Life & Work with Valentina Martelli of West Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valentina Martelli.

Hi Valentina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my career in Italy as a television journalist, telling human stories and exploring culture, politics, and innovation. Curiosity has always been my compass. Very early on, I understood that storytelling wasn’t just about reporting facts, it was about creating connection, opening doors, and giving people a reason to care. More than twenty years ago, I moved to Los Angeles first because of love, and then because I felt ready to challenge myself in a new world. That transition placed me right at the intersection of two cultures: Italian creativity and the global entertainment industry. It wasn’t always easy, but it pushed me to grow, reinvent myself, and think bigger.
In LA, I founded IbiscusMedia, a production and consulting company that allowed me to keep telling stories while helping others shape theirs. From there, my work naturally evolved into building bridges. I realized how much potential existed when Hollywood and international creators truly collaborated, and how often those conversations simply weren’t happening.
That’s what led me to create ITTV International Forum and TechInEntertainment: a platform designed to connect film, television, and technology across borders. Over the years, ITTV has brought together studios, producers, film commissions, innovators in XR and AI, and creatives from all over the world. It has grown into a space where ideas travel, partnerships begin, and the future of entertainment is discussed in an open, global way.
My journey has essentially been an evolution, from journalist to producer, from interviewer to connector, from storyteller to ecosystem-builder. What has stayed the same is the belief that collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange can transform how we create and how we experience stories. That’s what drives me every day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road and I don’t think it ever is when you’re building something new in a country that isn’t your own. Moving to Los Angeles meant starting from zero: new language, new industry, no network, and a very different way of doing business. I had to prove myself all over again, often working twice as hard for half the recognition.
One of the biggest challenges was balancing reinvention with credibility. In Italy, I already had a career as a journalist. When I arrived here, nobody knew who I was, so I had to rebuild my identity professionally, not by changing who I am, but by expanding it.
Another challenge was the industry itself. Entertainment is unpredictable, competitive, and constantly shifting. Over the years, I’ve experienced everything: projects that fell apart at the last minute, funding that disappeared, partners who changed direction, and the ongoing struggle of keeping a vision alive when the market is unstable.
And don’t get me wrong…I still struggle. I still reinvent my path, rethink strategies, adjust to new technologies and market changes, and push myself to evolve. Reinvention isn’t something you do once; it’s a constant practice.
As a woman and a mother who started her career very young, I also had to push against assumptions, that I was ‘too young,’ ‘too foreign,’ or ‘too ambitious.’ These weren’t obstacles I chose, but they shaped my resilience.
What helped me overcome all this was the mindset I learned growing up: hard work, perseverance, and the belief that no one owes you anything. Every setback forced me to be more creative, more strategic, and more determined. Looking back, the struggles weren’t a detour, they were the training ground. They gave me the strength and intuition I rely on today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work sits at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and international collaboration. I started as a television journalist, and that foundation shaped everything I do today: I listen, I observe, I connect dots, and I build stories, whether they are told on screen, on stage, or through relationships.
Today, I’m the Founder and CEO of ITTV International Forum and TechInEntertainment, a platform that brings together Hollywood, global creators, studios, film commissions, tech innovators, and brands. I specialize in creating meaningful conversations and strategic bridges between industries that often operate in silos, entertainment, media, technology, and international markets.
I also work as a producer and cross-industry strategist, helping companies develop content, partnerships, and new formats. My strength has always been understanding both the creative and the business side, and knowing how to bring people together around an idea.
What I’m most proud of is that I built ITTV from nothing – just a vision — and turned it into a recognized platform where real opportunities are created. Over the years, we’ve brought talent and decision-makers from all over the world to Venice and Los Angeles, supported emerging markets, highlighted innovation, and fostered collaborations that might not have happened otherwise.
What sets me apart is my ability to move between worlds. I’m European and American, I speak the languages of journalism, tech, and entertainment, and I have a natural instinct for spotting connections — between people, ideas, and cultures. I’m known for creating safe, elegant, high-level environments where executives feel comfortable discussing the future, finding solutions, and exploring partnerships.
At the core of everything I do is this belief: creativity grows when you build bridges, not walls. And that’s the mission that continues to guide my work every day.
And I’ll tell you something: I often wonder what my full professional title really is. Journalist, producer, strategist, connector, founder… it’s difficult to summarize a life spent building bridges across industries and continents. So perhaps the better question is: do I need just one title at all?

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Mentors / Supporters – Updated with Your Parents’ Passing
I believe no one succeeds alone, and my journey reflects that. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have people who supported me, challenged me, and believed in my vision at every stage of my life.
My parents were my first and most important mentors. I lost both of them recently, but their teachings are a constant voice even now. My father taught me the value of hard work — that nothing is owed to you and perseverance always pays off. My mother was my greatest cheerleader, the one who encouraged me to follow my curiosity into journalism. Even today, I still carry their strength, their courage, and their unconditional belief in me.
The two people who anchor me now are my son and my husband.
My son is someone I trust 1000%. He keeps me grounded, honest, and reminds me daily why I push myself. Becoming a mother so young shaped my determination, and he still gives me clarity and strength. And my husband… well, he supports my ideas, and that alone is a huge bonus.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ittvinternational.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valmartelli/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentinamartelliLA
• Twitter: https://x.com/ValentinaInLA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ittvinternational/videos
• Other: https://valentina-martelli.com

Image Credits
ITTV and TechInEntertainment 2024-2025 Venice (Italy) and Los Angeles