This article by Canvas Rebel was originally published here on 3/14/2024:
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-alexia-melocchi/
Hi Alexia, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
After many years as a successful international sales agent for American films, and having sold over 50 movies to profit on behalf of indie producers, while attending all the major film festivals around the world, I found there were not enough champions and mentors of international artists and storytellers. Most of the great international filmmakers, authors, producers and writers, usually do not get a change at a Holllywood career unless they have had critical acclaim and box office success of their latest film. With a global view of the process of filmmaking from idea to execution, and a fluency in six languages, it was natural for me to have this impetuts to rebrand my Company in a manner that would act like a bridge between Hollywood and the rest of the world and vice versa. Once the idea became a certainty of direction, an action plan needed to be put into effect. One of its first priorities was to find great stories, no matter their origin, and help the creators (provided they have the talent and drive) to execute them into a solid presesentation and business plan The other thing I needed to work on is to chance the perception of all my high end Industry relationships to no longer see me just as someone who sold movies but as a bona fide producer who has a knack for picking great stories and can lead the filmmakers to make their films a reality. I had to start small, It was exhilarating though as when I started my sales agency (back in the 90s’) I had no funding. But I believed in myself and my ability to convince others to say YES . This was a redo of a past success modified for a place of discovery of talent and being able to control the way a story is told from inception to distribution.
Alexia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Little Studio Films, the company I own with my mother and business partner, focuses on distribution consulting, production, project packaging of films, book and television shows while creating artistic synergies worldwide. With a global approach, we guide, mentor, develop, champion and eventually produce storytellers and compelling film and television content that is meant to inspire, uplift and entertain. People and Companies come to us when they have knocked on all the wrong doors, do not understand why they are not getting traction on their artistic endeavors or just want to widen their impact and horizons for an international audience. We pride ourselvesof being super connectors and having a no nonsense approach to getting attention and recognition in Holliywood and beyond while demonstrating high integrity and transparency. As we have observed that success in film and television is a combination of business, mindset and creativity, we also consult production companies and artists worlwide on brand identity, vision and strategy, providing clarity of actions and presentation of the film or television project, at whatever stage it is in.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
During the Pandemic, Hollywood shut down. I am a firm believer that artists and creatives set the stage for what society can become, or how we as humans can learn from one another and evolve. I wanted to make sure all the creatives that I knew and came my way, would continue to lay the groundwork for impactful film and television shows. As there was nothing happening workwise, I launched a podcast, THE HEART OF SHOW BUSINESS, that was made available on spotify, applepodcasts to begin with, where I shared my knowledge and advice on how Holllywood truly works and I also brought on guests, established filmmakers, actors, writers, producers and so on to talk about their journey, giving the listeners advice and tips for creating a lasting career in the Entertainment Industry. This podcast was self funded, and to this date, I make no money off of it but at nearly 90 episodes, there is no reason to stop. This pivot brought me much joy and new clients who understood better what I brought to the table if one wanted to hire me to produce or sell their work or even coach them.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Hollywood can be brutal and there is a lot of people doing whatever it takes to get ahead, using any mean from lying, to cheating, to using others, to backstabbing, I have had my share of disappointments but my mother always told me to always be kind and never forget my character and values. I pride myself of having integrity, patience and compassion for anyone that crosses my path. And I have delivered on my promises, no matter how long the process took. My clients have worked with me at times for decades, because they know I am as real as it gets and I always go out to bat for them and their stories and demand excellence of them and myself.
