By Nick Butler

Filmmaster events have opened a London office ©FilmmasterFilmmaster Events, the Italian company in charge of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies, have opened a London office to enhance their global scope. 

The company, founded in 1976, are opening a permanent branch in Covent Garden in order to continue their drive to become an international leader in the event industry.

It will accompany other offices in Milan, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Dubai and Rio de Janeiro.

"The new opening in London is not our final objective: it is a step forward in the process of internationalisation," said the company's chief executive Antonio Abete.

"The recent partnership with IEN-Italian Entertainment Network group gives us more reasons to export Made in Italy and Filmmaster expertise in Europe and throughout the world.

"We expanded our business areas in 2014 and, thanks to the know-how acquired in almost 40 years of experience, we produced our first permanent show dedicated to the cinema industry.

"We are already working on new projects and will be key players of major events over the next few years."

Filmmaster were behind the Rio 2016 handover segment in the London 2012 Closing Ceremony ©FilmmasterFilmmaster were behind the Rio 2016 handover segment in the London 2012 Closing Ceremony ©Filmmaster



In Rio de Janeiro, Filmmaster will be responsible for organising both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as the Torch Relay and 306 Olympic and 526 Paralympic medal ceremonies.

They are also the official supplier and provider for Expo Milano 2015.

They were previously involved in the ceremonies at the Turin 2006 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, a role for which they were widely praised.

The company does have some experience on British soil, having been involved in the Rio 2016 Handover segment in the Closing Ceremony at London 2012. 

"The London branch will have a strategic role and will become our bridge between East and West," said Andrea Francisi, Filmmaster's chief operation officer.

"It will be a privileged observatory from which will follow all our major international events.

"It will allow us to stay closer to our clients and to be able to be more prompt and efficient in answering our partners' demands."

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