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Scooter

Come Shoot In Sicily​

It’s closer than you think, cheaper than you’d expect, and even more beautiful than you imagined.

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After 25 years producing commercials, music videos and films in New York, Miami and all over the country, I now split my time between Catania and NYC. Over the last several years I’ve been shooting my own show all over Sicily, literally from Trapani to Catania, and now I know this island like I know New York and Miami. And like any good terrier, once I find something great, I don’t let go. So I’m bringing productions here.

 

Within an hour drive you can shoot an active volcano, Baroque piazzas, fishing villages, vineyards and the Mediterranean coast.. Taormina is less than an hour drive as well as Siracusa.

 

Getting here is a breeze. The direct Delta or United flight from JFK drops you in Catania overnight. Land, espresso, scout. And your budget stretches further here than almost anywhere you’re used to shooting.

 

Best part? I’m on the ground. I know the locations, the crews, the permits and the people (and which bar makes the best granita).

 

Right now, Sicily is perfect for lean productions. Bring your cameras and a small team, and we’ll fill out the rest. Additional crew, equipment and talent.

 

There are camera and equipment houses right here in Sicily that can cover much of what is needed. But if you’re looking at going bigger? Multiple cameras, full AC teams, DTI, full props department, full grip and electric? No problem. That comes in from Rome or Naples and possibly Palermo.  

 

Send me your treatments, your budgets, even that napkin sketch from after your third drink. We’ll make it work. 

 

A presto! Live your pawfect life. 🐾

 

Robert Pennino

terrier production

terrierproduction.com

Etna

How Big Is Sicily "Film Time"?

Here are drive times across the island and locally.  But basically it takes about 3.0 - 3.5 hours to drive across (east to west) the Island.

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Catania To Palermo - 2.5 - 3.0 hours

Trapani To Catania - 3.5 hours 

Sicily_Major_Cities_Map 1.png

From our office in Catania you can reach these areas in 90 minutes or less.

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Aci Trezza - 20 Minutes

Taormina - 45-60 minutes

Syracusa - 45-60 minutes

Vineyards - 45-60 minutes

Mt. Etna (Rifugio Sapienza) - 60 minutes

Noto - 70 Minutes

Ragusa - 75-90 Minutes

Caltagirone - 75-90 Minutes

Noto - 90 Minutes

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Delta Etna.webp

TRAVEL & STAY

GETTING HERE IS THE EASY PART

Sicily feels a world away, but it's closer than you think. Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the busiest airport in Sicily and the 4th largest in Italy behing Rome, Milan and Naples.

 

Direct from North America

  • New York (JFK): Delta and United flies nonstop to Catania daily for most of the year. Wheels up in Manhattan, espresso in Sicily by morning.

  • Montréal (YUL): Air Canada flies nonstop through the summer and fall season.

  • Everywhere else: Easy one stop connections through Rome, Milan, London, Paris, Munich and Frankfurt.​

 

TEN MINUTES TO CENTRO
Most airports make you earn the city. Catania's doesn't. The airport is about 10 minutes from the historic center, so your crew can land, drop their bags, and be at the first scout, the production office or dinner before jet lag catches up.

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WHERE YOU WILL STAY
We work with a group of partner hotels that know the chaos of production. 30 road cases in the lobby, a client asking for breakfast at 4:30, and a schedule that changes three times before lunch. Our partners get it, because they've done it before.

LOCATIONS

Most places give you one look. Sicily gives you a volcano, a baroque city, a Greek theatre, black sand, white limestone and endless vineyards, all within about an hour of Catania.

VOLCANO

WATER

HISTORICAL

BAROQUE CITIES

HILL TOWNS

VINEYARDS AND COUNTRYSIDE

INTERIOR

CAMERA

Bring your camera. Let's be honest, because you'll find out anyway: Catania is not NYC or Miami when it comes to camera rentals. Options for high end cinema and broadcast packages here are limited.

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There is a rental house in Palermo, but it serves the whole island. When more than one production is shooting at the same time, and lately that happens a lot, availability gets tight fast. So here's our advice.

 

BRING YOUR OWN PACKAGE
If you have your own camera or a rental house you trust back home, bring it. Your DP gets the exact package they want, no surprises, no compromises. We'll meet you at the airport and take it from there.

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BRING YOUR OWN PACKAGE
Traveling with professional gear internationally is easiest with an ATA Carnet, a customs document that lets you bring equipment into Italy temporarily and take it home without paying duties. We'll help with the arrival side so your gear clears smoothly.

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NEED SOMETHING HERE?
For smaller jobs or backup bodies, we'll check what's available in Sicily first. For bigger packages, we can source from rental houses on the mainland and have them shipped down before you arrive.

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EVERYTHING ELSE IS COVERED
Grip, lighting and our fully loaded cube truck are already here and ready to go. You bring the glass. We've got the rest.

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The short version? We'd rather be honest now than scrambling on day one. Bring your camera, and we'll make sure it's the only thing you had to think about.

GRIP & LIGHTING

Our package is based right here in Catania and ready to roll. Lights, stands, flags, frames, rigging and power, all loaded, maintained and run by people who know how a real set works.

LIGHTING

• 4000w Fresnel Hmi Arri

• 1200w SunPar Arri

• 575w SunPar Arri

• 200w SunPar Arri

• 5000w Fresnel Arri

• 2000w Fresnel

• 1000w Fresnel Arri

• 650w Fresnel Arri

• 300w Fresnel Arri

• 150w Fresnel Arri

• Quartz 2000w

• Quartz 1000w

• Par 64

• Kit of 8 Astera Titan fp1 plus accessories

• kit of 8 Astera Elios more than accessories

• Astera Bulb Kit of 8

• Dyno 650 RGBWW with accessories

• Nanlite 720b with fresnel lens and accessories

• Nanlite 300b with fresnel lens and accessories

• Nanlite F. 60b with fresnel lens and accessories

• Kit of 4 Led Apture AL-MC

• Nanlite RGBWW 10”

ACCESSORIES

• Smoke machines

• Cardellini

• MagicArm

• Crocodiles

• Pelicans

• Vais Grip

• C Arri hooks

• Aliscaf hooks

• Small glasses

• T-bar with Aliscaf

• Lollipop

• Brackets for handmade giraffe

• Autopool (various measures)

• Aluminum rees + internal thread various sizes

• Aluminum rods 48 different sizes

• Hooks for aluminum rods spid reil

• Pairs of slippers for aluminum rods

• 1m sergeants

• Carpenter's clamps

• Butterfly 4x4

• Silver 4x4 ten

• Silk Full 4x4

• Silk 1/4 4x4

• Black 4x4 Trens

• Black trots 2x2

• Black gobbes 2x1

• Black Try Flags 90x40

• Black Try Flags 60x30

• Flags Kit 60x30

(1 x single veil – 1 x double veil – 1 x silk)

• 1x1 frames

• 2x1 frames

• White polystyrene 2x1

• Polystyrene White/Silver 2x1

• White/Black Polystyrene 2x1

• White polystyrene 1x1

• Polystyrene White/Silver 1x1

• Polystyroe White/Silver 0.5x1

• 1x1 mirror fork reflection

• Raincover

• Bag of ropes

• Ratchet straps

• Series of cubes

• footboards

• Weppe box

• Sandbag

• Equipment boxes

• 2m ladder

• 2.5m ladder

• 3.5m ladder

• 9 m parade staircase

• Aluminum trolleys

• 4-wheeled Bravetta

CABLES & ACCESSORIES

• Extension cords 32A 380V

• Extension cords 32A 220V

• Extension cords 16A 220V

• Civil extensions 15A various measures

• Civil slippers - Adapters and civil Triples various sizes and various attacks

• Branch cassettes 32A 380V

• Centipede

• Viper 16/16 A

• Current Ruba (Civil to Industrial Adapters)

• Barrels (Industrial to civil adaptors)

• 2Kw x 6 Channels Dimmer Package

• 5 Kw dimmer

• 2 Kw dimmer

• 1 Kw dimmer

• 2Kw inverter

STANDS

• Super WindUp

• WindUp

• Dwarfs

• Bridge foot

• Large compass stands - Tips

• Small compass tripods complete with fustoni

• C-Stand complete with barrels

DOLLY & CRANE

• Dolly – Dario – Peewee + Accessories

• Modular Crane MovieGrip

• Goblin Moviegrip plate + Accessories (Without hydraulic column)

➢ 1 x Rudder

➢ 2 x Central footrests

➢ 2 x Side steps

➢ 1 x Front platform

➢ 4 x Track wheels

➢ 4 x Rubber wheels

➢ 1 x Merry-Go-ro

➢ 2 x Seats

➢ 2 x Seat extension reds

➢ 2 x Seat stings

➢ 2 x 45° extension rods for seats

• 2m rails

• 1m track

• 2m curves

• Slider 4ft Proaim

• Moviegrip Slider Plate with variable rail (180cm – 120cm – Various)

• Star base for Bazooka

• Bazooka

• 30cm cantilever cup with Mitchell attachment and cradle adapter

• Mitchell cup and cradle adapter

• 120 cup with crib

• 100 cup with crib

• Reductions per cup

• Mitchell attack cup

• Connection from 0° to 90° for optical bench attachment (Cheese)

• Zero cup of 100

• Front modular CarSystem MovieGrip

• Side modular CarSystem MovieGrip

• Ventor with pressure gauge

• BlackArm Proaim airwave vibration isolator ARM 5Kg – 30Kg

GENNY

• Hyundai 3Kw Group

• 50Kw Barrel (RENTABLE WITH OPERATOR)

EXPENDABLES

• CTO – CTB – CTS – FROST

• Black Foil

• Canvas ribbons – Gaff ribbons

LOCATION CUBE

We've loaded our cube truck with all the on-set comforts of home, so you can fly in light and shoot heavy. It's ready at your first location before you are. If it's not on the truck, you don't need it. You're in Sicily. Honestly, what more do you want?

SUPPORT

  • Aluminum foil 12"

  • Baby wipes

  • Broom (corn)

  • Broom (soft)

  • Broom (street)

  • Buckets (5 gal.)

  • Butt cans

  • Carpet mats 2x12

  • Carpet mats 4x6

  • Chairs (folding) (25)

  • Clip lights

  • Clothespins

  • Coolers

  • Command hooks

  • Drywall screws (asst. sizes)

  • Dust masks

  • Dust pan & dust broom

  • Duvetyne cloth

  • Ear plugs

  • Fans (box)

  • Fans (shop pedestal)

  • Fire extinguishers

  • Flashlights (Maglite "D" size)

  • Floor covering 4x6 mats

  • Furniture pads (mid sizes)

  • Funnels

  • Furniture dollies

  • Garbage bags

  • Garbage cans

  • Garden hose & nozzle

  • Hudson sprayer

  • Latex gloves

  • Leather gloves

  • Lint roller

  • Lock & chain

  • Magliner hand truck

  • Matte knives

  • Monofilament

  • Mop (dust)

  • Mop (sponge)

  • Mop (string)

  • Paper towels

  • Parking/traffic cones

  • Pop up tent 10x10

  • Pop up tent beach 10x10

  • Rain ponchos

  • Rake (leaf)

  • Safety flags

  • Safety vests

  • Sand bags

  • Shovel (garden)

  • Sound/furniture blankets

  • Sponges

  • Steel wool (assorted)

  • Stick lighter

  • Tablecloths

  • Tables Folding 6 x 6 ft & 2 x 8 ft

  • Tarps 20x20

  • Tennis balls

  • Tissues/Kleenex

  • Toilet paper

  • Towels (bath)

  • Towels (hand)

  • Umbrellas (golf)

  • Vacuum cleaner (household)

  • Visqueen

BEAUTY

  • Hangers

  • Hangers with clips

  • Iron (steam)

  • Ironing board

  • Makeup mirror with lights

  • Mirror (full length)

  • Steamer

  • Wardrobe racks (3)

VIDEO VILLAGE

  • C-stand (2)

  • Camping chairs (8)

  • Camping folding side tables (4)

  • Camping folding tables (4)

  • Director Chairs - High (4)

  • Diredctor Chairs - Low (4)

  • Foam core 4x4 (to display boards)

  • Push pins

  • Sand bag (6)

  • Floor fans

ROPE / TIE DOWN

  • Bungee cords (assortment)

  • Carabiners

  • Ratchet straps 2" x 20 ft (900 lb)

  • Ratchet straps 4" x 40 ft (5,600 lb)

  • Sash #8

  • Sash #10

  • Spring clamps (medium)

  • Spring clamps (small)

  • Trick line (black/hank)

  • Zip ties (assortment)

TAPE

  • Blue painters tape

  • Camera red 1"

  • Camera white 1"

  • Caution tape

  • Duct tape 2"

  • Electrical tape black

  • Gaffers black 2"

  • Gaffers white 2"

  • Masking beige 1"

  • Masking beige 2"

  • Packing tape

  • Paper black 1"

  • Paper black 2"

  • Parking/orange flagging tape

  • Scotch

OFFICE

  • Binder Clips

  • Labels (assortment)

  • Laminator

  • Laminator sheets

  • Paper (reams)

  • Paperclips

  • Post-it notes

  • Printer (B&W LaserJet)

  • Printer (Canon MG2525)

  • Sharpies, pens, pencils

  • Stapler & staples

COMMUNICATION

  • Walkies - 8

  • Bull Horn with mic

  • Wifi Hub

PERMITS

Italy has a reputation for bureaucracy. It's earned. That's exactly why we're here. We live in Catania, we know the offices, we speak the language, and we handle every permit so your production just shows up and shoots.

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City and Street Filming
Shooting on public streets, piazzas and sidewalks requires a permit from the local comune for use of public space. Road closures, traffic control and parking for trucks and base camp are coordinated with the local police. We manage the applications, the fees and the on-site coordination.

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Etna and the Volcano
Mount Etna is a national park and an active volcano, so access depends on where you want to be. Lower slopes, lava fields and forest roads are straightforward with park authorization. The summit areas require licensed volcano guides and are subject to access rules that change with volcanic activity. We plan around both and always have a backup look ready.

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Nature Reserves and Beaches
Protected areas like Vendicari and the Alcantara Gorge require authorization from the managing authority. Beaches and coastline fall under state maritime property, and anything on the water, from boats to swimmers, is coordinated with the coast guard.

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Archaeological Sites and Monuments
Locations like the Greek theatre in Taormina and the archaeological park in Siracusa are managed by the regional heritage authorities. They're absolutely shootable, but they carry fees, restrictions on equipment and crew size, and longer lead times. Worth it. Plan ahead.

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Churches
Sicily's churches are some of its most stunning interiors. Permission comes from the parish and the diocese, and respectful timing around services is part of the deal.

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Drones
Aerial work follows Italian and EU drone rules, with registered operators and flight authorizations. Eastern Sicily has controlled airspace around Catania airport and military airspace nearby, so some areas need special clearance or are off limits. We work with licensed local operators who know exactly where you can fly.

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Private Property
Villas, wineries, farmhouses, palazzi and restaurants. We scout them, negotiate them and handle location agreements.

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Special Requirements
Stunts, weapons, police or military uniforms, animals, pyrotechnics and special effects all need additional notifications or authorizations.

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Lead Times
Simple street and private location shoots can move quickly. Road closures, protected areas, heritage sites and drone work need more time. The earlier you bring us in, the more options you'll have.​

Sicily Sunrise.png

SEASONS & LIGHT

Snow on a volcano in the morning and lemon trees by the sea in the afternoon. The same hour of driving can get you completely different seasons. Here's how the island looks through the year, so you can plan your shoot around the look you want.

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THE LIGHT

Catania sits on Sicily's east coast, facing the sea. That means sunrise comes up straight out of the Ionian Sea, clean and golden, perfect for coastal work. In the evening the sun drops behind the mountains and Etna, giving you long warm light across the hills and vineyards and dramatic silhouettes of the volcano.

 

The air here has a softness that photographers talk about. Warm stone, sea haze and a high sun give you that Mediterranean glow without much help from the lighting truck. On clear winter days it's the opposite: sharp, crisp and brilliantly clean. Daylight runs from roughly 9.5 hours in December to about 15 hours in June.

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Weather On Etna
Expect it to be roughly 20 to 30°F / 10 to 15°C colder at the upper stations than in Catania, below freezing in winter, and cold and windy at the summit even in summer. Pack layers for any Etna day, whatever the season.

 

WINTER · December to February

Days: 59 to 61°F / 15 to 16°C
Nights: 43 to 46°F / 6 to 8°C
Sea: around 59°F / 15°C


Mild on the coast. Snow on the volcano.

The most surprising season in Sicily. Etna is often capped with snow, giving you white slopes over black lava, while Catania and the coast stay mild, around 60°F / 15°C during the day. You can shoot a snow scene and a sunny seaside café on the same day.

Blood orange season fills the groves around Etna with color, almond trees start blossoming in late winter, and the light is at its clearest. Fewer tourists, easier locations, better rates.

Good for: snow and volcano, automotive, outdoor gear, dramatic landscapes, crisp city work.
Keep in mind: shorter days, occasional heavy rain, and summit access depends on weather.

 

SPRING · March to May

Days: 64 to 75°F / 18 to 24°C
Nights: 46 to 55°F / 8 to 13°C
Sea: 59 to 66°F / 15 to 19°C


Green, blooming and fresh.

The island at its most colorful. Hills turn green, wildflowers cover the countryside, and orange blossom fills the air in April. Temperatures are comfortable for long shoot days, and Etna often keeps its snow into spring for that snow meets flowers contrast.

Easter brings dramatic religious processions through Sicilian towns, an incredible backdrop if you plan for it, a road closure if you don't.

Good for: fashion, lifestyle, food, romance, anything that needs green.
Keep in mind: weather can shift quickly in early spring, so build in a weather day.

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SUMMER · June to August

Days: 84 to 91°F / 29 to 33°C, with heat waves above 100°F / 38°C
Nights: 64 to 72°F / 18 to 22°C
Sea: 73 to 79°F / 23 to 26°C


Long days, blue water, big heat.

Maximum daylight and the Mediterranean at its bluest. Perfect for beach, boats, swimwear, travel and anything that needs that full summer feeling. Early mornings and golden hour are magic; midday is hot and harsh, often 90°F / 32°C or higher.

August is peak holiday season. Around Ferragosto on August 15, beaches and towns are packed and many businesses close for the holiday.

Good for: swimwear, beach, boats, drinks, travel, sunlit lifestyle.
Keep in mind: schedule around the heat, plan shade and water for crew, and book early for July and August.

 

AUTUMN · September to November

Days: 84 to 91°F / 29 to 33°C, with heat waves above 100°F / 38°C
Nights: 64 to 72°F / 18 to 22°C
Sea: 73 to 79°F / 23 to 26°C


Harvest, warm sea, golden light.

Our favorite season. The sea is still warm, the crowds are gone and the light turns golden and low. On Etna, the grape harvest runs later than most of Italy thanks to the altitude, usually late September into October, followed by olives and chestnuts.

It's a season full of real life to shoot: harvests, cellars, markets and festivals.

Good for: wine and food, lifestyle, harvest storytelling, fashion, travel.
Keep in mind: autumn storms can arrive suddenly, especially from October on.

 

DATES TO KNOW

Festa di Sant'Agata · early February
Catania's patron saint festival. Huge crowds and processions take over the city. Spectacular to film, impossible to ignore.

 

Easter · March or April
Processions and traditions across the island.

 

Ferragosto · August 15
Peak holiday. Busy beaches, closed businesses.

 

Etna harvest · late September to October
Vineyards at their most alive.

 

THE SHORT VERSION

Want snow on a volcano & blue water? Winter.
Want green and flowers & blue water? Spring.
Want long days & blue water? Summer.
Want harvest golden light & blue water? Autumn.

Want all of it? Come back four times. We'll be here and you'll get a discount for multiple shoots.  

Fruit Cart

FOOD & CATERING

Every producer knows a fed crew is a happy crew. In Sicily, a fed crew is a crew that starts asking about real estate.​ Forget sad sandwiches and lukewarm coffee.

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BREAKFAST
Granita and a warm brioche. Yes, for breakfast. Yes, every day. Don't fight it. The locals have been doing this for centuries and they seem fine.

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CRAFT
Arancini, fresh fruit from the market that morning, pistachio everything from nearby Bronte, and espresso strong enough to light a night exterior. Ask for coffee and you'll get it in about eleven seconds.

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LUNCH
Real food, cooked by real Sicilians. Pasta alla Norma, born right here in Catania. Fresh fish from La Pescheria. Caponata, grilled vegetables, local cheeses. Served hot, on location, whether you're on a beach, in a piazza or halfway up a volcano.

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WRAP
A glass of Etna wine at sunset. Technically not part of the schedule. Somehow always happens.

 

EVERYONE EATS

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, allergies, picky directors, method actors on strange diets. Just tell us. Sicilian food is naturally full of vegetables, olive oil and fresh ingredients, so it's easy to keep everyone happy.

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BOLT GURANTEE
Our head of craft services, Bolt, personally inspects every table. He has never approved a single dish without trying it first. Do not leave your arancino unattended.

PROPS, WARDROBE & OTHER STUFF

Sicily is basically one giant prop house. Some places make you build the world. Sicily already built it, painted it by hand and left it out in the sun for a few hundred years. Our job is to find it, borrow it and get it to set on time.

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PROPS
Hand painted Sicilian carts. Caltagirone ceramics. Traditional puppets from the Opera dei Pupi. Copper pots, olive oil tins, fishing nets, lemon crates, old espresso machines, church candles and grandma's lace. If it looks like Sicily, we can find the real thing, not the replica.

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THE MARKETS
Catania's markets are where the magic happens. The Fiera for everyday life, flea markets for vintage finds, and antique dealers tucked into side streets for the pieces you didn't know you needed. We know which stall has what and who owes who a favor.

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CUSTOM BUILDS

Need something that doesn't exist yet? Sicily is full of artisans who still work by hand: carpenters, metalworkers, ceramicists and sign painters. We'll get it made, and made beautifully.

 

WARDROBE
From sharp Italian tailoring to the classic Sicilian coppola cap, from fishermen's sweaters to Sunday best. We source locally, rent, buy vintage or have pieces made. Local tailors and seamstresses can fit, alter and fix on the fly, because something always rips on shoot day.

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PERIOD OR CHARACTER
Doing a period piece or casting locals? Sicily is full of faces and wardrobes that tell a story on their own. Your background extras may already own the perfect outfit. Their grandfather probably wore it.

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PICTURE VEHICLES
Vespas, vintage Fiat 500s, three wheeled Apes, fishing boats, horse carts and the occasional donkey. 

CURRENCY & PAYING

Italy runs on the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, from restaurants to gas stations, and tap to pay works just like home. That said, Sicily still loves cash. Keep some euros on you for markets, small town bars, parking and the guy selling the best granita you've ever had.

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ON SET
We handle local vendors, locations and crew payments in euros, so you're not chasing receipts in Italian. Petty cash, invoices and reconciliation are all managed on our end, with clear reporting you can hand straight to your accountant.

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GOOD TO KNOW
Most prices in Italy already include VAT, which is 22% for most goods and services. Tipping isn't expected like it is in the US. Many restaurants add a small cover charge instead, and rounding up or leaving a few euros for great service is always appreciated.

ESSENTIALS & FAQ'S

INSURANCE

Covered before you land. Most locations and permits in Italy require production liability insurance, and property owners, municipalities and heritage sites will ask to see it before you roll. We'll tell you exactly what each location requires so there are no surprises.

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Production Liability. Covers damage or injury on location. Many public permits require proof of coverage, and some sites set their own minimums.

Equipment Coverage. Make sure your camera package and any gear you bring is covered for international use. Our local grip, lighting and cube truck are insured on our side.

 

Certificates. Many locations want to be named on your certificate of insurance. Send us your broker's details and we'll coordinate the paperwork directly.

The short version: tell your broker you're shooting in Italy. We'll tell them the rest.

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SAFETY AND MEDICAL

Hospitals. Catania has major hospitals with full emergency departments, and every location we use has a nearest hospital identified before the shoot. Emergency calls across Europe go to 112.

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Set Medics. For larger shoots, stunts or remote locations, we book local medics to be on set.

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Etna Safety. It's an active volcano, and we treat it like one. We work with licensed guides, watch volcanic activity and weather daily, and always have a backup plan. Altitude and cold catch people off guard, so we brief the crew before we go up.

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Summer Heat. July and August are hot. We schedule around midday heat, build in shade and water on every set, and keep an eye on the crew. Nobody faints on our watch.

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Sea and Coast. Water work is planned with safety boats and qualified support when needed.

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DATA AND SHIPPING

DIT Support. Local DITs available for on-set data management, backups and checks, or bring your own and we'll set them up.

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Backups. Multiple copies, stored in separate places, every day. The way it should be.

Getting It Home. Drives can ship by international courier, travel home with a crew member, or both. Need dailies back in New York the next morning? Catania has fast fiber internet and we'll set up uploads from the production office.

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STUDIO AND WORKSPACE

A home base in the heart of Catania.

Production Office. A working office in centro with fast internet, printing, meeting space and very good espresso within walking distance. A place to prep, plan and land after a long day.

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Stage and Warehouse. Kind of?  It's s building from 1647 with the same grid still gridding. 

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Gear Storage. Secure storage for your equipment overnight and between shoot days.

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FAQ

What's the power situation? Italy runs on 230V, 50Hz. Outlets are Italian and European style, so bring adapters for personal devices. Our lighting and power package is built for local current, so you don't have to think about it on set.  We will have adapters for use as needed. 

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Will my phone work? Most US phones work in Italy, but roaming can get expensive. Local SIM or eSIM plans are cheap and easy, and we can have them ready when you land. We have a set wifi you can connect with. 

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Do I need to speak Italian? No. We're bilingual on set, and we'll handle every conversation with locations, vendors and officials. Learning "grazie" and "un caffè" will still make you very popular.

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Can I drive? Yes, but Italy requires an International Driving Permit alongside your US license. Historic centers have restricted traffic zones with camera fines, and Sicilian driving is, let's say, expressive. We recommend letting our drivers handle it.

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What time is it back home? Sicily is 6 hours ahead of New York. Wrap at 6pm here and it's lunchtime at the agency. Perfect for check in calls.

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Is it safe? Yes. Catania and eastern Sicily are welcoming and easygoing. Use normal big city sense with your gear and valuables, same as you would anywhere.

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