An international studio between tradition and innovation

Since 2007, Studio Bozzetto has been led by Pietro Pinetti as CEO and Andrea Bozzetto as Creative Director. The studio, one of the most experienced in Europe, consists of directors, animators, 2D/3D artists, illustrators, graphic designers and scriptwriters. It collaborates with brands and companies around the world, to realise original concepts and communication projects using unconventional solutions. Always balancing tradition and innovation, the production company will be 65 years old in 2025. CEO Pietro Pinetti talks about the many successes and partnerships.

What does it mean to you to make animation in Italy today? How does Studio Bozzetto manage to combine tradition and innovation?

Making animation in Italy today means combining a consolidated tradition of excellence and creativity, with a relentless drive towards innovation and internationalisation. Studio Bozzetto is the perfect embodiment of this balance. Carrying on the Bozzetto name requires a constant commitment to keeping alive the values of quality, originality and creativity that have always characterised our productions. 

At the same time, it is essential to adopt new technologies, explore new expressive languages and have a global vision, in order to compete effectively in international markets. We pride ourselves on creating content that not only respects our heritage, but also captivates a global audience with compelling stories and cutting-edge techniques.

Studio Bozzetto has always been able to create successes at an international level…

In addition to the international critical successes signed by Bruno Bozzetto, Studio Bozzetto is best known for producing the animated TV series Tip the Mouse, based on the best-selling children’s book series by Giunti Editore. The series, which debuted in 2014, has been aired in 160 countries around the world, including China: an astounding success for a 100% Made in Italy product. From here, Tip the Mouse has adapted to the change in media, becoming the protagonist, together with the children’s TV star Carolina Benvenga, of baby dances, a live-action film and the Raccontastorie series: Carolina and Tip the Mouse are a couple with millions and millions of views on YouTube.

We now have Season 1 in distribution and Season 2 in production for The Game Catchers, which we have launched in 2021.

The BBC’s acquisition of the series The Game Catchers is further proof of the company’s international relevance. What is the secret of your success on the international scene?

Our secret to success on the international scene is a combination of several factors. Firstly, we focus on the quality of our productions, making sure that every detail is taken care of. We also work closely with international partners to understand the specific needs of different markets and adapt our content accordingly. We develop universal stories that can appeal to a global audience, while respecting the cultural specifics of each country. This strategy has enabled us to gain international recognition and reach a wide audience. 

To be more competitive abroad, in 2017 you created ForFun Media…

With the will to promote the best Italian animation excellence in the world, we have created, together with Movimenti Production, ForFun Media, the first Italian network of animation production companies that includes, besides us, MoBo Digital Factory and DogHead Animation.

The synergy between our four companies allows us to take on bigger challenges, access new markets and offer our customers creative and innovative solutions. We firmly believe that working together and pooling our talents is the key to competing effectively and continuing to promote the excellence of Italian animation worldwide. 

We are curious to know what new projects you will be presenting at this year’s Annecy Festival. Could you give us a few hints?

We are looking forward to presenting a number of new projects that promise to continue the studio’s tradition of excellence. Go Go Cars (52×12′), designed for children aged 5 to 8, tells of non-motorised car races on downhill tracks with obstacles. Teams customise their cars for each race following themes set by the judges.

Then there is Lalla in the Garden, a preschool series (52×6′) that tells of the adventures of the fairy Lalla, in an enchanted world of forests and magical creatures.

Finally, Muffa & Goffo, aimed at children aged 4 to 8 (26×5′), features two monsters, Muffa and Goffo, who are trapped in a room and have to solve riddles and puzzles inspired by escape rooms and puzzle games. 

And what about the film Sapiens, produced by the Studio and directed by Bruno?

We’ve submitted it to numerous festivals, both generalist and animated, around the world, and now it’s up to the jury of each competition to decide… fingers crossed! 

What is Studio Bozzetto’s vision for the future?

Over the years, Studio Bozzetto has consolidated its international presence, becoming a benchmark for quality and innovation in the global panorama of animated entertainment. We are always looking for new projects and collaborations to broaden our horizons. Our mission is to keep alive the tradition of excellence that has marked our history from the very beginning, creating content that fascinates and inspires generations of viewers. Studio Bozzetto remains an example of how a passion for animation can be translated into creations that not only respect the past, but also look enthusiastically to the future.

Read the full article in the new issue of The European Animation Journal.