Luca Bernabei Exits Lux Vide as Fremantle Expands Its Ownership to 100%
Luca Bernabei, the long-time leader of Lux Vide, is stepping down from the company he joined over 30 years ago. Fremantle has increased its ownership stake in Lux Vide from 70% to a full 100%. Bernabei, whose father, Ettore Bernabei, co-founded Lux Vide in 1992, began his career with the company in 1994 as an associate producer, eventually rising to the position of CEO in 2013.
Matilde Bernabei, Luca’s sister and co-founder of the company, will continue to serve on the board and assume the role of President of Lux Vide. Under Luca’s leadership, Lux Vide achieved remarkable milestones, becoming the first Italian company to receive an Emmy Award for its production of Joseph from The Bible Collection. The company also garnered Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for the critically acclaimed co-production Coco Chanel.
Among Lux Vide’s notable projects are prestigious titles such as Netflix’s Medici, featuring stars like Dustin Hoffman, Richard Madden, and Sean Bean; Prime Video’s Leonardo, starring Aidan Turner; and the gripping financial thriller Devils, with Patrick Dempsey.
Luca Bernabei’s departure coincides with Fremantle’s acquisition of full ownership of Lux Vide. In 2022, Fremantle initially took a 70% stake while the Bernabei family retained 30%. The new board of Lux Vide will include key figures such as Valerio Fiorespino (COO and interim CEO of Fremantle Italy Group), Elena Bucaccio (Head of Drama), Corrado Trionfera (Head of Production), and others.
Matilde Bernabei expressed her enthusiasm for the new management team, stating, “We are excited to introduce our new management team, comprised of highly experienced professionals and recognized leaders. I look forward to collaborating with them to take Lux Vide to new heights, leveraging our strong partnership with Fremantle. Their unwavering support has been pivotal, allowing us to produce international hits like Hotel Costiera and Sandokan.”
Luca Bernabei is not the only leader to exit a Fremantle-backed production company this week. Gaspard de Chavagnac, co-founder and CEO of Asacha Media Group, also announced his departure as Fremantle completed the integration of Asacha, known for producing Death in Paradise.
This transition marks a significant moment for Lux Vide as it continues to evolve under new leadership while maintaining its commitment to high-quality productions in collaboration with Fremantle.
