Guide · Executive production
Shooting in Italy as a foreign production: what you need
In short
- To shoot in Italy, a foreign production usually works with a local executive production company that hires crew, secures permits and locations, and manages budget and logistics.
- Plan permits and locations early: rules change from city to city, and historic centres have specific requirements.
- Italy offers incentives for international productions; a local partner helps you understand which ones apply and what paperwork they require.
Italy is one of the most filmed countries in the world: cities, landscapes, light and crews with a long cinema tradition. But for a production coming from the United States or the United Kingdom, shooting here means different rules, unions, permits and suppliers. This guide sums up what you need, based on how we work at Adrama between Italy, London and Austin.
1. A local executive producer
The executive producer (or production service company) is your operational team on the ground. They build a local budget, hire crew and suppliers, handle permits and logistics, and make sure the shoot follows Italian rules. With offices in Turin, Milan, London and Austin, through Gran Torino Productions, we work in the same language and with the same standards you expect at home.
2. Crew and equipment
Italy has experienced crews in every department, from camera to grip and electric, from costume to hair and make-up. Equipment rental is available in all major cities. Your executive producer matches heads of department to your project and to the way your team works.
3. Permits and locations
- Shooting on public land needs permits from the city, and sometimes from police, heritage or park authorities.
- Historic centres, churches and museums have specific rules and timelines.
- Regional film commissions can help with location scouting and contacts.
Start early: some permits take weeks.
4. Casting and rights
Local casting, contracts and image releases must follow Italian law. We were founded by actors and directors, so we handle casting and talent direction as part of the job, including rights for the territories and channels you need.
5. Budget and incentives
Italian costs differ from US and UK ones in labour rules, overtime, insurance and taxes. Italy also offers incentives for international productions: a local partner helps you understand which ones apply to your project and what documentation they require.
Checklist before you start
- Script, schedule and locations wish list.
- Indicative budget and shooting dates.
- Who you need from home and who can be hired locally.
- Permits and insurance timeline.
- Deliverables and post-production plan.
Planning a shoot in Italy? Write to us: we reply within 48 hours.
FAQ
Do I need a local partner to shoot in Italy?
In practice yes: a local executive producer hires crew, secures permits and manages budget and logistics according to Italian rules.
How long do filming permits take in Italy?
It depends on the city and the location: some permits are quick, others, especially in historic centres, can take weeks. Start early.
Can Adrama handle a US production in Italy?
Yes. Adrama handles executive production in Italy and works in the US through Gran Torino Productions in Austin, Texas.
