Located in the vibrant town of Cologno Monzese, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling heart of Milan, the Mediaset production center in Cologno Monzese (known locally as Centro di produzione Mediaset di Cologno Monzese) stands as a beacon of Italian media production. This sprawling complex is not just a hub for television production but a landmark that encapsulates the evolution of Italian broadcasting and entertainment.
The story of the Mediaset production center in Cologno Monzese begins in the 1960s with the ambitious project of Cinelandia. The vision was to create a grand production center for the burgeoning television and film industry, capitalizing on the post-war economic boom. This initiative was spearheaded by Icet-De Paolis, a collaboration between the Icet Studios of Francesco Corti and the Roman producer De Paolis, supported by the dubbing company Fono Roma and the animation studio Gavioli.
The aim was clear: to rival the historic Cinecittà in Rome by establishing a premier production hub at the gates of Milan. The area in Viale Europa, Cologno Monzese, soon became the new home for the Icet-De Paolis group's sound stages, dubbing studios, and animation theaters. This site quickly became a magnet for the first private Italian TV stations like Telelombardia and Telealtomilanese, which were among the earliest clients of Cinelandia.
In 1982, the entire Icet-De Paolis area was acquired by Silvio Berlusconi, who transformed it into the cornerstone of Fininvest's production capabilities. This acquisition included the national network Italia 1. By 1993, all television activities were consolidated under the newly formed Mediaset, leading to the large-scale construction of new studios and facilities to meet modern production needs. The iconic transmission tower, a symbol of Mediaset, was also erected during this period.
As you step into the Mediaset production center in Cologno Monzese, you are greeted by a bustling hive of activity. The complex at Viale Europa 44/46/48 houses the headquarters of Mediaset and the Italian branch of MFE. The building at number 44 is where most of the production and editorial teams for RTI programs are based. Number 46 hosts the Legal Affairs and Investor Relations departments, while the top management and press area are located at number 48.
One of the unique features of this center is the Mediacenter at number 46, dedicated to the well-being of its employees. Here, you can find a gym, a para-pharmacy, a Mondadori bookstore, a post office, a grocery store, a medical clinic staffed by specialists from San Raffaele, a bank branch of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, and a daycare center for employees' children. This holistic approach to employee welfare is a testament to Mediaset's commitment to its workforce.
The Mediaset production center in Cologno Monzese is the nerve center for the broadcast of Canale 5, Italia 1, and Rete 4. The super control room here ensures the smooth transmission of all programs on these three major networks. Meanwhile, the thematic channels like 20, Iris, La5, Cine34, and others are managed from the Technology Operative Center in Segrate.
The studios themselves are a marvel of modern television production. Studios 4, 5, 6, and 7, known as the twin studios, are identical in size, each covering 500 square meters. Studio 4 is equipped with greenback technology and is often used when multiple programs need to be aired simultaneously. Studio 15, created by dividing Studio 14, is another notable space, having hosted the inaugural broadcast of Top of the Pops on Italia 1.
Over the years, the Mediaset production center in Cologno Monzese has been the birthplace of numerous iconic Italian TV shows. From quiz shows like Superflash and La ruota della fortuna to beloved sitcoms like Casa Vianello, the center has produced content that has become an integral part of Italian pop culture.
Current productions for the 2024/2025 television season include popular shows like X-Style in Studio 4, Fuori dal coro and Dritto e rovescio in Studio 5, and the ever-popular Striscia la notizia in Studio 14. Studio 15 is a hub of activity with programs like Mattino Cinque News, TG4, and Sport Mediaset.
The Mediaset production center in Cologno Monzese is more than just a collection of studios and offices; it is a symbol of innovation and creativity in the Italian media landscape. Its rich history, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to quality production make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the world of television and broadcasting.
Whether you are a media enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the inner workings of a major television network, a visit to the Mediaset production center in Cologno Monzese offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Italian entertainment. So, the next time you find yourself in Milan, take a short trip to Cologno Monzese and discover the magic behind the scenes at one of Italy's premier production centers.
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