We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valentina Martelli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Valentina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
You have to ‘grab the bull by the horns.’ This is the idiom that stuck with me when I came to the US 20 years ago. More than ‘Fake it till you make it’ or ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,’ this phrase resonated with me. They all relate to taking risks and navigating the journey that can lead to success or failure.
I have always taken risks in my personal and professional life because I’d rather have remorse than regrets. Of course, the outcome is what’s important, but it’s the journey to that outcome that makes you better, bigger, and stronger. Learning to accept failures is equally important on the path to future successes.
Valentina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born in the charming town of Italy, nestled near Venice. My journey in life took an interesting turn around the age of 8 when I made a bold decision – I wanted to be a journalist. Little did I know that this path would lead me through over three decades of remarkable experiences, with its fair share of challenges, especially in the early 90s when female news anchors were a rare sight in Italy. In fact, my career began as a sports journalist, where I proudly held the title of Italy’s first female basketball commentator in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
For more than two decades, I pursued my passion for journalism, transitioning from the thrilling world of sports to the frontlines of war correspondence. I moved then to Los Angeles and eventually ‘landed’ in the glitzy realm of entertainment news. However, as time went on, I felt the winds of change whispering a new direction for me, and in 2019, just before the world was gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to take the bull by the horns – as I said – and embark on a new adventure.
By then, it became clear that the traditional path of journalism was shifting, and the media industry was undergoing a rapid transformation. Streaming platforms and on-demand services were taking the entertainment world by storm, while the international production landscape was evolving in unprecedented ways. It was in this shifting landscape that I saw an opportunity to bring a diverse range of international content to Hollywood’s attention, and that’s when I launched ITTV International Forum. Remarkably, not even the pandemic could deter my determination, and, in fact, it strengthened my vision.”
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
“It might sound cliché, but my lifelong goal has always been to make my family proud. First and foremost, my dad and mom; then, my son and husband. I firmly believe that behind every strong woman, there is an incredible family, providing the support she needs along her journey. It’s not always an easy path. We often find ourselves questioning our abilities, wondering, ‘Am I good enough?’ ‘Can I manage it all?’ ‘Is my partner well-taken care of, and are my children fed?’ All of this while contemplating our career path or, quite simply, our job—whatever it may be.
I consider myself fortunate to have an amazing family standing behind me. Their unwavering support not only empowers me but also brings me immense happiness. Making them proud is not just a goal; it’s a source of motivation that keeps me going every day. Because, ultimately, their pride translates into my own sense of fulfillment and joy.”
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
Technological innovation has long been a driving force in the evolution of the entertainment industry. Whether it’s the domains of film and television, music, or gaming, technology’s impact is unmistakable. Across all facets of entertainment, there’s an inherent drive to embrace the latest technological advancements, from the adoption of digital cameras to leveraging the potential of the internet, all with the goal of achieving superior outcomes.
Now, it’s time to shift our focus to NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and the DCT (Direct to Consumer) approach. These innovative trends are reshaping the landscape, much like how Taylor Swift has redefined her relationship with her fans. You might have noticed what Taylor Swift is doing with her DTC approach.
NFTs hold the potential to revolutionize the protection of intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry. Whether it’s in the realms of film, art, or music, creative works are the lifeblood of this industry, and safeguarding them is paramount.
As we move forward, the role of the community is set to become even more influential than that of the traditional audience. This shift is propelling us toward a future where collaboration and interaction will be the driving forces behind the industry’s growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ittvfestival.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valmartelli/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentinamartelliLA/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentinamartelli/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ValentinaInLA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ittvfestivallosangeles2714/videos
Image Credits
ITTV International Forum