to Poulpoïd Production with the tools and credibility to reposition it as a credible player in audiovisual production.

What is your current role/duties?

I am primarily a film producer and I sporadically work as a production assistant on larger productions, where I support production managers or line producers. My main role is to find and develop projects, working closely with writers and directors from the scriptwriting stage, creating comprehensive dossiers to secure funding, and overseeing the entire production process through to the final product. I also produce other audiovisual content, including podcasts and corporate communication videos, handling the entire creative process: developing the creative brief, filming, editing, and assembling the necessary crew. This dual focus allows me to balance ambitious film projects with client-oriented work that keeps the company sustainable while maintaining creativity and storytelling at the center, continuously putting my diverse skills to work.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at Poulpoïd Production?

Success in audiovisual production requires passion for storytelling, adaptability, and practical experience. You need versatility to move between creative and logistical roles, from script development to on-set problem-solving. Strong interpersonal skills are crucial since this industry is built on relationships and trust, and a good understanding of the industry, its actors, and mechanisms is essential. Resilience and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining quality are particularly important on set. Theoretical knowledge matters, but field experience is at the center as the industry respects those who've proven themselves and understand production realities. It's all about continuously learning and staying creative with every project, as each one is unique with its own challenges and requirements.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

The Master in Media Management complemented my economics and management background well, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the media industry's mechanics and the market dynamics surrounding it. The most valuable aspect was the interdisciplinary framework, spanning from economics, management, and strategy to marketing, history, sociology, and communication, broadening our vision on media landscape and digitalization. The strong focus on group projects in most courses put theory into practice while teaching how to manage deadlines and tasks collaboratively.

What competences and skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

The strategic thinking I developed at USI has been invaluable in understanding client needs beyond surface requests, but also stakeholders and the various audience interests. The programme taught me to analyze market dynamics under many lenses, which helps in developing effective communication strategies and in choosing to develop and defend project stakes effectively. It gave me the conceptual tools to turn artistic ideas into projects that can actually get made and funded, bringing artistic ambition to commercial viability. This ability to balance creative approaches with strong strategic thinking in a constantly evolving media landscape became foundational to how I approach production today.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

Connect with people and don't be afraid to express what you want. Identifying key people who can facilitate your entry into your desired sector is essential and will open many doors for you. Stay curious and never stop learning, because the world is constantly changing, but never forget to take action.