Italy Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews
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Filming in Italy
For an introduction to shooting in Italy see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.
Italy Film Locations
Famous for its rich history, diverse cultures and cuisine, as well as for its beautiful coast and mountains, Italy is one of the world’s most filmed countries. It has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the world.
Agricultural film locations include farms that produce wheat, olives, rice, corn, tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapes, peaches, plums, pears, almonds, apples, apricots, hazelnuts, cherries, plums, strawberries, kiwifruits, and dairy. Italy is the largest producer of wine in the world and one of the leading producers of olive oil. Fishing trawlers are available for filming. Factories produce machinery, automobiles, aerospace, and ships. Tourism, fashion and financial services are also important parts of the economy. Italy mines marble, pumice, pozzolana, and feldspar. Energy power plants include thermal powered power plants, hydroelectric dams, wind and solar power plants.
Milan, Rome and Venice are the major production centres if you need local crews and equipment.
Italy has hosted many visiting and local productions including The Pope’s Exorcist (2023), The White Lotus (2022), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), Ocean’s Twelve (2004), Hannibal (2001), Gladiator (2000), Malena (2000), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), Life Is Beautiful (1997), The Godfather Part III (1990), Cinema Paradiso (1988), The Godfather: Part II (1974), The Godfather (1972), The Decameron (1971), The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ (1966), 8½ (1963), and Bicycle Thieves (1948), to name a few.
Film locations of interest can be divided into the following regions:
North-West
Aosta Valley is a region of northwest Italy in the southwestern Alps. The region includes the Italian side of the Matterhorn and Mount Blanc.
Ski resorts of note include Courmayeur, Cervinia, and Monterosa.
Castles of note include Fort Bard, Graines Castle, Fénis Castle, Sarre Castle, Sarriod de la Tour Castle, Saint-Pierre Castle, Verrès Castle, and Château d’Aymavilles.
Gran Paradiso National Park is known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows.
Local cuisines include carbonada, fontina cheese, and Aosta Valley wines.
Piedmont is located in the northwest of the country at the foothills of the Alps. The Italian Job (1969) filmed in Piedmont.
Turin is the capital of Piedmont. Film locations include Piazza San Carlo, Piazza Castello, Piazza Statuto, Reggia di Venaria Reale, Palazzo Madama, Royal Palace of Turin, Palazzo Carignano, Castello del Valentino, Villa della Regina, Museo Egizio, Museo d’Arte Orientale, Museo Nazionale del Cinema, Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Museo nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano, Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile, Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli, Basilica di Superga, Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, Cappella della Sacra Sindone, Santuario della Madonna Consolata, Gran Madre di Dio, Teatro Regio, Borgo Medioevale, Torre Littoria, Juventus Stadium, Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, Palasport Olimpico, Torino Porta Nuova Railway Station, Turin Airport, and Fiat’s Lingotto Factory rooftop racetrack designed by Renzo Piano.
Just outside of Turin you can find Palazzina di caccia of Stupinigi.
Sacra di San Michele is located on Mt Pirchiriano. Other religious locations in Piedmont include Basilica of San Gaudenzio, Sacro Monte di Varallo, Santuario di Oropa, and Santuario di Vicoforte.
Castles of note include Royal Castle of Racconigi, Castello di Grinzane Cavour, Castello e Parco di Masino, Castello di Moncalieri, and Castello Ducale.
Isola San Giulio is located in Lake Orta.
The Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore include Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isolino di San Giovanni.
Local foods include Castelmagno cheese, alba truffles, Barolo wines, and panna cotta.
Liguria is known as the Italian Riviera.
Genoa is the capital of Liguria. Genoa locations of note include Piazza De Ferrari, Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Reale, Duomo di Genova, Teatro Carlo Felice, Palazzo Rosso, Villa Grimaldi Fassio, The Neptune Galleon, Genova Brignole Railway Station, Stadio Luigi Ferraris, and Genoa Airport.
The Cinque Terre includes the colorful fishing villages of Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza.
Portofino, and Santa Margherita Ligure are stylish coastal towns.
Sanremo is a vintage casino resort.
Balestrino is an abandoned mountainside village.
Villa Grock is located in Imperia.
Local cuisine includes focaccia, pesto, and linguine pasta.
Lombardy is a region in Northern Italy known for Milan, lakeside villas, and ski resorts in the Italian Alps. House of Gucci (2021), Happy as Lazzaro (2018), and Call Me by Your Name (2017) filmed in Lombardy.
Milan is Italy’s second largest city. It is a global capital of fashion and finance.
The Porta Nuova business district has skyscrapers.
Piazzas of note include Piazza Duomo, Piazza Mercanti, Piazza Gae Aulenti, Piazza della Scala and Piazza Castello Fountain.
Government buildings include Palazzo Marino, and Palazzo Lombardia.
Palaces and castles include Royal Palace of Milan, Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte, Palazzo Dugnani, and Castello Sforzesco.
City gates of note include Porta Sempione, and Porta Venezia.
Religious locations include Milan Cathedral which is one of the largest churches in the world, as well as Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio, Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro, San Bernardino alle Ossa, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, San Carlo al Corso, Milan Charterhouse, Chiaravalle Abbey, and Cimitero Monumentale.
Museums of note include Pinacoteca di Brera, Museo delle Culture (MUDEC), Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci, Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano, Milan Archaeology Museum, Museo del Novecento, Galleria d’Arte Moderna, Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Armani/Silos, Fondazione Prada designed by Rem Koolhaas, Museo Alfa Romeo, Museo d’Arte Antica, Museum of Musical Instruments, Triennale di Milano, Pirelli Hangar Bicocca, Museo della Permanente, Museo del Risorgimento, Museo Diocesano, Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano, Villa Necchi Campiglio, and Bagatti Valsecchi Museum.
Entertainment venues include Teatro alla Scala, Teatro degli Arcimboldi, Teatro Dal Verme, Teatro Lirico, Mediolanum Forum, Allianz Cloud Arena, Velodromo Vigorelli, San Siro Stadium, and Hippodrome of San Siro horse racing track.
Centres of learning include University of Milan Bocconi University, Polytechnic University of Milan, Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, and Milan Planetarium.
Palazzo del Toro is designed in a Rationalist style.
Italian Stock Exchange is a beautiful building.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery.
The Colonne di San Lorenzo are ancient Roman ruins.
Skyscrapers of note include Generali Tower designed by Zaha Hadid, Torre Velasca, Pirelli Tower, and Bosco Verticale which are two residential towers with hundreds of trees.
Torre Branca is a large observation tower.
Parks of note include Parco Sempione, Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, and Parco Lambro.
Transport locations include Milan Metro, Milan tram network, Milano Centrale Railway Station, Milan Malpensa Airport, Linate Airport, and Orio al Serio International Airport.
Outside of Milan, Lombardy film locations include the following:
Monza is known for Parco di Monza, Royal Villa of Monza, Catedral de Monza, and Autodromo Nazionale Monza which hosts the Italian Formula One Grand Prix.
Bergamo is known for Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and Città alta.
Brescia is a rich industrial city.
Lombardy is home to Beretta firearms manufacturing.
Casinò di Campione was designed by Mario Botta.
Lake Como is an upscale area known for its dramatic scenery and lakefront villas such as Villa Carlotta, Villa Olmo, Villa D’Este, Villa Balbianello, and Villa Erba which was filmed for Ocean’s Twelve (2004).
Lake Lugano is a beautiful glacial lake.
Villa Feltrinelli, and Castello Scaligero are located on Lombardy side of Lake Garda.
Santa Caterina del Sasso is located on Lake Maggiore.
Certosa di Pavia is a monastery in Lombardy.
Gavia Pass is a high mountain pass in the Italian Alps.
Ski resorts of note include Livigno, Bormio, and Aprica.
Lombardy regional dishes of note include risotto, osso bucco, and cotoletta alla milanese.
North-East
Trentino – South Tyrol is known for its beautiful alpine locations of mountains and forests.
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. Other lakes of note include Lago di Carezza, Lago di Tenno, Lago di Ledro, and Lago di Tovel.
The Dolomites are a spectacular mountain range known for Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cinque Torri, Alpe di Siusi, Ombretta Pass, Giau Pass, and Pordoi Pass.
Campanile di Curon bell tower is submerged in Lago di Resia.
Ski resorts of note Madonna di Campiglio, Selva di Val Gardena, Alta Badia, and Brunico.
The Messner Mountain Museum Corones is located on the summit plateau of Mount Kronplatz.
Castello del Buonconsiglio is a beautiful castle in Trento.
Local dishes have a distinctly German influence such as mezzelune, südtiroler gulasch, canederli, spatzle tirolesi, and polenta.
Veneto is a northeastern Italian region stretching from the Dolomite Mountains to the Adriatic Sea.
Venice is the region’s capital. The city is built on 118 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Venice is known for its canals, palazzos, bridges, museums, churches, and theatres. A Haunting in Venice (2023), Casino Royale (2006), The Italian Job (2003), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), The English Patient (1996), and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) filmed in Venice.
Venice’s most iconic location is Piazza San Marco which is home to Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco, and San Marco Campanile.
Palazzos of note include Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Corner, Palazzo Ferro Fini, Ca’ Rezzonico, Ca’ d’Oro, Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti, and Hotel Danieli.
Canals of note include Grand Canal, Giudecca Canal, Cannaregio Canal, Venetian Lagoon, Canal of Saint Peter, Rio del Greci, and Rio San Barnaba.
Bridges of note include Ponte di Rialto, Ponte dei Sospiri, and Ponte dell’Accademia.
Churches of note include Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.
Theatres of note include Teatro La Fenice, Teatro Malibran, and Teatro Goldoni.
Museums of note include Gallerie dell’Accademia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Palazzo Ducale, Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, Museo Correr, and Museo Storico Navale di Venezia.
Libreria Acqua Alta is a unique film location.
Other Venetian islands of note include San Giorgio Maggiore, Murano, Poveglia, Burano, and Torcello. Isola di San Michele is a cemetery island surrounded by red walls. San Lazzaro degli Armeni is home to the monastery of the Mekhitarists.
MOSE tidal gates separate the lagoon from the sea at high tide.
Transport locations include the Port of Venice, Venezia Santa Lucia railway station, and Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Outside of Venice, film locations of note include:
In Verona you can find the Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, Torre dei Lamberti, Arena di Verona Roman amphitheatre, Palazzo Barbieri, Juliet’s House, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare, Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, Basilica di Santa Anastasia. Castelvecchio Museum, Ponte Pietra, Ponte Scaligero, and Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
Padua is known for Basilica di Sant’Antonio, Cappella degli Scrovegni, Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Palazzo della Ragione, Prato della Valle, The University of Padua which is one of the oldest in the world, and Y-40 The Deep Joy which is a 40 metres (131 ft) deep diving pool.
Vicenza film locations include Piazza dei Signori, Basilica Palladiana, Basilica di S. Maria di Monte Berico, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata, Torre Bissara, Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati, Palazzo Leoni Montanari, Villa La Rotonda, and Villa Valmarana ai Nani.
Santuario Madonna della Corona is a cliffside church.
Sacrario Militare del Monte Grappa is an imposing war memorial.
Ski areas include Cortina d’Ampezzo, San Pellegrino, Civetta, and Arabba/Marmolada.
Veneto regional cuisine includes bigoli pasta, sarde in saor, scampi alla veneziana, caparossoi a scota deo, risi e bisi, bacalà mantecato, carpaccio, soprèssa vicentina, asiago cheese, grappa, tiramisu, and fritole venessiane.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia. is located in the far northeast of Italy.
Trieste is the regional capital. The city is known for Piazza Unità d’Italia, Piazza della Borsa, Palacio del Gobierno, Canal Grande, Molo Audace, Castello Miramare, Castello di San Giusto, Castello di Duino, Palazzo Carciotti, Trieste Centrale railway station, Port of Trieste, and Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport.
Palmanova is an impressive fortress town.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia regional dishes include formadi frant, prosciutto san daniele, salumi d’oca, pittina, trota affumicata di san daniele, cuincir, pestat, and brovada.
Emilia-Romagna is known for its medieval cities, rich gastronomy, and seaside resorts.
Bologna is the regional capital.
Piazza’s of note include Piazza Maggiore, Piazza del Nettuno, Piazza Re Enzo, and Piazza Santo Stefano.
Towers of note include Le due torri, and Torre Prendiparte.
Religious locations include San Petronio Basilica, Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, Basilica of San Domenico, Basilica di Santo Stefano, Basilica San Francesco, and Cimitero Monumentale della Certosa.
Palazzos of note include Palazzo d’Accursio, Palazzo Albergati, Palazzo Re Enzo, and Palazzo del Podestà.
The University of Bologna which is the oldest university in the world.
The Archiginnasio of Bologna is home to the Archiginnasio Municipal Library and the Anatomical Theatre.
Museums include Museo Civico Archeologico, Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica, MAST Gallery, Museo Ferruccio Lamborghini, Museo Ducati, and Museo per la Memoria di Ustica.
Entertainment venues include Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Teatro Arena del Sole, PalaDozza, and Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Transport locations include Bologna Centrale railway station, and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport.
Outside of Bologna there are several interesting film locations in Emilia-Romagna:
Modena is known for Duomo di Modena, Piazza Grande, Piazza Roma, Palazzo ducale di Modena, Museo Enzo Ferrari, and Musée Panini Maserati. The Ferrari factory is located in nearby Maranello. Castello di Formigine is located in nearby Formigine.
Parma is known for the Palazzo del Governatore, Duomo di Parma, Battistero di Parma, Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista, Shrine of Santa Maria della Steccata, Galleria Nazionale di Parma, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Parma, Palazzo della Pilotta known for Teatro Farnese, and Teatro Regio di Parma. Torrechiara Castle, and Labirinto della Masone are located near Parma.
Ferrara is known for Castello Estense, Basilica Cattedrale di San Giorgio, Chiesa di San Cristoforo alla Certosa, Palazzo dei Diamanti, and Piazza Trento e Trieste.
Ravenna is known for Piazza del Popolo, Basilica di San Vitale, Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, Teodorico Mausoleum, and the Biblioteca Classense.
Rimini is a resort town known for Italia in Miniatura, Palazzo dell’Arengo, Tempio Malatestiano, Arco d’Augusto, Ponte di Tiberio, Castel Sismondo, Museo Fellini, Museo della Citta, Teatro Amintore Galli, and Adriatic beaches covered in umbrellas and sun lounges.
Reggio Emilia is known for Piazza San Prospero, Piazza Prampolini, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Basilica di San Prospero, Basilica della Ghiara, and Teatro Municipale. Mediopadana Station and Ponti di Calatrava were designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Piacenza is known for Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Farnese, Duomo di Piacenza, and Basilica di Sant Antonino.
Forlì is known for Piazza Aurelio Saffi, and Cattedrale della Santa Croce.
Rocchetta Mattei is a spectacular Moorish fortress located in the Northern Apennine Mountains.
Pomposa Abbey is located in Codigoro.
Castello di Bardi is a hilltop castle.
Rocca Sanvitale is a castle located in Fontanellato.
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, located in Imola, hosts the Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix.
The autonomous state of San Marino is located in this part of Italy.
Emilia-Romagna regional dishes of note include parmigiano reggiano, tortellini, prosciutto di parma, spaghetti bolognese, mortadella, and modena balsamic vinegar.
Centre
Tuscany is best known for Florence, Pisa, Siena, Chianti wines, and beautiful countryside.
Florence is the capital of Tuscany. It is world renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture. Film locations include the Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Campanile, Great Synagogue of Florence, Basilica of Santa Croce, Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Basilica of San Miniato al Monte, Baptistery of St John, Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, Uffizi Palace and Gallery, Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Garden, Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station, and Florence Airport. Hannibal (2001) filmed in Florence.
The Colossus of Villa Demidoff is located near Florence.
Pistoia is known for the Piazza del Duomo, Cattedrale di San Zeno, San Giovanni in Corte Baptistery, and San Giovanni Fuorcivitas.
Pisa is known for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Duomo di Pisa.
Siena is known for Piazza del Campo, Torre del Mangia, Palazzo Pubblico, Palazzo Salimbeni, Duomo di Siena, Santa Maria in Provenzano, Basilica of San Domenico, and the University of Siena which is one of the oldest in the world.
Montepulciano is known for Palazzo Comunale, Tempio di San Biagio, and Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.
Castiglione della Pescaia is a beautiful hilltop coastal town.
San Gimignano is a hilltop town known for its medieval towers.
Lucignano is an elliptical-shaped medieval hill-top village.
Lucca is known for its well preserved Renaissance walls, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Torre Guinigi, Cattedrale di San Martino, Chiesa di San Michele in Foro, Palazzo Pfanner, and Teatro del Giglio.
Arezzo is known for Piazza Grande, and Santa Maria della Pieve. Life Is Beautiful (1997) filmed in Arezzo.
Grosseto is known for Cattedrale di San Lorenzo.
Pitigliano, and Capalbio are beautiful hilltop towns.
Prato is known for Castello dell’Imperatore, Palazzo Pretorio, and Cattedrale di San Stefano.
Montecarlo is another charming Tuscan town.
Sammezzano Castle, located in Leccio, is a palazzo in the Moorish Revival architectural style.
Montecatini Terme is a spa town.
Saturnia Hot Springs is a unique film location.
Museo Leonardiano di Vinci is located in Vinci.
Castiglioncello was filmed for Il Sorpasso (1962).
Capalbio
The Tuscan Archipelago islands the islands of Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri, and Gorgona.
Val d’Orcia is known for its beautiful rural film locations. The area was filmed for Gladiator (2000), The English Patient (1996), and Fellini’s 8½ (1963).
The Chianti region is known for its vineyards and olive groves.
Carrara is known for its spectacular marble quarries.
Tuscany regional dishes include pecorino cheese, pappardelle pasta, cacciucco, bistecca alla fiorentina pappa al pomodoro, panzanella, ribollita, castagnaccio, and Chianti wines.
Umbria is the green heart of Italy. It is known for its medieval hill towns, dense forests, green valleys, truffles and fine wines. It is the country’s only landlocked region.
Perugia is the regional capital. Film locations include Piazza IV Novembre, Palazzo dei Priori, Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Lorenzo, and Rocca Paolina.
Orvieto is known for the Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Papal residence, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, Fortezza Albornoz, Orvieto underground tunnels, and Pozzo di San Patrizio historic water well.
Assisi is known for Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi, Cattedrale di Assisi, Basilica di Santa Chiara, and Rocca Maggiore.
Gubbio is a beautiful medieval city.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta is located in Spoleto.
La Scarzuola is a surrealist monastery located in Montegiove.
Piazza Marconi is located in Amelia.
Casa Sperimentale is an unusual concrete treehouse ruin location.
Lake Trasimeno is home to Isola Maggiore, Isola Polvese, and Isola Minore.
Marmore Falls is a beautiful film location.
Umbria regional dishes of note include fettuccine con la ricotta, ragù d’agnello, pasta alla norcina, torta al testo, panino con la porchetta, and rocciata.
Marche is an eastern Italian region.
The port city of Ancona is the regional capital.
Urbino is a walled city known for the Palazzo Ducale, Duomo di Urbino, and Fortezza Albornoz.
The University of Macerata is one of the world’s oldest.
Basilica della Santa Casa is located in Loreto.
Ancona is known for Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, and Santa Maria della Piazza.
Piazza del Popolo is located in Ascoli Piceno.
Gradara Castle is a medieval fortress.
Palazzo Pianetti is located in Jesi.
Frasassi Caves is a beautiful film location.
Marche regional dishes of note include maccheroncini di campofilone, funghetti di offida, prosciutto di carpegna, casciotta d’Urbino, vincissgrassi, ascolane olives, and ciauscolo.
Lazio. Rome is the capital, and largest city. The city is home to an architectural diversity including Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Rationalist (Fascist), and Contemporary locations.
Ancient Rome film locations include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, Temple of Hadrian, Circus Maximus, Domus Aurea, Palatine Hill, Capitolium, Largo di Torre Argentina, Trajan’s Market, Pyramid of Cestius, Arch of Constantine, Arch of Titus, Trajan’s Column, Marcello Theater, Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, Aurelian Walls, Baths of Caracalla, Baths of Diocletian, Mausoleum of Augustus, Arch of Septimius Severus, Ara Pacis Augustae, Park of the Aqueducts, Catacombs of St Callixtus, and Egyptian and Roman obelisks.
Religious locations of note include the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Basilica of St John Lateran, Basilica of St Paul, Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere, Basilica of Saint Clement, Church of St Louis of the French, Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and of the Martyrs, Basilica Papale San Paolo fuori le Mura, Basilica di San Pietro, Basilica of St Mary of the Altar of Heaven, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Church of St Ignatius of Loyola, Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, Basilica of St Praxedes, Church of St Mary of the Admiral, Church of St Ives, Church of St Maria Sopra Minerva, Church of the Gesù, Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, Church of the Santissima Trinità dei Monti, Great Synagogue of Rome, and the Mosque of Rome. Vatican City is an autonomous state that exists inside of Rome.
Palaces of note include Farnese Palace, Colonna Palace, Barberini Palace, Venezia Palace, Montecitorio Palace, Cancelleria Palace, Madama Palace, Spada Palace, Chigi Palace, Quirinal Palace which is the home of the President of Italy, Constitutional Court of Italy, and the Palace of Justice.
Victor Emmanuel Monument is a large national monument.
The Spanish Steps are an iconic film location.
Fountains of note include the Trevi Fountain, Fiumi Fountain, Neptune Fountain, Turtle Fountain, Triton Fountain, and Paola Water Fountain.
Museum film locations include Galleria Borghese, Capitoline Museums, National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, Doria Pamphilj Gallery, Museum of the Ara Pacis, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini Palace, National Etruscan Museum, Museo Nazionale Romano, Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome, and MAXXI designed by Zaha Hadid.
Piazzas of note include Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza Venezia.
Villas of note include Villa Borghese, Villa Ada, Villa Doria Pamphili, Villa d’Este, Villa Farnesina, Villa Torlonia, and Casina delle Civette.
Le Grand Hotel featured in The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), and The English Patient (1996).
Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is an example of Rationalist architecture.
Bridges of note include Ponte Sant’Angelo, Ponte Sisto, Ponte Milvio, and Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II.
Entertainment venues include Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Teatro Argentina, Teatro Quirino, and Parco della Musica designed by Renzo Piano.
Stadio Olimpico hosted the 1990 FIFA World Cup, 1960 Summer Olympics, and 1987 World Athletics Championships. Other sporting venues of note include Palazzo dei Congressi, Stadio dei Marmi, Stadio Flaminio, Stadio Olimpico del Nuoto, PalaLottomatica, and Olympic Velodrome.
Transport locations include Rome subway stations, Roma Termini railway station, Rome–Fiumicino International Airport, and the Port of Civitavecchia.
Rome is home to the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The Janiculum offers sweeping Rome skyline views.
Outside of Rome, Lazio is home to several interesting film locations including:
Ostia is known for its ancient harbour, and Ostia Antica archaeological site.
Hadrian’s Villa, located in Tivoli, is an archaeological remain of a large Roman villa complex.
The Gardens Of Ninfa are known for medieval ruins, and a diversity of trees and exotic plants.
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is located on the shores of Lake Bracciano.
Castello Ruspoli is located in Vignanello.
Sacro Bosco is a Mannerist monumental complex located in Bomarzo.
Gardens of the Villa Lante is a Mannerist garden of surprise located in Bagnaia.
Civita Di Bagnoregio is a picturesque cliffside village.
Calcata is a hill town and hippie commune.
Viterbo was filmed for and The First Omen (2024), and Life Is Beautiful (1997).
Relais Villa La Trinità is a beautiful film location a short drive from Rome.
Ponza is the largest island of the Italian Pontine Islands archipelago.
Lazio has hosted productions including The Pope’s Exorcist (2023), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), The English Patient (1996), The Godfather Part III (1990), The Last Emperor (1987), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Cleopatra (1963), La Dolce Vita (1960), and Ben Hur (1959).
Dishes from Lazio include bruschetta, fettuccine alfredo, porchetta, spaghetti alla carbonara, and cacio e pepe.
South
Abruzzo is located east of Rome on the Adriatic Sea. The interior is known for its rugged mountainous landscapes.
L’Aquila is the regional capital. Film locations include Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, Duomo dell’Aquila, and Forte Spagnolo.
Picturesque hilltop towns of note include Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte, Civitella del Tronto, Casoli, Monteferrante, Scanno, Celano, and Castelli.
Castello di Rocca Calascio was filmed for The Name of the Rose (1986).
Castello di Roccascalegna is a unique location.
Abbey of San Giovanni is located in Venere.
Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, located in the Apennine Mountains, is home to Apennine wolves, Abruzzo chamois, Marsican brown bears, and a diversity of birdlife.
Gran Sasso d’Italia is a massif in the Apennine Mountains.
Lakes of note include Lake Bomba, Lake Barrea, and Lake Scanno.
Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso is the largest underground research centre in the world.
Abruzzo regional dishes of note include maccheroni alla chitarra, anellini alla pecorara, capra alla neretese, arrosticini, saffron of l’Aquila, liquorice of Atri, nougat, pizzelle, and Abruzzo pecorino.
Molise is a mountainous region on the Adriatic Sea.
Campobasso is the regional capital. Film locations include Castello Monforte, Chiesa della Santissima Trinità, and Saepinum Archaeological Area.
Castello Svevo is located in Termoli.
Molise regional dishes of note include composta molisana, pampanella, caciocavallo di agnone, pezzata, torcinelli, and baccala arracanto.
Campania is known for Naples, iconic coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast, picturesque islands, volcanos, and ancient ruins.
Naples is the regional capital and Italy’s third-largest city. Eat Pray Love (2010), Gomorra (2008), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), The Sopranos (2000), and The Count of Monte Cristo (1998) filmed in Naples.
Piazza del Plebiscito is the main square in Naples.
Palaces of note include Palazzo Reale di Napoli, Castel Nuovo, Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Sant’Elmo, Reggia di Capodimonte, and Palazzo dello Spagnolo.
Museums include Museo Cappella Sansevero, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, Certosa di San Martino, Galleria Borbonica, Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina, and Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa.
Religious locations include Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara, Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore, Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, Girolamini, and Catacombs of San Gennaro.
Entertainment venues include Real Teatro di San Carlo, and Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The University of Naples Federico II is one of the oldest universities in the world.
Casa del Portuale is a unique Brutalist structure.
Galleria Umberto I is a shopping gallery with a beautiful glass dome.
Transport locations include Naples Metro Stations, Port of Naples, and Naples International Airport.
Mount Vesuvius and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum are located on the outskirts of Naples.
Naples is the gateway to several nearby islands. The island of Capri is a beautiful film location. Ischia Island, and Procida Island were both filmed for The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999). Castello Aragonese is located on Ischia Island.
Outside of Naples, you can find the following film locations:
Royal Palace of Caserta was filmed for Mission: Impossible III (2006), and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002).
Aqueduct of Vanvitelli is a unique film location.
Sant’Agata de’ Goti, and Calitri are picturesque cliffside villages.
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its beautiful towns such as Positano, Amalfi, Atrani, Praiano, Vietri sul Mare, Minori, Maiori, Ravello, and Fiordo di Furore which has a unique beach and bridge location. Positano was filmed for Sense8 (2015-2018) and The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999). Ravello was filmed for Wonder Woman (2017).
Pisciotta is another beautiifal coastal town in the southern part of Campania.
Paestum is an ancient Greek archaeological site.
Salerno Maritime Terminal was designed by Zaha Hadid.
Campania regional dishes of note include Neapolitan pizza, lasagne, risotto alla pescatora, spaghetti alle vongole, calzone, buffalo mozzarella, and limoncello.
Puglia is a southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot”. It is known for Bari, whitewashed hill towns, and Baroque architecture.
Bari is the capital of Puglia. Locations of note in Bari include Basilica di San Nicola, Castello Normanno-Svevo, Palazzo Mincuzzi, Teatro Margherita, Teatro Petruzzelli, Pinacoteca metropolitana di Bari, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Stadio San Nicola, Porto di Bari, and Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla. I May Destroy You (2020-) filmed in part in Bari.
Lecce is known for its Baroque architecture. Film locations include Basilica di Santa Croce, Catedral de la Asunción de Santa María, Castle of Charles V, and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Trani is known for Basílica Catedral de San Nicolás Peregrino, Château de Trani, and Porto di Trani.
Alberobello is known for its whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs.
Ostuni is a beautiful whitewashed city. Other towns of interest include Otranto, Locorotondo, Gallipoli, and Corigliano d’Otranto.
Castel del Monte, located in Andria, was filmed for Wonder Woman (2017).
The Tremiti Islands are known for the Fortress of San Nicola.
The Nardo Ring is Porsche’s High Speed Test Track in Italy.
Puglia is famous for its wine, olive oil and traditional dishes such as orecchiette, spaghetti all’assassina, ragù alla Pugliese, ciceri e tria, pasticciotti, and panzerotto.
Basilicata is a region of forests and mountains in southern Italy.
Sassi di Matera is known for its ancient limestone cave houses. No Time to Die (2021), Wonder Woman (2017), Ben-Hur (2016), Quantum of Solace (2008), The Omen (2006), and The Passion of the Christ (2004) filmed in Sassi di Matera.
Castelmezzano is a beautiful mountainside town.
Craco is an abandoned village.
Pollino National Park is home to Apennine wolves, roe deers, wild boars, red foxes, European otters, and a diversity of birdlife including golden eagles.
Castello di Melfi is available for filming.
Basilicata regional dishes of note include cavatelli pasta, crapiata, crafanata, calzone di verdura, ciaudedda lucania, and pecorino di filiano.
Calabria occupies the “toe” of Italy’s “boot”. It is a sun-baked region of rugged mountains, traditional fashioned villages, and dramatic coastline.
Reggio Calabria is known for the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia, Castello Aragonese, Duomo di Reggio Calabria, and Porto di Reggio Calabria.
The cliffside coastal town of Tropea is known for Santa Maria dell’Isola Monastery.
Hilltop towns of note include Morano Calabro, Altomonte, Civita, and Belmonte Calabro.
Calabrian regional dishes include ‘nduja, lagane e cicciari, stocco alla mammolese, pipi chini, and zippuli.
Islands
Sardinia. Sardinia is known for its sandy beaches and mountainous interior.
Cagliari is the region’s capital. Film locations include the Roman Amphitheatre, Bastione di Saint Remy, Torre dell’Elefante, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari, Duomo di Cagliari, San Saturnino Basilica, Palazzo Civico Baccaredda, Biblioteca Universitaria di Cagliari, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, Mercato di San Benedetto, Unipol Domus, and Cagliari Elmas Airport.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini is a Bronze Age archaeological site.
Sardinian regional cuisine of note includes lumache al sugo, porcheddu, malloreddus pasta, fregula pasta, zuppa gallurese, burrida alla Cagliaritana, pane carasau, ricci di mare, and sebadas.
Sicily is known for its relaxed atmosphere, Roman and Greek ruins, Baroque architecture, small towns, volcanos, islands, beaches, and famous film locations.
Sicily has played host to productions including The White Lotus (2022), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), Ocean’s Twelve (2004), Malena (2000), The Godfather Part III (1990), Cinema Paradiso (1988), The Godfather: Part II (1974), and The Godfather (1972).
Palermo film locations include Cattedrale di Palermo, Capella Palatina, La Martorana, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, Palazzo dei Normanni, Castello della Zisa, Stadio Renzo Barbera, Port of Palermo, and Falcone Borsellino Airport. Villa Tasca featured in The White Lotus (2022). Villa Palagonia is located near Palermo.
Catania is known for Basilica Cattedrale Sant’Agata, Castello Ursino, Palazzo dell’Università, and the Roman Theater of Catania.
Taormina is a beautiful coastal hillside town known for the Teatro antico di Taormina, Taormina-Giardini Railway Station, Isola Bella, and San Domenico Palace which featured in The White Lotus (2022). In the background Mt Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Noto is known for its Baroque architecture including Cattedrale di Noto, Palazzo Ducezio, and Teatro Tina di Lorenzo.
Modica is known for Duomo of San Giorgio.
Cefalù is known for Duomo di Cefalù.
Centuripe is a hilltop village in the shape of a human.
Syracuse is known for the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, Temple of Apollo, Greek Theatre of Syracuse, Basilica of the Madonna delle Lacrime, and Castello Maniace.
Valle dei Templi is an ancient Greek archaeological site in Agrigento. Temples of note include the Temple of Concordia, Temple of Juno, and Temple of Heracles.
Villa Romana del Casale is a well preserved ancient Roman villa.
The Aegadian Islands include the islands of Levanzo, Favignana, and Marettimo.
The Aeolian Islands include the volcanically active islands of Stromboli and Vulcano. Strombolicchio lighthouse is an interesting location in the Aeolian Islands.
Scopello is a picturesque coastal village that was filmed for Ocean’s Twelve (2004).
Forza d’Agrò was filmed as the Corleone village in The White Lotus (2022), The Godfather Part III (1990), The Godfather: Part II (1974), and The Godfather (1972).
Savoca is a hillside village that was filmed for The Godfather (1972).
Castello Degli Schiavi was filmed for The Godfather Part III (1990), and The Godfather (1972).
Regional Sicilian cuisine includes caponata, cannelloni, veal marsala, and cannoli.
Italy Film Location Permits
Most permitting is done on the local level. Timing and costs vary greatly depending on the location and the size and scope of the project. In Italy’s cities, such as Milan, permits are required once you set up a tripod to film a scene. It’s possible to get away without permits if you are filming handheld b-roll without any setups that disrupt public access to locations.
Taking Rome as an example, permits are required for each location you plan to film in. The process generally takes about 2 weeks. If you are looking to film several Roman locations our fixer is able to offer a comprehensive plan to ensure a cost efficient, hassle free experience. Exclusive filming of the Colosseum is possible outside of public viewing times but only a limited amount of equipment is permitted on location. The location fee is generally around 3000 Euros per day. Filming on church property must be cleared with the church.
Drone filming requires special permits and a licensed drone operator. See here for rules.
Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Italy has a largely temperate climate with regional variations. The northern mountain regions get heavy snowfalls in winter and are warm with occasional rainfall in the summer. The central regions are humid. The south is dry and hot. The warmest and most reliable weather is from April to June. Shooting from July to August is best avoided as this is when most Italians go on holiday. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
Italians love a celebration. Virtually every town in Italy has a festival at some point in the year. Examples of interesting cultural events include:
• Venice Carnival in February.
• Battle of the Oranges takes place in Ivrea in February.
• The Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix is held in Imola in April.
• Calendimaggio Festival in May.
• Festa dei Ceri takes place in Gubbio in May.
• Corsa dei Ceri in May.
• Giro d’Italia is a multiple-stage bicycle race in May / June.
• U Festino Santa Rosalia in July.
• Festa della Bruna in July.
• Palio di Siena in July and again in August.
• Serie A Football runs from August to May.
• Italian Formula One Grand Prix is held in Monza in September.
• Venice Film Festival takes place in September.
• The Venice Biennale is held every two years from May to November.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Italy.
Unique Local Stories
Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.
If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.
If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.
Costs & Tax Incentives
Costs. Italy trades in the Euro and as such it can be a relatively expensive place to shoot. That said, our locally based fixers and service producers will negotiate deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget. See here for the current VAT rate.
Tax Incentives. Italy offers a tax credit of up to 30% on qualifying production spend. See here for more information.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. Italy has a very long and rich history of internationally celebrated directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Italy has a good depth of non-union, experienced, English speaking crews.
Contact us if you are looking for a Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples or Palermo based director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew in Italy.
Italy is home to a diversity of film industry specialists including companies like TNT Film Consulting which offer military technical advisor services.
Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. As a multicultural country and fashion centre, Italy is home to a variety of locally based talent ranging from supermodels to background extras. Its close proximity to other major European production centres allows easy access to those pools of talent should you need to look further.
Italy Film Equipment
Equipment. Italy has a range of standard and specialized camera, lighting and grip equipment available locally. Milan and Rome are the main hubs for equipment rental. For local gear rental check out Kevin Granahan TV Production. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Italy is an ATA carnet country.
Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.
Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.
For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.
Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production
Art department is of the highest standard. Set construction is very good but on the expensive side compared to what can be achieved for the same money in Eastern Europe.
Studios and backlots. World class facilities exist. Cinecitta Studios facilities include 22 sound stages, 300 dressing rooms and offices, and a large exterior water tank. Cinecitta Studios also own thousands of ancient Rome set dec pieces they rent out all over the world. Productions hosted include classics such as Ben Hur (1959), Cleopatra (1963), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and more recent productions such as The Young Pope (2016).
Post Production. Italy has all the standard facilities.
Visas & Work Permits
Italy is a Schengen Area member state. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Visiting US film crews can enter visa-free for a period of up to 90 days. Contact your local Italian embassy or representative for more information.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Roads are up to international standards. Italy is extensively serviced by both budget and international airlines.
Accommodation. Contact us for recommended film friendly hotels in Italy’s two main film production centres, Milan and Rome. For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments. Hotels of note include:
Zash Country Boutique Hotel, Sicily
Eremito Hotelito del Alma, Umbria
Final Notes
Safety. Italy is a very safe and reliable place for foreign productions to visit. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Thousands of years of history has Italy offering visiting productions a rich diversity of locations, events, and cuisine.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Italy, please see below:
Hire Italy Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Italy, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Italy, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
