This year's MIPCOM marks a significant milestone for Formatbiz, as the platform celebrates its 15th anniversary. Founded in 2009 by Maria Chiara Duranti, a seasoned professional with a rich history in the world of television formats, Formatbiz has become a trusted resource in the global TV industry, supporting professionals with insights, news, and market trends.
Duranti's journey leading to Formatbiz's creation began with her extensive career at Mediaset, where she spent over a decade as the head of formats. During that time, she witnessed and contributed to the evolution of television, particularly from the year 2000 when reality TV exploded onto the global stage. The launch of “Big Brother” in Italy and its massive success worldwide was a pivotal moment. Alongside it, Duranti observed the rise of the survival reality format “Expedition Robinson,” which later became a global sensation as “Survivor” on CBS in the US. The birth of the iconic quiz show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” was another major event that shaped modern television.
However, Duranti’s journey into the international media scene began long before Formatbiz. Her career started at the newly launched Telecinco in Spain, founded by Silvio Berlusconi in 1991. This experience provided her with an invaluable international perspective. At Telecinco, Duranti worked on key co-productions such as “Bellezas al Agua,” “Bellezas a la Nieve,” and the prime-time show “Il Circo,” sharpening her skills in entertainment television.
Her professional growth continued in London, where she joined the Italian editorial team at Bloomberg Television, founded by Michael Bloomberg. As an anchor for the live daily news program, Duranti deepened her understanding of the audiovisual sector, gaining experience across the production of entertainment programs, editorial work, and live news presentation.
Upon returning to Italy, she worked within the entertainment division under the leadership of Fabrizio Battocchio, the current Head of Formats and Factual at Mediaset. This role allowed her to immerse herself in the world of formats and international television markets, laying the groundwork for what would become Formatbiz.