The beauty of Sanremo is that it has everything in it. Yesterday, there were two important pieces of news a few days before the start of the Festival (27 February): the princely make-up with Grace Kelly-style hair that Michelle Hunziker will have on the Ariston stage, and the Financial Police which hits the singing festival hosted by Pippo Baudo. Who yesterday, closed in the theatre, rehearsed and recorded TV promotions, far from the risky fees and reduced budgets.
Yesterday’s newspaper the Unity reported news that greatly alarmed Rai: «Ceff on consultancy, Sanremo Festival case breaks out. The Budget prohibits paying “externs” more than 250 thousand euros per year. What to do with Baudo and Hunziker?”. The Festival starts in exactly one week and Rai is trying in every way to find a solution to avoid cuts in the compensation of “externs” enlisted for the event (those who signed a contract after January 1st). Because article 593 of the new Budget is clear, or clear enough… It talks about «companies directly or indirectly owned by the State» (for example Rai), and about «remuneration of consultants and holders of any role (.. .)” which “cannot exceed that of the first president of the Court of Cassation” (i.e. 250 thousand euros).
And finally, the penalty. Very salty. «In case of violation (..), a sum equal to ten times the amount exceeding the permitted amount». And here naturally Rai jumped on the chair. But above all it has asked the Government for clarification and is awaiting clarification on this rule, which is subject to different interpretations (second viale Mazzini). For example: artists are not consultants, therefore artistic contracts should not fall into the cases listed above. Or at least that’s what they hope. In the meantime, the Sanremo war machine does not stop. Almost everyone is already there, perfecting the 57th edition. The structure manager Giampiero Raveggi, who has been involved in the organization of the Festivals for years, is not impressed by these storms, because they always arrive before and during Sanremo. For years. As for the rumors about big foreign names who will not come to the Riviera due to money issues, he specifies: «From the beginning, in unsuspecting times, we said that we would not chase international guests who come here to make a silent scene like in past years (Hugh Grant or John Travolta). This year the budget must also include the Dopofestival which no longer existed in the last two years. In short, for many stars, the cost is not worth the candle. The golden world of Hollywood has become impoverished, in terms of glamor and novelty. Prohibitive costs, uncertain yield. And then that’s enough. We invented cheaper solutions. We are focusing on a single star: Penelope Cruz, who also speaks Italian».
It’s true that they jumped Michael Douglas and his wife Zeta Jones, for budget reasons? «Real. They were asking too much. As well as the pop singer Beyoncé, protagonist of the film Dreamgirls, who had forwarded crazy requests. Even the private plane. We told her: no thanks». Will it be a “poor” Festival? «No, international singers are excellent artists ? John Legend and Norah Jonesfor example ? they come at reasonable prices because they are on promotion. And the great Italian singers (Elisa, Ferro, Nannini, Battiato, Zero confirmed so far) they accepted a low fee». Liza Minnelli it seemed like a done deal but instead…? «Instead there are problems with dates because during the days of the Festival he has concerts in Florida» concludes Raveggi. But some American “mole” lets it be known that Liza actually ends up in Miami on February 26th and by early March she could perform at the Ariston. Hunziker cared a lot and dreamed of duetting with her on the music of Cabaret which both featured her (Liza at the cinema, she at the theater in this period). But does the fee prevent? for now? to fulfill Michelle’s wish. The negotiation would still be ongoing and could even be closed at the last minute. It seems that Pippo, as artistic director of the Festival, could have the power to close the negotiation positively. But starting yesterday perhaps Baudo will have to ask Prodi for help. Or in Padoa Schioppa, if anything.
Maria Volpe
For “The Corriere della Sera“
