A Journey Through Creativity with Paolo Odierna: Film Production, Visionarium, Nexxt Star, and the Centrality of Music

Paolo Odierna, an internationally renowned producer and entrepreneur, embodies a multidisciplinary vision that blends art, economics, and culture. A multifaceted figure in the contemporary landscape, he is known for his commitment to promoting Italian talent and creating innovative projects that span film, music, and cultural entrepreneurship. In this interview, Odierna offers a glimpse of his strategic vision and his ability to merge aesthetics with planning, focusing particularly on his latest projects: Visionarium Concept Store and Nexxt Star.

Interviewer: Paolo, thank you for being with us. Let’s start with your experience in film production, a field that requires a mix of creative vision and organizational skills. How did you begin this journey?

Paolo Odierna: Thank you for having me. My introduction to the film industry happened through

the lens of production, an area I consider the true engine of the film industry. Production isn’t just a managerial role: it’s the central hub where creativity and pragmatism intersect. I’ve always been fascinated by the ability to transform an embryonic narrative into a finished work, orchestrating diverse talents. For me, producing means ensuring that human, technical, and financial resources are aligned to bring an artistic work to life that resonates both intellectually and emotionally with the audience.

Interviewer: What criteria do you use when selecting projects to produce?

Paolo Odierna: I gravitate toward projects with deep meaning that can convey a universal message while remaining rooted in the particular. I prefer stories that explore themes like resilience, identity, or social and cultural transformation, all while maintaining an aesthetic language that stands out for its elegance and depth. In every project, I aim to ensure consistency between the initial concept and the final execution, with particular attention to narrative innovation and economic sustainability.

Interviewer: Let’s talk now about Visionarium Concept Store, a project that many have described as avant-garde. How does it position itself in today’s landscape?

Paolo Odierna: Visionarium is the materialization of an idea I’ve nurtured for a long time: to create an immersive ecosystem that represents the essence of Italy and its excellence in the most iconic sectors. It’s a concept store in the most evolved sense of the term, designed to be a point of convergence between culture, aesthetics, and entrepreneurship. It’s not just a store, but a multidimensional hub, the first of a chain of eight that we will progressively open. Visionarium is designed as a space that brings together art, fashion, food, and design with the aim of offering a total sensory experience.

Interviewer: What is the philosophy behind Visionarium?

Paolo Odierna: The philosophy of Visionarium is based on an immersive and experiential approach. Every aspect of the project is designed to create a dialogue between tradition and

innovation. Through exhibitions, workshops, and tastings, the customer isn’t just a consumer but an active participant in a knowledge journey that celebrates the best of Italy. The goal is to combine artisanal excellence with the most advanced technologies to offer an experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling.

Interviewer: Now let’s talk about Nexxt Star, your new music project. Can you describe its nature and goals?

Paolo Odierna: Nexxt Star is an initiative designed to identify, support, and promote musical talents. The idea behind the project is to create an international network that values Italian musical genius, wherever it may be found. Italians have a long-standing tradition of excellence in music, and this is intrinsically part of our cultural heritage. Nexxt Star aims to identify artists who can embody this legacy and project it on a global scale, creating a platform that not only values individual talents but fosters collaboration and connections between them.

Interviewer: What tools and methods does Nexxt Star use to achieve its goals?

Paolo Odierna: Nexxt Star stands out for its highly structured and technologically advanced approach. We use scouting algorithms to identify new talents, but our process doesn’t stop there. We offer mentoring, production resources, and a network of industry professionals to help emerging artists develop a sustainable and successful career. Furthermore, we aim to create an ecosystem that encourages cultural and stylistic contamination, enhancing both Italy’s musical tradition and its contemporary interpretations.

Interviewer: You’ve had a career that has taken you all over the world. How did this journey develop, and what do you think about the idea of writing a book about your life?

Paolo Odierna: I was fortunate to be born in Prato, a city that has been a life school for me. Its commercial and industrial dynamism taught me the importance of perseverance, creativity, and adaptability. I started my career in Italy, holding senior roles in major distribution chains and the insurance sector, working between Milan and London.

However, since 2001, my career took an international turn, taking me to live and work in a variety of cultural and geographic contexts: Hungary, Paris, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, the United States, and many others. Each country has enriched me with new perspectives and allowed me to gather cross-disciplinary experience, encompassing finance, commerce, strategy, and creativity. As for the book, I’m flattered by the idea. I think a well-written narrative could be not only an opportunity to reflect on my journey but also a means to inspire anyone who wants to face similar challenges.

Interviewer: What is the main message you’d like to convey to your audience?

Paolo Odierna: I would emphasize the importance of combining one’s cultural roots with a global vision. Italy has an extraordinary tradition of excellence that is a significant strength, but it must be communicated to the world through modern and relevant languages. Projects like Nexxt Star and Visionarium represent, for me, the opportunity to contribute to this dialogue between the local and the global, between tradition and innovation. My hope is that every reader finds the courage to pursue their dreams, without ever losing sight of the importance of teamwork and passion.