B8681 - INDUSTRIA E POLITICHE DEL CINEMA (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course analyses critically the public policy that regulate and support the contemporary film industry. In this context, the main policies adopted by institutions at different levels of government (supranational, national and local) will be examined, discussing their genesis, objectives, operational tools and results achieved. At the end of the course, the student will be able to: - know the policies of the film sector; - master the specific terminology; - be able to identify normative solutions based on the objectives to be achieved.

Course contents

The course opens with a concise and systematic overview of the origins and development of Film Industry Studies, examining the different research traditions that have emerged over time, the specific research questions they address, and the analytical tools they employ.

The course then focuses on contemporary public policies for the regulation and support of the film industry, providing a critical analysis of: (a) their origins; (b) the negotiations among the various stakeholders involved (including legislators, industry associations, and other relevant actors); (c) the objectives they pursue; (d) the policy instruments they employ; and (e) their intended, actual, and unintended impacts. The study of public policy is complemented by an examination of the film industry across its main stages—production, distribution, and exhibition/circulation—with particular attention to the reciprocal relationship between market dynamics and public intervention: how market developments have shaped policy design and, conversely, how public policies have influenced market dynamics.

The course examines the complex network of supranational, national, and regional film policies, with particular emphasis on the latter two levels. Special attention is devoted to the current Italian Cinema Law (Law No. 220/2016) and to the policies implemented by Italian Regions and Autonomous Provinces, including the regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing the environmental impact of film production.

The course also includes a compulsory group project focusing on regional film policies. Through this project, students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired during the course by carrying out an in-depth policy analysis.

The course does not require any prior knowledge of economics or law. It is specifically designed for students with a humanities background and aims to: (a) provide a broader framework for the analysis of films and the film industry; (b) facilitate students' professional development and employability; and (c) foster the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed both for professional careers and for further academic research.

Attending and non-attending students follow the same syllabus, with the exception of the compulsory group project.

Readings/Bibliography

For attending students, the required reading for the examination is:

• CUCCO, M. (2026), Le film commission italiane, Marsilio, Venice.

For non-attending students, the required reading for the examination is:

• CUCCO, M. (2026), Le film commission italiane, Marsilio, Venice.
• D'URSO, F. (2023), Economia dell'audiovisivo. Politiche pubbliche e struttura del mercato, Dino Audino, Rome.

Teaching methods

The course consists of in-person lectures supported by slides and digital resources.

Attending students are required to take part in a group project, culminating in an in-class presentation. Participation in the group project is a mandatory requirement in order to take the examination as an attending student. Groups will be formed by the instructor during the third class meeting (September 22nd). Students who do not register for the group project in person by that date will not be admitted to the activity. Requests submitted by email will not be considered.

Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions and contribute to classroom debate.

Assessment methods

For attending students

Assessment consists of a written examination comprising 14 multiple-choice questions designed to assess students' knowledge of the concepts covered during lectures and/or the content of the required course materials. Each question is worth 2 marks. Incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 marks. The written examination is worth a maximum of 28 marks. The compulsory group project is worth an additional 0 to 3 marks. Students obtaining a total of 31 marks will be awarded cum laude. The examination lasts 20 minutes and is taken in a computer-equipped classroom through the University's EOL platform.

The written examination is designed to assess whether students have developed:

a thorough knowledge of the course contents;
familiarity with the terminology of the field;
the ability to combine textbook knowledge with critical reflection.

The group project is designed to assess:

• the ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course to real-world case studies;
• the ability to conduct independent and original research;
• the ability to work effectively in a team;
• oral presentation skills;
• the ability to use the specific terminology of the film industry appropriately.

The required study materials for attending students are:

• the lecture slides provided by the instructor;
• notes taken during lectures, including class discussions;
• the readings listed in the bibliography for attending students.

Attending students will have access to three examination sessions reserved exclusively for them. Subsequent examination sessions will be open to both attending and non-attending students and will be based on the study materials specified for non-attending students.


For non-attending students

Assessment consists of a written examination comprising 16 multiple-choice questions designed to assess students' knowledge of the required course materials. Each question is worth 2 marks. Incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 marks. Students obtaining the maximum score of 32 marks will be awarded cum laude. The examination lasts 20 minutes and is taken in a computer-equipped classroom through the University's EOL platform.

The written examination is designed to assess whether students have developed:

• a thorough knowledge of the course contents;
• familiarity with the terminology of the field;
• the ability to combine textbook knowledge with critical reflection.

The required study materials for non-attending students are listed in the bibliography (section for non-attending students).

To sit the examination, students must register through the AlmaEsami online service. Students are reminded to bring their University of Bologna credentials and a valid form of identification on the day of the examination.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant University Office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). The Office will propose any appropriate accommodations, which must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination for approval. The instructor will evaluate the proposed accommodations in light of the course learning objectives.

During the examination, the use of any type of support material or device is not permitted, including smartphones, tablets, dictionaries, handouts, notes, artificial intelligence tools, or any other external resources.

Teaching tools

Slides; websites, databases, and reports published by public institutions, companies, and agencies.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Cucco