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LMGI COMPASS
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Spring 2019
IN MY CITY: ROME
taking part in it was an honor and an unforgettable learning
experience. On Third Person, the challenge was to find streets
in Rome that could work as New York and Paris. It was a big
effort but successful. On Mission: Impossible III, the motorboat
chase scene on the river Tiber was challenging to organize, as
well as the scenes around the Vatican City.
Stevie: DOES ITALY OR THE CITY OF ROME OFFER ANY INCENTIVES TO
HOLLYWOOD FILMMAKERS?
EL: Yes, there are many different incentives in Italy, both a
government tax credit, as well as regional funds. Foreign
theatrical productions can obtain a tax credit up to 30 percent
of the eligible production costs (including pre & post costs)
actually incurred in Italy but that cannot exceed 75 percent of
the overall production budget. Foreign productions cannot apply
directly, but they can benefit from the tax credit by getting a
cost reduction through the Italian production service company.
The Italian tax credit is one of the few worldwide that allows
for a savings during production instead of a reimbursement or
retroactive tax rebate on the local production spend. To qualify
for Italian tax credit, foreign theatrical productions must pass
the cultural eligibility test.
Stevie: WHAT ARE YOUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE?
EL: My Canon cameras, I use 15mm-85mm and 10mm-18mm
lenses. A tablet and a smartphone are so useful when traveling
and scouting. Last but not least, the plain old-fashioned foldout
map!
Stevie: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE JOB?
EL: I love the creative process in early pre-production stages,
reading the script and starting to think of the locations
that may work for the scenes. I love working with talented
professionals, scouting unique places, some of which are not
usually available to the general public and being paid to do all
of the above is a win-win! I love meeting people and learning
