RomeFictionFest fetes Jim Belushi

ROME -- Jim Belushi will probably be feted with the RomeFictionFest, where a slew of U.S. shows might have their worldwide preems, including ABC's "Not such a long time ago," "Revenge" which is "Charlie's Angels" reboot, Sony's "Pan Am" and Fox's "Terra Nova." Belushi, who'll obtain the fest's lifetime achievement award, holds one of several high-profile masterclasses. Producers Grant Scharbo and Gina Matthews holds another masterclass in Rome concerning the building of ABC's "Mission," despite the fact that show -- of a mother and former CIA agent fighting in order to save her boy, kidnapped in Italia -- will not be screening. And producer Tom Fontana will probably be speaking in regards to the challenge of making his period drama "Borgia." The big-budget European co-push, commissioned by Gaul's Canal Plus, will rather screen in case dedicated to scripted TV content. The fifth edition in the recently reconfigured Rome shindig, organized by Italy's TV producers' association APT, runs Sept. 25-30. Cost-cutting measures forced topper Steve Della Casa to scale it reduced scope, eliminating best sections. Italian shows are, obviously, a effective component with preems made up of Mediaset's neo-medieval thriller "Viso D'angelo," RAI's "Tutti Pazzi Per Amore 3" together with a preview of Sky Italia's TV movie "Not Natale per Due." Tribute will probably be paid out to Chilean helmer Raul Ruiz, who died in August, with tests of his masterpiece "The Mysteries of Lisbon," produced by Paulo Branco. Former Granada USA and also the new the new sony TV Europe production topper Antony Root remains accountable for fest's budding industry side. Expected professionals include Philipp Kreuzer, Bavaria Films production topper, Ben Jesse, professional producer worldwide drama at BBC Worldwide, Barbara Stein, controlling director of three Arts Entertainment, and producer Anne Thomopoulos of Trio Lunch. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com