The engineering of creativity: producing films with Studio Ireos
They are engineers of cinema and digital media, dedicated to the design, production, and distribution of short films. Together, they form Studio Ireos, Politecnico’s student team of around 100 members that represents a unique case within academic education nationwide and has now developed a solid track record. An activity that, only in appearance, is distant from the business world, while still leaving room for creativity and individual expression for all participants.
“We were founded in 2018–2019 to integrate a more practical and professionally oriented experience into our degree program by focusing on short films,” explains Irene Prencipe, current team leader of Studio Ireos. The Team’s work covers the entire production cycle of a film: from developing the initial idea to distribution and presentation to the public. Each year, 3–4 short films are produced, each lasting between 12 and 20 minutes. To date, the number of short films produced stands at 10.
A fundamental aspect of the activity is the complete respect for each member’s personal creativity. “Each of us is free to propose a story idea to the Team – emphasizes Prencipe – If the idea is considered valid, we move on to producing the film. Over the years we have addressed many themes: from social and cultural topics to psychological and personal ones. Likewise, we have experimented with different production approaches”.
The Team collaborates with the Film Commission Torino Piemonte to cast the main actors, while minor roles involve Politecnico’s students. The reason is simple yet important: the group’s work is carried out at a professional level, and a high-quality final product cannot do without professional actors.
Studio Ireos therefore has significant educational value. Tatiana Mazali, professor at the Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning-DIST and Team advisor, places great importance on the activity, and explains: “The Team is an extremely valuable space where students can concretely apply what they are studying. They gain a full understanding of what a film production means, from beginning to end. It is a major experience, as also recognized by the film industry”.
The Team’s professionalism and production quality are also demonstrated through participation in numerous film competitions, as well as collaborations with schools and, recently, with a startup from Politecnico and Scuola Holden to produce a short film focused on entrepreneurial spirit.
Today, Studio Ireos is reaching out to companies in the sector and distribution organizations to expand its activities. “Without renouncing our creativity – concludes Irene Prencipe – we are looking for a stronger connection with local distribution, as it would be important to screen our short films, thus gaining greater recognition”.