Italy's Cinecitta Unveils 'VIP' Service for Location Managers

6:00 AM PDT 8/3/2012 by Eric J. Lyman

7
48
0
0
0
Email
Print
Comments

The storied Rome-based studios will give location managers web access to its myriad permanent sets, including photographs, descriptions, and precise measurements.

ROME – Italy’s storied Cinecitta Studios on Friday announced a new VIP service for location managers that includes access to an array of already-built sets and a special fast-track initiative that gives location managers the ability to scout possible locations via Internet.

Cinecitta Labor Talks Break Down, Makeover Plans on Hold

Fire Sets Rome's Cinecitta Studios Ablaze

Italy's Cinecitta Luce Unveils iPhone/iPad App

RAI Distributing Cinecitta Luce Archive

Cinecitta, Europe’s oldest film studios, is going through a series of updates and upgrades as it works to improve its level of service in order to separate itself from lower-priced alternative studios in Eastern Europe. Other parts of the effort include developing a hotel and day spa adjacent to the studios.

The studios have been home to scores of important film projects ranging from Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and William Wyler’s epic Ben-Hur to more recent productions that include Martin Scorcese’s Gangs of New York to the HBO mini-series Rome.

As a result of its long history, Cinecitta has many permanent sets ready to be adapted for use, including a metropolitan city street, a two-floor apartment and shops façade, an Imperial Rome setting with a forum and villa, a medieval village, a one-acre Renaissance town, the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica, and a full-size interior of a submarine.

The fast-track initiative gives location managers access to a special password-protected link on the studio website that includes an extensive collection of high-definition set photographs from various angles and including descriptions and precise measurements and direct access to English-speaking contacts on the lots. Additional services Cinecitta is offering include script breakdown assistance and access to Cinecitta’s PR office and management and PR services in California.

The initiative is being developed under the direction of Carole Andre-Smith, Cinecitta’s international marketing director.