Bellisima italy mar apr by Locations and More.. for Indian Film Industry

INDIA Rs. 100

Presents to you Destination Italy - Lights, Camera, Perfection!

BELLISIMO ITALIA! You are Invited

Italy answers all your

filming needs Italian Film Commissions

Volume 1 | Issue 8 | MARCH 2014

Brenta Dolomites - Trentino

Fuchiade, Val di Fassa

Villa Gallici

LOCATIONS & MORE | MARCH 2014

Deciani The Villa Gallici Deciani is surrounded by a huge park with majestic trees. It is set amid the gently rolling hills of Montegnacco di Cassacco, a small community in the Udine province, about one and a half hours’ drive from Venice. The villa was built over a number of centuries, with the oldest section, the so-called “Tower”, dating back to the late medieval period. The grander part of the villa was completed in the late 17th century.

Events hosted at Villa Gallici Deciani

Conventions, company presentations, receptions, weddings, advertising for television and magazines, films, horse-riding competitions, birthday and anniversary parties, bridge tournaments, wine-tasting and presentation of local gastronomic products, art exhibitions, concerts, residential seminars. There have been three-day events such as an historically accurate reconstruction of 18th century life, with period costumes, wigs, and accessories, chamber music concert, poetry reading, candle light banquets, picnics in the woods, and even a duel…(30 participants from all over Europe).

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Italy

as an ideal destination for

Tourism and the Indian Film Industry

NE OF THE world’s most coveted tourist destinations, Italy has been captivating travelers since the aristocrats began visiting on their Grand Tours in the 17th century. Italy has been, since antiquity, the centre of history, culture and art. Our museums, collections and archaeological sites reveal countless tokens of the past and the many civilizations that have passed across this country, evidence of which is still inextricably woven into the present day landscape. From Classical to Medieval, from Gothic to early Renaissance and finally from high Renaissance to Mannerism and Baroque styles of art, Italy has it all and the best that the world can offer! Italy is an enriching experience which can cater to all tastes, ages and cultures. It’s a 365 degrees experience for all your senses. Tourists can explore and discover Italy as a complete experience – there’s not a single aspect of life that a traveler going to Italy would not explore. It has something to offer to everybody - from extensive mountains to pristine beaches, from modern cities to quaint little towns, from stunning landscapes to scenic lakes; Italy is truly a land of plenty! Considering all of the above and due to its various product offerings, it is thus a perfect set up; hence it is an ideal destination for film shooting. The past couple of Bollywood movies like “Bachna ae haseeno” and “Kambakkht ishq” have been filmed in Italy. Italy not only provides you with excellent production condition but also rich cultural environment and scenic attractions. Italy is the ideal place to put your cinema, television or advertising projects into action and the Italian Film Commission Association Network (IFC), comprising of 16 Film Commissions, is the first point of call for all location filming enquiries across Italy. ENIT (Italian National Tourist Board) located in Mumbai, plays an important role in not just promoting Italy as a favourable tourist destination but also in showcasing Italy as an ideal set up for a film shoot. In the past ENIT, has been instrumental in taking various production houses to shoot their films and television projects in Italy. It is my pleasure to invite you to come to Italy with your next film project. Dr. Ugo Ciarlatani Consul General of Italy in Mumbai

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From the Chief

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk Bellisima..... This is what you will learn as soon as you land in Italy which means beautiful.. and it is as true as it can get. Entire Italy, is like a painting where the creator of this universe has taken very special interest and has carved out Italy to perfection.. be it the villas, the mountains, the lakes, the people, the castles, the square, the mounments, the streets and the list can go on and on. My special thanks to Mr. Salvatore and Ms. Ellona from the Italian Tourism Board, Mumbai who took great care of me and my associate editor Ayesha, which helped us in exploring and discovering Italy. Our journey started in Vicenza on a rainy day, from there to the Trentino region, then to Lazio, then the region of Puglia and ended in Naples. In 10 days we had travelled and explored the entire North to South of Italy. The best part of this travel was that we explored the unexplored locations of Italy and identified many places which are great for Indian film shoots. Exploring Italy was one of the greatest experiences we had and we take this opportunity to thank all the people who have been extremely courteous and supportive and without whom it would be impossible to cover so many places in just ten days. Our special thanks to, Mr. Salvatore Ianniello - Director, ENIT - Italian State Tourist Board, Mumbai Ms. Ellona Pereira - ENIT - Italian State Tourist Board, Mumbai Dr. Vladimiro Riva - Vicenza Tourism Board and Film Commission Ms. Rosella Bergamo - Vicenza Tourism Board and Film Commission Ms. Laura Zumiani - Trentino Film Commission Ms. Luca Ferrario - Trentino Film Commission Ms. Cinzia Gabrielli - Trentino Tourism Board Mr. Alberto Battocchi - Trentino Tourism Board Ms. Cristina Monzione - Trentino Film Commission Ms. Anna Maria Mantione - Lazio Tourism Board Ms. Lucia Ubertiello - Tour GUide/Travel Adviser, Puglia Tourism Board Turkish Airlines and Rail Europe For all their wonderful hospitality, generosity and time spent with us during this trip and for making it all happen.

Krish Amarnath Founder and Chief Editor krish@locationsandmore.com

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Ciao, Salve, Piacere!

With a warm wide smile ...

Trento Vecenza

Italy Rome

Puglia

O WE HAD the pleasure of packing our way to the ever so charming and perfectly beguiling land of Italia. Majestic castles, captivating villas, startling landscapes, it’s all surreal yet as real as the sands and the skies! And a lot of this charm and magic is reflected and enhanced by the lovely segment of human race called Italians. Yes, everything you’ve ever heard about them is true, they’re all beautiful to the extent of perfection, but that’s not what makes you feel so connected to them, rather it’s the warmth and the welcoming nature of these wonderful people. So we never really missed home, no, not even for the food, they gave us extra chilly flakes everywhere. So now that you have had an elaborate prologue to our epic trip. Let’s intimate you into the depths of the mesmerising country that is Italy. Here again it’s everything you’ve ever heard of, spellbinding? Indeed! Green, serene, the seas here hold an exceptional value - true blue romancing the green waters - beautiful, bright blissful skies towering you - beautiful, the story book clouds gliding over your head again beautiful! Before you think i’m a tape recorder that’s stuck, pardon me for “beautiful” is a synonym that cannot be unhitched from every mention of Italy. As we travelled the length and breadth of Italy we were introduced to something unique, something inspiring at every stop. The grand diversity is whimsical. Every region has it’s own earnestly preserved rich history, one distinct from another yet so creditably connected. The proud Italians revel in voicing each and every minute detail of their fascinating heritages and former times. When in Italy, the best mode of commuting is definitely by walk, just walk, for every street you take, every corner you turn, you are strolling on Epicness. For when you say “Old” in Italy, it means “historic”, and the numbers we’re dealing

with here are nothing less than a few centuries, at times it could be “BC old”. As we sauntered through the wide variety of locations i.e, the charismatic avenues of Vicenza, the esplanades of Trento, the boulevards of Rome & Lazio and the promenades of the Puglia region, we witnessed the best offerings of man and the maker, the antiquated structures everywhere are a reminder of the dominance of Italians in the world of historical art and culture, their spectacular artistry and understanding of aesthetics. The imposing castles and villas are stuff right out of a fairy tale, they are all admirable monuments in their own right. Such perfect mix of elegance, history, skill, craftsmanship could leave one thoroughly enticed. As we witnessed the rains, the snow, the shiny bright sun and the breezy moonlight, we couldn’t help but nurture the thought of how every angle, every sight looked like a tailor-made film set, perfectly!

ITALY - THE LEGENDARY LAND! Ask an Italian where in the world they would most like to live, and the odds are that they will say “right here”. Indeed,

most people – not just Italians – have raved about Italy since tourism began, and to be honest the country really does have it all: one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in Europe; the world’s greatest hoard of art treasures (many on display in fittingly spectacular cities and buildings); a climate that is on the whole benign; and, most important of all for many, a delicious and authentic national cuisine. The country is not perfect – its historic cities have often been marred by development, and beyond the showpiece sights the infrastructure is visibly straining – but for its places to visit, many of the old clichés still ring true; once you’ve visited, you may never want to travel anywhere else. Italy might be the world’s most celebrated tourist destination, but it only became a unified state in 1861, and as a result Italians often feel more loyalty to their region than to the nation as a whole – something manifest in its different cuisines, dialects, landscapes and often varying standards of living. However, if there is a single national Italian characteristic, it’s to embrace life to the full – in the hundreds of local festivals taking place across the country on any given day to celebrate a saint or the

local harvest; in the importance placed on good food; in the obsession with clothes and image; and in the daily ritual of the collective evening stroll or passeggiata – a sociable affair celebrated by young and old alike in every town and village across the country. There is also the country’s enormous cultural legacy: Tuscany alone has more classified historical monuments than any country in the world; there are considerable remnants of the Roman Empire all over the country, notably in Rome itself; and every region retains its own relics of an artistic tradition generally acknowledged to be among the world’s richest. Yet if all you want to do is chill out, there’s no reason to be put off. There are any number of places to just lie on a beach, from the resorts filled with regimented rows of sunbeds and umbrellas favoured by the Italians themselves, to secluded and less developed spots. And if you’re looking for an active holiday, there’s no better place: mountains run the country’s length – from the Alps and Dolomites in the north right along the Apennines, which form the spine of the peninsula; skiing and other winter sports are practised avidly; and wildlife of all sorts thrives in the country’s national parks.

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CONTENTS

Volume 1 | Issue 8 | March 2014

LOCATIONS & MORE | MARCH 2014

Founder & Chief Editor Krish Amarnath krish@locationsandmore.com Associate Editor Ayesha Naseer editor@locationsandmore.com Sales & Marketing VP Keshav D. info@locationsandmore.com Branding Brand Manager: Prateeksha Graphic Designer: Ranganath G.S. & Ijaz

08 Benvenuto to Italy 18 Italian Film Commissions 22 Cover STory 24 Vibrant Vicenza 36 Tantalizing Trento 50 Ravishing Rome & Luminous Lazio 64 Pleasing Puglia 78 Hotels We Recommend 80 Italian Must Visits! 84 Films shot in Italy 86 Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Miss

Operations Head: M. Krishnamurthy Circulation & Subscription Krish Amarnath krish@locationsandmore.com

RAYS 1 DESTINATION MEDIA No. 11, 5th main RMV 2nd stage Dollars Colony Bangalore-560094 Email. info@locationsandmore.com www.locationsandmore.com Owned and published by Krish Amarnath and printed at PENTAPLUS Printers Pvt Ltd., No. 20/1, 4th Main 5th cross industrial Town Rajajinagar Bangalore-560044. All rights reserved around the world. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Locstions and more does not take for returning unsolicited publications material.

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Historical notes on the Hotel Quirinale In about 1850, Mons. F.Saverio de Merode, an enterprising Belgian prelate who, at the time was one of the Popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ministers, decided to develop the area between the central station and Piazza Venezia, creating what is now the Via Nazionale. One of the first persons to understand the importance of the project was Arch.D.Costanzi who purchased a large area on which he constructed first the Hotel Quirinale which was finished in about 1865 and then, a few years later the Teatro Costanzi which soon became the Rome Opera House. The two buildings are connected by a passage which now passes through the magnificient internal garden of the hotel. During the Reign of Italy the Hotel Quirinale was the meeting place for the most illustrious personages of the time, amongst whom the Royal Family, the Granduchess Catherine of Russia, the Torlonias, the Odescalchis, the Marquis Medici, the Duke of Cambridge, the Granduke of Sachsen-Weimar, etcâ&#x20AC;Ś Domenico Miloni Later famous members of the cultural and artistic elite were also frequent guests: Puccini, Mascagni and also Giuseppe Verdi who, in 1893 after the first performance of Falstaff, was acclaimed by an immense crowd as he stood at the window of the hotel where now there is a plaque recording the event. From the year 1900 onwards, the restaurant of the Hotel Quirinale became the meeting place for the roman aristocracy and it was also famous for its exquisite cuisine and excellent service. The hotel was requisitioned during the second world war by the allied forces and used as head-quarters by the New Zealand troops. Since 1976 it has been managed by the present owners who have undertaken extensive renovations improving both the furnishing and the services of public and guest rooms and also the lovely garden where, in the summer months, the Restaurant and Bar are transferred. Today the Hotel Quirinale, with its marvellous salons and 200 rooms and apartments, offers hospitality to a vast Italian and International clientele who appreciate its spacious and quiet rooms with their period furnishings and the excellent location in the centre of the Eternal City.

I T ALI A N F I L M C O M M I S S I O N

www.italianfilmcommissions.it

facebook.com/ItalianFilmCommissions

The Italian Film Commission is the association that includes 16 Italian Film Commissions, playing an important role in favor of movie companies, investors and more widely audiovisual industry. It includes instituitions born to provide free services as logistic assistance, local funding, authorization issues, list of local professionals; facilities and photo scoutings. The IFC has the goal to guarantee the improvement of its Associates through training so to gain expertise and quality all over. In order to support local development on a global scale, the IFC works to build a network between national and international organizations to ensure cooperation and information exchange as well as the growth of audiovisual industry in Italy.

The Board of IFC http://www.italianfilmcommissions.it/en/board Stefania Ippoliti – President General manager Area cinema Fondazione Sistema Toscana – Toscana Film Commission Cristina Priarone – Vice President General manager Roma Lazio Film Commission Nevina Satta- Vice President Ceo Fondazione Sardegna Film Commission

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I T A L I A N F I L M C O MMI S S I O N

The film commissions are: APULIA FILM COMMISSION www.apuliafilmcommission.it

LOMBARDIA FILM COMMISSION www.filmcomlombardia.it

BLS SÜDTIROL - ALTO ADIGE www.bls.info

LUCANA FILM COMMISSION www.lucanafilmcommission.it

FILM COMMISSON REGIONE CAMPANIA www.fcrc.it

MARCHE FILM COMMISSION www.marchefilmcommission.info

FILM COMMISSION TORINO PIEMONTE www.fctp.it

ROMA LAZIO FILM COMMISSION www.romalaziofilmcommission.it

FILM COMMISSION VALLÉE D’AOSTE www.filmcommission.vda.it

SARDEGNA FILM COMMISSION filmcommission.regione.sardegna.it

FONDAZIONE CALABRIA FILM COMMISSION www.calabriafilmcommission.net

TOSCANA FILM COMMISSION www.toscanafilmcommission.it

FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA FILM COMMISSION www.fvgfilmcommission.com

TRENTINO FILM COMMISSION www.trentinofilmcommission.it

GENOVA - LIGURIA FILM COMMISSION www.glfc.it

VICENZA FILM COMMISSION www.vicenzafilmcommission.com

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I N T E RVI E W

with DR. Riccardo Strano Director Japan, Asia, Oceania

HE ITALIAN TOURISM Foremen give us the expert view on how Italy is an all offering Nation that will invariably deliver on all your travel and vocational needs. Hear it first-hand from the Men who run the show. Excerpts from the interview

Perception of Italy? How big is the market in India for tourism to Italy? Italy has always been one of the most desired and visited travel destination and during 2012, inbound tourism flows increased marginally in volume terms, reaching 44.9 million trips. We are also confident that in the coming years this number will grow exponentially with India featuring as an important inbound source market for Italy. Today, Italy continues to attract about close to 44.9 million tourists annually and arrivals to Italy are expected to grow reaching 48.2 million by 2017. In 2012, Italy was ranked fifth by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in terms of inbound tourist arrivals and international tourist receipts. Another key development over the last few years is that Italy experienced growing inbound flows of tourists coming from the BRIC countries, as it is in fact seen and perceived by Brazilians, Russians, Indians and Chinese as an attractive tourist destination as it meets several needs: cultural, culinary, landscape, shopping, seaside and mountains locations, museums and art cities. With regard to India, it is definitely considered as one of the top five markets and our objective is to consolidate the competitiveness of the Italian traditional tourism product in order to attract and increase the touristic flow from the Indian subcontinent to Italy. As far as outbound Indian travellers to Italy is concerned, data indicates that Italy received 2,73,000 Indian tourist in 2012. As per our estimation, 2013 has seen an increment of 12% as compared to the previous year which will be confirmed once we receive the official statistics. As far as 2014 figures are concerned, we estimate a further increment of about 8% to 10% in the overall

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How do you intend to promote outbound tourism from India to Italy? For the year 2013, we organized various training programmes which were in - depth training course that aimed at educating the travel fraternity on the various tourist products that Italy can offer. We were also developing and in the process of launching our ENIT India website. We will be shortly launching an online mini university wherein we will certify agents as Italy Travel Specialist. Unfortunately there was delay but soon it will be launched. This online course is a special educational tool designed, to give you in depth knowledge of all 20 regions of Italy. This program will enable the agents to have an insight on new experiences and to explore in Italy. Further to this, we took a group of tour operators and journalist to explore and promote the fascinating region of Puglia in Italy. We had received a very positive feedback from the operators and journalist on this trip. We believe that when you have well trained Tour operators with a wide and enhanced knowledge about Italy, you will see a further growth in the number of tourist to Italy. The tourism product – in the form of attractions, experiences, and infrastructure – has a larger role to play in increasing length of stay, amount of money spent per trip, and overall tourism revenues. To be successful in attracting customers from competitors, it’s essential that we focus and concentrate our resources on the best opportunity – and create programs and campaigns that are fully integrated which we are working on the same for the year 2014. Currently few of the activities that we have scheduled are educational tours to the region of Vicenza, bilateral seminars - to create an ideal platform for interactions between the Italian suppliers and Indian buyers and educating them on the product , In - House - training programmes which are conducted on the premises of the tour operator’s, targeting their counter and sales staff, Mini University – which is conducted in Mumbai and New Delhi targeting tour operators of those cities, as well as having training courses for students pursuing travel & toursim as a career and lastly promoting Italy as an ideal destination for movie shoots.

I N T ER V I E W

and Mr. Salvatore Ianniello ENIT Representative India

Any roadshows and exhibitions lined up this year? We would definitely like to participate in a couple of exhibitions wherein we can showcase Italy to the travel operators as well as to the direct consumer with a aim to promote Italy as a suitable destination across all products from MICE, Leisure, Film shooting, Honeymoon, Trekking, Skiing, Spas, Gastronomy, Lakes, Mountains and

How have the past experiences been with the Indian film industry? We have worked closely with Bollywood in the past and ENIT was instrumental in taking few producers to Italy for the purpose of film shooting. We have worked together with prominent producers/ directors and have shot a few famous movies such as Bachna Ae Haseeno, Kambhakt Ishq, Housefull, Rockstar etc in Italy. We also have couple of Italian line producers who have worked with production houses from the South. We believe that Bollywood is a good medium of marketing and are constantly working with people involved in the film industry, even in smaller regional films etc to explore new opportunities. A lot of T.V. shoots, advertisements and film songs are constantly shot in picturesque locations of Italy.

Do you provide familiarization trips to producers interested in filming in Italy? We do several educational tours focussed to the tour operators and journalist however this year we are planning to include Bollywood as a part of our educational tour as we believe there is a lot of potential in this segment.

What according to you is the exclusivity that Italy offers to a film? It is certainly true that Italy-with its varied landscape of alternating plains, hills, coasts and mountains, rivers, woods, countryside and rich sea and its mild yet sometimes harsh climate-boasts a wealth of invaluable natural treasures. Italy is an open air art gallery; home to majority of the world’s historic and artistic UNESCO sights. In Italy the fast paced lifestyle in the north is contrasted by the old-world allure of the south, which abounds in charming little villages, crumbling ruins and quaint beaches, all making for wonderful shooting locales. Italy also has 9,000 km of coastline, with all types of beaches from white to volcanic sand alongside crystal clear blue waters. The Amalfi coast in the south, with its stark cliffs and deep blue seas, for example, is one of the most stunning coasts in the world and is famous for what many believe are the most spectacular vistas on earth. As far as mountains go, Italy is blessed with the crown of the Alps and is known to have some of the most visually dazzling mountainous terrain. Spas, vineyards, and art cities, too, all dot the country’s length and breadth, making it one of the most strikingly scenic destinations on earth, and the reason that numerous international movies have been shot here. DR. Riccardo Strano - Director Japan, Asia, Oceania MR. Salvatore Ianniello - Enit Representative India

Contact Details:

ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board Direzione di Area Asia-Oceania - Antenna India 9th Floor, Tower A, Urmi Estate, 5, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400 013 Tel: +91 22 67289495 / 67189529 Email: mumbai@enit.it Web: www.enit.it

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I N T E RVI E W

with Dr. Vladimiro Riva,

Managing Director of Vicenza è Consortium for Tourist Promotion (tourism board) and the director of the Vicenza Film Commission.

Our Italian teté a teté debuts with the Dr. Vladimiro Riva, Managing Director of Vicenza è Consortium for Tourist Promotion (tourism board) and the director of the Vicenza Film Commission. The jovial Dr. Riva, with his great sense of humor and sharp erudite set the standards of Italian chivalry very high. As we dined with this wonderful and highly knowledgeable gentleman, we were intimated about everything the region of Vicenza and the whole of Italy offers. Excerpts from the interview

How do you plan on developing the trade and cultural relationship between India and the province of Vicenza? Vicenza has for years been one of the biggest manufacturing provinces of Italy and has strong business relationships with India for import-export. Vicenza has an important long standing tradition in gold manufacturing and there is also an Indian company (Sharma Group) based here. We have also hosted many Indian movie productions in the last 10 years.

How have your past experiences been with the Indian film Industry? We have hosted and supported several productions thanks to our good relationship with the Italian State Tourist Board in Mumbai and our trips to India on the occasion of road shows. We started with some episodes of Musafir Hoon Yaron! in 2005-2006 and Home shanty home for the production of Deepty Bathnagar. In 2006 the shooting of a song for the movie MANTHAN EK KASHMAKASH with Tina Rana and Sanjay Kumar, in 2007 Kambakkht Ishq by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment starring Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapur, in 2011 Badrinath with Allu Arjun and Tamanna Bhatia, in 2012 some episodes of Chintu Ban Gaya Gentlemen, in October 2013 Jatt And Juliet with Soham and Mimi Chakraborty and Irumbu Kudurai with Priya Anand and Adharava took place. Our experience was positive as we had the chance to shoot in different locations giving the opportunity to showcase to the Indian audiences the fascinating locations of our area. Furthermore the filming here

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I N T ER V I E W

created business for local companies creating economic benefits for the territory and that is also an important aspect of film industry.

3 4

What’s the one unique aspect that Vicenza offers to a director? Unique locations: Vicenza is the city of the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and the heritage that he left in the town gives the city a unique aspect (Vicenza is also called “theatre city” and is part of in UNESCO World Heritage List) together with the many villas in the countryside, surrounded by large enchanting parks, it makes it a very desirable location. Furthermore, medievals towns and castles feature a rich calendar of events that can give a movie an “Italian touch”… Is Vicenza willing to provide any subsidies to a film coming to shoot in Vicenza? Vicenza Film Commission offers: - Hotel accommodation at very competitive prices - The permissions for shooting in private and public places - Land transfers for crew at very competitive prices - A regional fund (Veneto Film and Audiovisual Fund) to which it is possible to apply in the years that the Region makes it available

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Vicenza in one word would be? Unexpected

India in one word would be? Promising

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Ciao VICENZA!

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UR FIRST DESTINATION in the world of Italy was the legendary Vicenza. While I must admit I was surprised at what this stunningly beautiful town of fine arts had to offer. It boasts some of the best works of one of the greatest architects of all times, Andrea Palladio. The picturesque Palladian Villas, the awe-inspiring Teatro Olimpico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the piazzas, art galleries leave you with the impression that art is indeed entwined irrevocably with this interesting town situated right in the heart of the Veneto region of Italy. Upon our arrival Bruno, our amiable driver welcomed us with grace, almost instantly setting the record straight, yes we are going to have a memorable time here. Our lovely guide Rosella made sure we had the best of everything and did leave with an everlasting adulation for her town, well Rosella, bingo!

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VI C E N Z A

Vicenza Millenniums of art, culture and fervid activity helped to create the extraordinary atmosphere of noble towns, elegant villages, generous countryside and attractive mountains. The agriculture of the land plays a fundamental role among the population. A deep love for the country transformed the original products of thei sland into the exceptional tastes of the local gastronomy and the flavours of many different wines. Making a journey to Vicenza means to establish a contact with the history of architecture. Romanic, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-classicism scenes decorate the infinite perspectives of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;theatre-cityâ&#x20AC;?. The origins of Vicenza date back three thousand years ago. Thus, since the early days, the city has been taking an active part

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in the making of Europe. Andrea Palladio, Vicenzo Scamozzi, Valerio Belli, Antonio Canova, Giovanni Bellini, Paolo Veronese, Giulio Carpioni, Lorenzo da Bologna, Baldassarre Longhena, Giambattista Tiepolo and Alessandro Vittoria are just few of the artists, who dedicated their gift to enrich the glory of Vicenza. Vicenza: the city of the gold. This ancient handicraft activity makes Vicenza the main European gold industrial area. Vicenza: the city of Palladio. The monumnets created by the architect Andrea Palladio represent a modern world-wide lesson of civilization. His masterpieces are now part of the World Heritage of UNESCO and play an important role in every study of architecture.

V I C EN Z A

Bassano, Marostica & Nove Ancient trade flourished in Bassano, Breganze and Marostica. The agricultural experience enriched world-wide famous quality productions: the asparagus, the Grappa distillation and the DOC wines from Breganze. Bassano del Grappa is the town of fine arts, whose masters are Antonibon, Remondini and Canova. Their artistic mark can be found in the ancient handicrafts of ceramics, paper and stone. 1,000 years of history are represented in the monumental elegance of the palaces. “Ponte Vecchio”, projected by A. Palladio, is the symbol of Bassano and it is closed to its people’s heart. Within the ancient walls of Marostica, in the Scaligeri’s castle, the medieval contest “The Chess-Match with Live Chessman” is performed every even year as in the old days. Nove, an elegant village owrth a visist, shares with Bassano a leading role, being the first in the area to manufacture ceramics. The oldest traditions are still cultivated: the popular game “II Gioco della Pissotta” is performed every odd year with live characters and involves all its citizens.

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VI C E N Z A

Palladian Villas Andrea Palladio became famous for being the first one to concieve the Villa as an architectural, economical and social pattern. He expressed his genius mainly n the Villas where, nowadays, it is possible to admire a good part of his work. Among the 23 Villas projected by Palladio, 16 were built around Vicenza. They became famous in Europe and North America as an example of a new method of rural organization. Their historical value has been recognized by the World Heritage of UNESCO. Vicenza’s natural environment, its orderly countryside with many streams and rivers and the mild climate of the hills naturally helped the rise of a “Culture of Villas”, in the whole area.

The Venetian Villas Villas used to be the centre of rural economy, but alsi a leisure place for rich landlords. The interiors were richly decorated by the most famous artists of the time. Among them, Giambattista Tiepolo and his son Giandomenico left an indelible mark of their art.

The Berican Hills Close to the city-centre, the Berican hills are part of an incredibly preserved natural environment.

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The human presence wisely succeeded in maintaining a balance in the area and it is now the ideal place for a wellness holiday to recharge spirit and mind. Forts and fortified villages remind the ancient need to be defended against the enemy. For the last 250 years, Lonigo, a walled Scaligeri town, has been the most important agricultural trade centre of the area. These hills hide invaluable treasures of the human presence during the millenniums. To discover, to observe and to know the area, the tourist’s itineraries include the visit to caves, hermitages, old villages (once lost and now revalued) and traditional farms. Modern agricultural technologies guarantee the high quality of the DOC wine and of the olive oil of the Berican area. They are traditional products naturally offered by the mild climate of the hills.

Recoaro Agno In the valleys of Agno and Chiampo, a marked industrialization coexists with medieval evidences and rural traditions, symbolized by the high quality of the wines produced in the DOC area of Gambellara. Snow, sun and the magical breathtaking landscape of the “Piccole Dolomiti” assure an unforgettable holiday on the slopes of Recoaro Mille, for those keen on winter sports. Unpolluted springs, mudbath treatments, thermal baths and

massotherapies are offered by the noble origins of the oligomineral waters of Recoaro. A successful combination of climate, vegetation and landscape’s variety makes Recoaro Terme an ideal emerald valley with infinite nuances of green. All this becomes an ideal place for holidays, suitable for every age.

The Mountains of Vicena The mountain area of Vicenza, with its beautiful seasonal colours and the hidden uncontaminated corners, offers endless occasions of entertainment all year long. Innumerable itineraries lead, from the plain up to the Monte Grappa, from Tonezza to the Altopiano dei Fiorentini and to the group of mountains of Pasubio, on foot or by bicycle, through paths and mule-tracks to meet the marks and remains of the First World War. Snow-covered ski slopes, either for beginners or experts, and endless crosscountry ski-tracks pass through primitive peaceful environments, which inspire serenity. All this gives the impression to be not far from Heaven. The population of the mountain area of Vicenza has developed a healthy gastronomic creative tradition. The ancient wild forests, now converted in fields , offer simple and poor products. Trouts, cheese, potatoes and sopressa smell so good to attract everyone in the numerous dedicated refreshment-points.

V I C EN Z A

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VI C E N Z A

Films shot in

Vicenza Kambakkht Ishq (Year) Director: Sabbir Khan Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala Starring: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Cinematography: Vikas Shivraman

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V I C EN Z A

Movie: Badrinath (2011) Director: V. V. Vinayak Producer: Allu Aravind Starring: Allu Arjun, Tamannaah Bhatia Cinematography: Ravi Varman

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VI C E N Z A

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Come and film in

Vicenza!

Vicenza Film Commission is an organization funded by Vicenzaè to promote the image of Vicenza all over the world. Vicenza Film Commission aims to promote the city and the province, in order to attract Italian and foreign filming productionsand at the same time develop the filming industry in the province by building new business chances.

Filming in Vicenza

Vicenza Film Commission Scouting Package

Thanks to the innate spirit of hospitality in its people together with variety of locations, the natural richness of Berici hills and the Asiago Plateau, the historical and artistic heritage of the city, the architectural styles of buildings and villas, Vicenza appears to be the ideal set for all types of audio-visual product. Vicenza is located in the heart of the Veneto region (close to Venice) and, together with its magnificent villas, it is part of the Unesco World Heritage List, thanks to the masterpieces of Andrea Palladio (1508-1580). The architect’s works are based on a careful study of classical architecture and they give to the city a unique appearance. They created the architectural style known as Palladianism, which spread to England and other European countries and even in North America.

Vicenza è (Local tourist board) and Vicenza Film Commission would like to offer to filmmakers a special package for scouting the locations.

Services of Vicenza Film Commission

Deliverables:

Vicenza Film Commission can provide the following services:  Digital photographs database and information about the locations  Shooting permits  Logistic assistance  Troupe accommodation  Free occupation of public soil  Technical services  Artistic and technical personnel database  Film catering services  Relations with the press and local authorities  Simplifying red tape

Vicenza must be clearly recognizable in the film (e.g filming a road sign or overprinting Vicenza in the film or placing shots of recognizable local landmarks: the audience must know that is Vicenza) At the end of the film, the producer must credit Vicenza tourist board and Vicenza Film Commission and any other private partners in Vicenza who have provided services free of charge The producer must provide a DVD copy of the film, general promo material and pubblicity pictures to Vicenza Film Commission The producer is kindly requested to allow journalists and photographers to attend some of the film shooting.

The scouting package includes:  free accomodation up to 3 people, up to 4 nights  free transportation in Vicenza by car or public means  free meals up to 3 people  professional assistance during the scouting  meeting with local authorities  On the other side, the producer first of all must have a serious, large-scale production in preparation, and must communicate the name of the film, basic storyline, actors, etc...

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Welcome to Trentino â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the Dolomites on the Doorstep

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UR SECOND DESTINATION in the journey of unmasking the Italian dream was the vibrant and diverse region of Trentino. It is again a huge surprise package like most of the lesser known Italian regions are. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vivid diveristy in landsacpe and variety of environments make it a one-stop wonder. The biggest surprise of them being the magical Dolomites, it is beautiful, it is snow as far as the eye can see, as scintillating as it can get, just a picture perfect painting! Riva del Garda, a lovely town near trento is eye candy for holidayers, it boasts of the top notch Lake Garda resorts becoming one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the north of Italy. Lake Garda is particularly charming. The color blue of the water is more intense, the sunlight more vivid and the air is oxygenated by the mountains and purified by the Lake Garda breeze which blows and fills the colored sails of the windsurfs. Here, Alberto from the Trentino Film Commission played the utterly gentlemanly and ideally perfect host and gave us a gist of Italian geniality, making our journey here, well just perfecto!

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Riva del Garda

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T RE N T I N O

Capuchin friars ex convent THE DOLOMITES – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE TREASURES Trentino is an Alpine wonderland in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, including a foothold on Lake Garda. This sea-like lake might be the region’s calling card to English-speaking visitors, but we’d like to tempt you to explore further afield. As the gateway to the Dolomites, Trentino is wellplaced to promote its greatest assets, with the peaks celebrated in music, wine and sporting events. Dominating the skyscape are the transcendent Dolomites, now a Unesco World Heritage site. Whether grey and windswept or bathed sunset pink, the peaks are inspirational enough to persuade mere mortals to pick up their boots. The Dolomites have inspired spiritual leaders such as the Dalai Lama and Pope John Paul II. Le Corbusier described the Dolomites as the most beautiful natural architecture in the world. Leslie Stephen, a pioneering mountaineer and father of Virginia Woolf, likened the characteristic Brenta group to Sir Christopher Wren’s St Paul’s Cathedral.

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Many peaks were first charted by British gentlemen-mountaineers so the bonds run deep. In 1852, John Ball, the first President of the Alpine Club of Great Britain, was credited with being the first mountaineer to scale Trentino’s Brenta Dolomites, and charting Trentino’s peaks. The Brenta represented virgin territory and were a formidable challenge. For his groundbreaking ascent, Ball selected the Bocca di Brenta as the springboard for an exploration of the Dolomites, using a route that is still considered the safest today. Other British pioneers included Douglas Freshfield, Leslie Stephen and Francis Fox Tuckett. The latter opened up a tough route to Cima Brenta from Molveno, and Rifugio Tuckett, an appealingly rustic lodge, honours his contribution, as well as providing hearty fare for hikers. Alpinist Daniele Angeli, who manages the inn today, speaks of his British visitors with affection: “they are the most dedicated and committed of mountaineers who, despite the British reputation, are greater eaters than drinkers”. (see Releases 6 & 8). Parks and wilderness. As a region,

T R EN T I N O

Franciscan monastery

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T RE N T I N O

Ski slopes of Madonna di Campiglio

Madonna di Campiglio

Trentino is defined by the Dolomites and Lake Garda, equally impressive natural wonders. Expect environmental awareness, myriad clean lakes, and private motor boats banned from Trentino’s stretch of Lake Garda. Eastern Trentino is dominated by the towering Dolomitic peaks known as the Fassa Dolomites and the Pale di San Martino while the western side of the region is dwarfed by the Brenta Dolomites. Other mountainous landmarks include the Latemar, the Lagorai and the Adamello Presanella groups. Trentino boasts expanses of sheer wilderness, embracing almost 20 percent of land protected as regional parks. Foremost among these reserves are the Stelvio National Park, Adamello Brenta Park, Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Park. These parks are also an invitation to explore the World Heritage Site that is the Dolomites, from stark peaks and silvery forests to Alpine lakes and cosy inns.

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T R EN T I N O

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T RE N T I N O

Torbole

Buonconsiglio Castle

Arco Castle

Beseno Castle

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T R EN T I N O

Thun Castle

Campo Castle Madruzzo Castle

Toblino Castle

Pergine Castle

Toblino Castle

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T RE N T I N O

Brenta Dolomites

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Fuchiade, Val di Fassa

T R EN T I N O

Trento, Duomo square

Ledro lake

Tenno lake

Trento, Duomo square

Arco

San Pellegrino lake - Val di Fassa MARCH 2014 | LOCATIONS & MORE

TRENTINO FILM COMMISSION

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Trentino Film Commission supports and leads you through Trentino, the italian northeastern region, to discover its versatile landscapes. The Dolomites — the most spectacular mountains in the world —

Trentino Alto Adige is an autonomous region in Northern Italy. It consists of two provinces: Trentino and South Tyrol. The region was part of Austria- Hungary and its predecessors: the Austrian Empire and the Holy Roman Empire from the 8th century until its annexion to Italy in 1919. Together with the Austrian state of Tyrol it is represented by the Euroregion Tyrolsouth Tyrol Trentino. In English, the region is also known as Trentino-South Tyrol or by Italian name Trentino Alto Adige. Trentino is one of the two provinces; its capital is the town of Trento. The province has an area of 6.207 squared km and a total population of 500.000. The region is renowned for its mountains such as the Dolomites which are part of the Alps.

FACILITIES  Location scouting with location managers for the first 3 days: the film commission provides free accomodation for 3 persons, a van with driver and the support of a location manager for free.  Support in finding local suppliers and casting agencies.  Discharge of administrative paperworks for shooting or any kind  of otherwise necessary authorization.  Grading and fees negotiation for hotels/ restaurants/ set catering.  Exemption from permits’ fees in all public locations, streets and many castles and buildings.

 HOW MUCH YOU CAN ASK: a fund of maximum 200.000 euro is available per application  BASIC CRITERIA TO BE RESPECTED: 150% of the fund granted has to be spent in the region; at least 20% of the crew must be local  WHEN YOU WILL GET THE RESPONSE: 4 weeks after the date of the deadline  SHOOTING TIME REQUIRED: no obbligation of number of shooting days  WHEN YOU CAN EXPECT TO RECEIVE THE GRANT: after the end of the shooting and the audit of the costs incurred. The procedure usually takes 4 weeks.

CLOSEST AIRPORTS TRENTO • VENICE 215 km TRENTO • MILAN 250 km TRENTO • VERONA 100 km TRENTO • MUNICH 335 km

FUNDS

TRENTINO PRESS OFFICE

Incentives are available in Trentino; a board will avaluate the application submitted and will assign a grant based on the kind of project, the visibility guaranteed, the number of local crew involved and the amount of costs incurred inside the area. Script or synopsis, total budget of the movie and the quotation of expenses estimated in the region are required.

To discover more about Trentino as a summer or winter destination: Via Romagnosi 11, 38122 Trento, Italy Tel (+39) 0461 219375. Fax (+39) 0461 219402 Web: www.visittrentino.it/en

 WHEN YOU CAN APPLY: 3 deadlines per year end of February, end of May, end of September

Press dedicated section: http://www. visittrentino.it/en/press-releases-trentino Press email: trentinostampa@visittrentino.it Head of Media Relations: Paola Pancher +39 0461 219320 | paola.pancher@ visittrentino.it MARCH 2014 | LOCATIONS & MORE

WELCOME

to the Eternal City and the identically fascinating Lazio!

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he third leg of our journey of the great exploration of Italy took us to the legendary Rome and uncovered the stunningly settled land of Lazio. At our arrival at the Roma Termini Railway Station, one of the largest railway stations in Europe, our guide Cristina recieved us with an enthusiastic CIAO, and that dusted off our travel fatigue. So we were in Rome, home to the most important ancient civilization in history, the cradle of many origins, influences, traditions, myths, and legends, it is unarguably majestic, magical and a magnum opus in every sense, when you

walk the roads you feel a sense a peculiarity, cause at all times you know every street, every inch holds the highest significance in world history. Rome is Rome, we knew what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in for, grandeur. But in this discovery peregrinate of ours Lazio is what scored, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assorted with plenty of little beautiful areas, lovely neighbourhoods that house many sprawling villas and historical gardens and towns, the Ninfa Gardens, the medieval city of Civita di Bagnoregio and the town of Sermoneta, the ancient town of Viterbo and Tivoli all need a special mention, why? Well, they are all special!

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RO M E & LAZI O

CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO Civita di Bagnoregio Regione Lazio has amazing places in its territory and Civita di Bagnoregio is undoubtedly one of them. The small town is located in the Province of Viterbo about one hour drive north of Rome and has a striking position perched on the top of a volcanic rock above a vast canyon only accessible by a long stone walkway and overlooking the valley of the river Tiber. The town looks enchanting depending on the time of day, the play of sunlight or clouds,

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and the mist that frequently rolls in around it. The 300-meter long pedestrian bridge was built to facilitate the access of visitors and to promote the conservation of Civita due to its particular geological and morphological features that made the town suffer from landslides over the centuries. Civita dates back to the Etruscan civilization that developed about 2,500 years ago before the Roman Empire did. It is surrounded by walls and retains one of the few surviving ancient Etruscan gates: a huge stone passageway that was

decorated later in the 12th century with a Romanesque arch. The gate is also known as Porta del Cassero which indicates it was part of lost fortifications. After passing through the gate, you enter another world totally immersed in the Middle Ages, where you can feel history in the cobblestones under your feet and where you can explore the cluster of medieval stone homes made of hewn stone that look like they grew out of the landscape naturally. There are no lists of attractions, orientation tours, or museum hours: Civita is just a magic place, where each lane and footpath holds a surprise. Wandering through the village you arrive in the delightful piazza where the Romanesque church of San Donato houses a gorgeous wood crucifix dating to the 1500s and some fabulous frescoes. Continuing your exploration you will also see some wonderful architecture spanning several hundred years of styles with some surprisingly elegant palaces for such a small town. Renaissance era buildings stand proudly along the narrow alleys, mixed with pretty town houses, all decorated with hammered iron balconies, creeping ivy and overflowing flower boxes. All around the town youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy beautiful views from this lofty position.

R OME & L A Z IO

NINFA NINFA As can be evinced from the ruins of public buildings and houses still visible today, Ninfa was originally a medieval village built around a small Roman temple dedicated to the water and wood nymphs of the fresh water streams of the Lepini mountains. Remains of this temple can still be found in the lake which formed when the Caetani family built a dam at the end of the 13th century. The waters of the lake also reflect a medieval tower and the well preserved crenellated walls of the (totally empty) castle. Destroyed in 1159 for being the place in which Pope Alexander III was elected to the papacy, Ninfa enjoyed its maximum splendor in the early 14th century, after a series of property and land acquisitions and the completion of several fortification initiatives by Pietro II Caetani, the nephew of Pope Boniface VIII. A beautiful city that started diminishing after a series of attacks around the 14th century and completely abandoned after a wave of malaria was brought back to life in 1920 when Gelasio Caetani restored the original buildings and oversaw the panting of a new garden according to a layout designed by Marguerite Chapin Caetani, Ninfa passed into the hands of Lelia Caetani and her husband Hubert Howard.

Thus, nowadays the numerous ruined medieval churches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Alexander II was crowned and the churches of San Biagio, San Paolo and San Giovanni â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as the castle, the city walls, the houses, the watch towers, the temains of the riverside landing stage, and the bridges (including one

Roman bridge) are flanked by a marvelous garden, Ninfa Gardens, tagged as the most romantic garden in the world, it houses thousands of plants, bushes and forest trees (including many different roses and other fragrant plants), from all over the world arrange in to great chromatic effect by the latter members of the Caetani family.

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RO M E & LAZI O

ROME

ROME History, human genius and the hot midday sun have conspired to make Rome one of the world’s most seductive and thrilling cities. It’s legend all around. With an artistic heritage dating back to Etruscan times, Rome is one of the world’s great art cities. Throughout history, it has played a starring role in the major upheavals of Western art and the results are there for all to see – amazing classical statues, stunning Renaissance frescoes, breathtaking baroque churches. Walk around the centre and even without trying you’ll come across masterpieces by the greats of the artistic pantheon – sculptures by Michelangelo, paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Raphael, fountains by Bernini. In Rome, art is not locked away from view, it’s quite literally all around you. For much of its history Rome has been at the centre of world events, first, as caput mundi (capital of the world), the fearsome hub of the Roman Empire, then for centuries as the seat of papal power. It was a city that counted and this is writ large on its historic streets - martial ruins recall ancient glories, stately palazzi evoke Renaissance intrigue, towering basilicas testify to artistic genius and papal ambition. Elsewhere, underground temples, buried houses and maddonelle (roadside shrines) tell of past lives and local beliefs. But there’s more to Rome than history, fine art and great food. Rome is Italy’s capital and largest city, and while history 56

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reverberates all around, modern life is lived to the full. Rome is Italy’s political and religious heartbeat and the twin presence of government and Church dominates the city.

Many city-centre palazzi house government offices while over in the Vatican the dome of St Peter’s Basilica serves to remind everyone of the pope’s presence.

R OME & L A Z IO

SERMONETA

SERMONETA It is a medieval centre overlooking the Pontine plains, with its origins sunk into the process of embattlements, that belonged to the Counts of Tuscolo, the Annibaldi families and the Caetani family, starting from 1297, who were divested of it by Alexander VI Borgia, in the late 15th century, but then regained possession of it upon his death. The formation and urban development of this hill town are clearly marked by the necessity of defense; it is built entirely of local stone and enclosed by walls having five gates or doors. The built-up area is more crowded below the castle, the construction of which may have begun in the 11th century. It underwent two interventions under the Caetani family and furing the brief period it was held by the Borgia’s family, who rendered it a formidable military machine made up of

progressive system of defense: citadel, moat, drawbridges, drop-gate, a series of compulsory passageways exposed to fire, drill grounds, the small tower and the massive keep, which could also be isolated with walkways and steps. The fabric of the town features various areas and constructions: the 15th century building that houses the Town Hall, some tower-houses, the Belvedere, the ancient synagogue (today a private home), the Mercahants’ Loggia and the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Sermoneta is at about 1 hour drive from Rome. It was assigned the “Bandiera Arancione” (Orange flag), for being a well preserved and functionally equipped medieval town. The Ministry of Tourism declared it “Jewel of Italy” and it also achieved the “European Destination of Excellence” by the Europen Union.  MARCH 2014 | LOCATIONS & MORE

RO M E & LAZI O

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R OME & L A Z IO

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RO M E & LAZI O

VILLA D’ESTE

Villa d’Este Villa d’Este is a masterpiece among the Italian Gardens and included in the UNESCO list of world heritage, with its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music is a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and Baroque list of UNESCO heritage world, with its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music is a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and baroque. It encompases an extraordinary landscape, artistic and historic structure. An area rich in caves and waterfalls displaying the unending battle between stone and waters. The imposing buildings and terraces above terraces bring to mind the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the wonders of the ancient world, while the addition of water with an aqueduct and a tunnel under the city, evokes the engineering skill of the Romans.

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R OME & L A Z IO

VITERBO Despite sustaining heavy bomb damage in WWII, Viterbo is Lazio’s best preserved medieval town with an attractive, atmospheric historic centre. It makes a good base for exploring Lazio’s hilly north or can be visited on a day trip from Rome. Green landscapes and enchanting Medieval villages characterize Viterbo. It is an oasis of good food and relaxation, situated amidst the legacies of the Etruscans and the Via Francigena, where the rhythms of life from the mountains to the sea are dictated by nature and the age-old customs of peasant life. Founded by the Etruscans and eventually taken over by Rome, it was an important medieval centre, and in the 13th century became the abode of the popes. In the central Piazza San Lorenzo stand the Cathedral, built in the 12th Century, and the Palazzo dei Papi (Papal Palace), residence for the popes since 1255, and remembered as the site where the longest and most disputed conclave in history took place. Papal elections were held in the Gothic Palazzo dei Papi where, in 1271, the entire college of cardinals was briefly imprisoned. The story goes that after three years of deliberation the cardinals still hadn’t elected a new pope. Mad with frustration, the Viterbesi locked the dithering priests in a turreted hall and starved them into electing Pope Gregory X. Viterbo, the beautiful historic center has been preserved and comprises the old urban core enclosed by the town wall, while the modern, commercial and industrial part is nearer to the defensive walls. A sandy shoreline and the Mediterranean bush characterize the area of the coast with its crystalline waters. Here, discover an Etruscan necropolis (one of Italy’s 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites) made up of approximately 200 graves, where paintings represent the most conspicuous legacies of Etruscan art. In addition to its historical appeal, Viterbo is also famous for its therapeutic hot springs. 

VITERBO

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ROME LAZIO FILM COMMISSION The FILM COMMISSION FOUNDATION of ROME, the PROVINCES and LAZIO was founded on February 5, 2007, encompassing the Lazio Region, the Municipality of Rome, the Province of Rome, the Province of Frosinone, the Province of Rieti and the Province of Viterbo, to replace the previous Lazio organizations, the Rome Film Commission and the Lazio Film Commission.

The Foundation, into its headquarters at Studi Cinematografici CinecittĂ&#x192; - via Tuscolana 1055, continues to carry out activities aimed at promoting cinema, audiovisual media and coproductions, serving as a point of contact between the principal national and international companies and Lazio, the traditional land of great cinema. The foundation supports cinema and audiovisual productions by providing a platform for the development of International coproduction with the organization of coproduction meetings during the main film festivals (Cannes, Berlin, Rome, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai). It offers support and guidance regarding the financial resources the Lazio regions can make available to the film and audiovisual industry. SERVICES The Rome and Lazio Film Commission assists national and International productions in finding qualified professionals. It arranges to provide supplies and services, offering productions the best hotels, services, transportation, catering, rentals, etc., and helps in the obtaining of filming permits throughout the region. It offers productions accurate location scouting dedicated to finding the most suitable and innovative locations.

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PUGLIA S

o, folks, here we are at our last leg of the journey. Exhausted? Well, a little! On the train journey to Bari, the scenic beauty of Italian rural areas added a new dimension to our already mesmerizing trip. The clouds wore a special white, the mountains far away in their majestic posture seemed as though they were welcoming us to witness something scintillating that they veiled. With this live wallpaper like companionship, we finally arrived at Bari, to our delight right at the exit door of our bogie stood Lucia, this wonderful lady was our guide here, her warmth and vivacity rubbed off right away on us. Exhausted still? Nah! As we stepped out of the station Nikola, the stout and affable man was our perfect chauffeur. The city of Bari is a prosperous and neat city and a bustling commercial center and port. With a splendid promenade, the city has an endearing ambience. As we toured the Puglia region, we came to the thorough conclusion that Italy lacks nothing, absolutely nothing. Puglia, the heel of Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine boot, completes it so immaculately that you feel Italy is indeed perfecto! The Trullis of Alberobello, famous worldwide for their beauty and unique characteristics, represent one of the most extraordinary examples of Italian folk architecture. Remember Ranbir and Deepika running around and romancing away in Khuda Jaane? Yes, Bollywood has had itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love affair with this alluring Italian offering. Heading further south, Lecce is a charming gem of a town that portrays some of the finest arts of the Baroque era, this glorious little jewel sits in close proximity with the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. A walk around Lecce leaves you artistically rich. All this fantasy like scenes and sights evoked the poet in me as I wrote in my diary.. For the poetry stirs in you , when what you see is what is true ! It is as beautiful as that sky so blue , oh those waters paint a surreal view. Visit Italy, where you are happily lost and you gladly have no clue.

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PU GLI A

Apulia

Apulia - Meet your dreams! The Puglia experience. Nature is wonderful all year round, art and culture give emotions you don’t expect and cuisine has a unique taste. Puglia is a land of ancient history and civilizations, archaeological Roman and Greek remains stand still with masterpieces of medieval architecture such as castles and noble palaces, historic quarters and baroque architecture. The three UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Puglia, Frederick of Hohenstaufen’s mysterious Castel del Monte, the unique Trulli of Alberobello and the mystical Lombard Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo cradle centuries of history and culture, absolute beauty, spirituality and priceless emotions. Many populations have lived in this land; the remains of millenary vicissitudes are still evident and tangible. Excavations have brought to light extraordinary traces of the Roman, Greek and Byzantine civilization which were followed by centuries of Norman, Swabian, and Angevin civilization. A landscape made of green rolling hills showcases small historical towns surrounded by lush green olive groves and vineyards. 68

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Miles of coastline alternate little harbours with fortresses and lighthouses to white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Puglia is a region which combines ancient traditions with modern lifestyle.

Artistic Puglia Puglia is a region of art and culture with its hidden treasures like trulli, farmhouses and olive trees. Passo di Corvo just a few kilometers away from Foggia, is the largest Neolithic village in Europe. In Giurdignano, a short walk away from Otranto there is the largest megalithic garden of the old continent, with numerous dolmens and menhirs. Did you know that the Messapians were the ancestors of the people of Salento?. In order to get to the archaeological area of the Museo Diffuso di Cavallino you can cycle or walk. From the high of a large artificial terrace, you can admire the area covered with remains of dwellings, tombs, cisterns, monuments, streets and Messapians drainage systems. It is an historical and environmental museum, where you can be in contact with nature. The “cases” are the scenario itself, whereas the archaeological remains are scattered along the route.

P U G L IA

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PU GLI A

Eventful Puglia Wherever you go in Puglia, music is in the air, especially in summer, hitting the countryside, towns, villages, palaces, convents, squares and even quarries, from Gargano to Salento. It is difficult to resist to its unique and overwhelming rhythms. The territory is animated by theatrical events and jazz festivals hosting national renowned singers as well as local ones, numerous shows influenced by various traditions as well as food festivals. If you love cinema, go to Bari in spring for the Bif&st, the Bari International Film Festival, with more than 400 events spread in 8 days, including film screenings, film classes, meetings with directors and actors, with an innovative formula that ranges from cinema to theatre, music, literature, poetry, television, the treasures of film archives and much more.

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For the cinephiles, two interesting events are hold in Salento: in April, in Lecce, the Festival del Cinema Europeo welcomes many actors, producers and international distributors that present their movies to the public. It is a showcase for young filmmakers and promotes the new forms of expression of the European cinema. It includes a contest of European feature films on national preview, follow up meetings on the characters of the Italian and European cinema and a focus on the cinema production of the countries of the Euro-Mediterranean area. In June, the SIFF - Salento Film Festival in Tricase (Le) is dedicated to the independent production and it is an opportunity for comparisons between national and international productions,

P U G L IA

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PU GLI A

Authetic Puglia Puglia and its farmhouses, sunny olive groves, ancient villages and traditions has seduced international stars like Helen Mirren, the Oscar winner who bought here a XVI century farmhouse or Ferzan Ă&#x2013;zpetek, the famous film director who chose this region as the set of his films. As he states that here, he has found an authentic dimension. His movie Loose Cannons is set in Lecce and contributed to make the Salento to be known around the world: from the opening scenes of the olive trees to the unspoiled beaches of Punta della Suina in Gallipoli, but in particular the historical center of Lecce, a real triumph of coats of arms, churches and balconies. This region, with its unique landscapes, is an ideal set for film productions as well as a perfect place to live. Famous director such as Pupi Avati, Nanni Moretti, but also Apulian film directors such as Edward Winspeare, Sergio Rubini and international crew, shoot here numerous films. In the splendid Gargano setting Bollywood, the largest film industry in the world, has set some blockbusters like the comedy Housefull starring Akshay Kumar.

LOCATIONS & MORE | MARCH 2014

P U G L IA

MARCH 2014 | LOCATIONS & MORE

PU GLI A Naturally Puglia The beauty of Puglia goes beyond the breathtaking coastline. Be surprised by a wild and untouched nature. From north to south, there are parks and reserves of great importance, such as the Umbra Forest, the ancient heart of the Gargano National Park full of ancient beeches, oaks and maple trees. With its 121 thousand hectares, an incredible variety of landscapes, more than 2,500 plant species and 80% of the varieties of European wild orchids, this is the largest park of the region. Walk through accessible trails and visit the Natural Museum near Villaggio Umbra which holds blows - up of the Gargano flora and fauna. Here you can see some trunk sections of 120 plant varieties, finds from the Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, flint artworks as well as the details reconstruction of a charcoalburners and loggers village.

Seaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;full Puglia Forget exotic destinations and choose Puglia. You will be thrilled to travel over the 800 kilometers of coastline that extends from Gargano to Salento. The landscape changes constantly: from the cliffs overlooking the sea to the stretches of white sand; from the stacks of Vieste and Mattinata, to the secret little coves between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca. The coastline also offers spectacular caves such as Zinzulusa in Castro. Taking the roads that run along the two seas of the Ionian and the Adriatic seas, you will encounter beach resorts suitable for everyone. The purity of the sea in the region is at the top of the charts, rating with many awards to certify it, from the 5 blue flags of the FEE to the 5 sails of Legambiente and the Italian Touring Club, awarded to towns such as Ostuni and Melendugno. The Tremiti islands offer a multicolor seabeds.

Traditional Puglia Puglia is a land of faith and spirituality with white cathedrals outstretched to the sky, hiding precious treasures inside. You can still find here a world that preserves customs and almost secret, intimate traditions like the mysterious rupestrian churches carved in the tufa. In Otranto you will be stunned by the greatest mosaic in the West, dating back to the XII century that was created in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata. It depicts a huge Tree of Life supported by two elephants and many allegorical figures. The Cappella dei Martiri, located in the right aisle, holds the remains of the 813 Martyrs of Otranto murdered by the Turks in 1480 and canonized in the chapel in May 12th 2013. ď&#x20AC;ź

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P U G L IA

MARCH 2014 | LOCATIONS & MORE

PU GLI A

LOCATIONS & MORE | MARCH 2014

P U G L IA

MARCH 2014 | LOCATIONS & MORE

Hotels we Recommend Hotel Villa Michelangelo Via Sacco, 35 - 36057 Arcugnano, Vicenza (Italy) Phone: +39 0444 550300 Fax: +39 0444 550490 E-mail: reservation.michelangelo@royaldemeure.com www.hotelvillamichelangelo.com

Restaurant Hotel Colle del Sole Villaggio dei Trulli srl Via Independence, 63 - 70011 Alberobello, Bari - Italy Phone: +39 080 4321814 Fax: +39 080 4321370 E-mail: booking@hotelcolledelsole.it www.hotelcolledelsole.it

Grand Hotel Trento Piazza Dante, 20-38122 Trento Phone: +39.0461.271000 Fax: +39.0461.271001 E-mail: reservation@grandhoteltrento.com www.grandhoteltrento.com

Hotel Oriente Corso Cavour 32 - 70122 Bari, Italy Phone: +39 080 525 5100 F +39 080 52 55 777 www.orientehotelbari.com

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Hotel President Via Salandra, 6-73100 Lecce Phone: +39 0832 456111 Fax: +39 0832 456632 www.hotelpresidentlecce.it E-mail: info@hotelpresidentlecce.it

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Italy ! t i s i V Must Rome, Italy’s capital and the one city in the country that owes allegiance neither to the north or south, is a tremendous city quite unlike any other, and in terms of historical sights outstrips everywhere else in the country by some way. It’s the focal point of Lazio, in part a poor and sometimes desolate region whose often rugged landscapes, particularly south of Rome, contrast with the more manicured beauty of the other central regions. The regions of Piemonte and Lombardy, in the northwest, make up the country’s richest and most cosmopolitan region, and the two main centres, Turin and Milan, are its wealthiest cities. In their southern reaches, these regions are flat and scenically dull, especially Lombardy, but in the north the presence of the Alps shapes the character of each: skiing and hiking are prime activities, and the lakes and mountains of Lombardy are time-honoured tourist territory. Liguria, the small coastal province to the south, has long been known as the “Italian Riviera” and is accordingly crowded with sun-seekers for much of the summer. Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful stretch of coast, and its capital, Genoa, is a vibrant, bustling port town with a long seafaring tradition. Much of the most dramatic mountain scenery lies within the smaller northern regions. In the far northwest, the tiny bilingual region of Valle d’Aosta is home to some of the country’s most frequented ski resorts, and is bordered by the tallest of the Alps – the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. In the northeast, Trentino-Alto Adige, another bilingual region and one in which the national boundary is especially blurred, marks the beginning of the Dolomites mountain range, where Italy’s largest national park, the Stelvio, lies amid some of the country’s most memorable landscapes. The Dolomites stretch into the northeastern regions of the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. However, here the main focus of interest is, of course, Venice: a unique city, and every bit as beautiful as its reputation would suggest (although this means you won’t be alone in appreciating it). If the crowds are too much, there’s also

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the arc of historic towns outside the city – Verona, Padua and Vicenza, all centres of interest in their own right, although rather overshadowed by their illustrious neighbour. To the south, the region of EmiliaRomagna was at the heart of Italy’s postwar industrial boom and enjoys a standard of living on a par with Piemonte and Lombardy, although it’s also a traditional stronghold of the Italian Left. Its coast is popular among Italians, and Rimini is about Italy’s brashest (and trendiest) seaside resort, renowned for its nightlife. You may do better to ignore the beaches altogether, however, and concentrate on the ancient centres of Ravenna, Ferrara, Parma and the regional capital of Bologna, one of Italy’s liveliest, most historic but least appreciated cities – and traditionally Italy’s gastronomic and academic capital. Central Italy represents perhaps the most commonly perceived image of the country, and Tuscany, with its classic rolling countryside and the art-packed towns of Florence, Pisa and Siena, to name only the three best-known, is one of its most visited regions. Neighbouring Umbria is similar in all but its tourist numbers, though it gets busier every year, as visitors flock into towns such as Perugia, Spoleto and Assisi. Further east still,Le Marche has gone the same way, with old stone cottages being turned into foreign-owned holiday homes; the highlights of the region are the ancient towns of Urbino and Ascoli Piceno. South of Le Marche, the hills begin to pucker into mountains in the twin regions of Abruzzo and Molise, one of Italy’s remotest areas, centring on one of the country’s highest peaks – the Gran Sasso d’Italia. The south proper begins with the region of Campania. Its capital, Naples, is a unique, unforgettable city, the spiritual heart of the Italian south, and close to some of Italy’s finest ancient sites in Pompeii and Herculaneum, not to mention the country’s most spectacular stretch of coast around Amalfi. Basilicata and Calabria, which make up the instep and toe of Italy’s boot, are harder territory but still rewarding, the emphasis less on art, more on the landscape and quiet, relatively unspoilt coastlines. Puglia, the “heel” of Italy, has underrated pleasures, too, notably the landscape of its Gargano peninsula, the souk-like qualities of its capital, Bari, and the Baroque glories of Lecce in the far south. As for Sicily, the island is really a place apart, with a wide mixture of attractions ranging from some of the finest preserved Hellenistic treasures in Europe, to a couple of Italy’s most appealing beach resorts in Taormina and Cefalu, not to mention some gorgeous upland scenery. Come this far south and you’re closer to Africa than Milan, and it shows in the climate, the architecture and the cooking, with couscous featuring on many menus in the west of the island. Sardinia, too, feels far removed from the Italian mainland, especially in its relatively undiscovered interior, although you may be content just to laze on its fine beaches, which are among Italy’s best.

MARCH 2014 | LOCATIONS & MORE

FILMS

y l a t I Shot in

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1. Ajab Gazaab Love 2. Baadshah 3. Sir Vacharu 4. Brahman 5. Housefull 6. Prema Kavali 7. Paglu 8. Devudu Chesina Manushulu 9. Rajapattai

5 7

MARCH 2014 | LOCATIONS & MORE

DON’T MISS! 1

Centro storico, Rome

There’s so much to see in Rome that aimlessly wandering the city’s fantastic old centre can yield a surprise at every turn, whether it’s an ancient statue, a marvellous Baroque fountain or a bustling piazza.

Sicily’s Greek ruins

The ancient theatres at Siracusa and Taormina are magnificent summer stages for Greek drama, while the temple complex at nearby Agrigento is one of the finest such sites outside Greece itself.

Wine Bars

Italian wine is undergoing a resurgence, and there’s nothing like sampling local varieties in an enoteca or wine bar, accompanied by a plate of regional cheese and cold meats.

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Urbino

This so-called “ideal city” and art capital, created by Federico da Montefeltro, the ultimate Renaissance man, is one of the most memorable of all Italian provincial cities.

Ravenna’s mosaics

Ravenna’s Byzantine mosaics – in the churches of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and San Vitale – are a stunning testimony to the city’s ranking as the capital of Europe fifteen hundred years ago.

Amalfi Coast

Everyone should see the stunning Amalfi Coast at least once in their life.

Piazza San Marco, Venice

Crowded or not, this is one of Europe’s grandest urban spaces and home to Italy’s most exotic cathedral.

Duomo, Orvieto

One of the country’s finest – and best-sited – cathedrals, with a marvellous fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli.

Duomo, Florence

Florence’s cathedral dome is instantly recognizable – and is one of the world’s most significant engineering feats.

Neapolitan pizza

You can eat pizza all over Italy, but nowhere is it quite as good as in its home town of Naples.

Giotto’s frescoes, Padua

The artist’s frescoes in Padua’s Cappella degli Scrovegni constitute one of the great works of European art.

Hiking in the Dolomites

The spiky landscape of the Dolomites is perfect hiking country, covered in dramatic longdistance trails.

The Italian Lakes

If you can escape the hordes, this region is one of Italy’s most beguiling, with stunning scenery and plenty of activities.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

Probably the two best-preserved Roman sites in the country, destroyed and at the same time preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79.

Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi

The burial place of St Francis and one of Italy’s greatest church buildings, with frescoes by Giotto and Simone Martini.

The Last Supper, Milan

Leonardo da Vinci’s mural for the refectory wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the world’s most resonant images.

The Uffizi, Florence

One of Italy’s most celebrated collections of art, and Florence’s most essential attraction.

Sardinia’s beaches

There are plenty of places to sun-worship in Italy, but Sardinia’s coastline ranks among one of the most beautiful.

Vatican Museums, Rome

The largest and richest collection of art and culture in the world. You’d be mad to miss it.

MARCH 2014 | LOCATIONS & MORE