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Shot On-Location: Rome's Iconic Film Sets with Katherine Orloff

Shot On-Location: Rome's Iconic Film Sets with Katherine Orloff


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Going to the movies is more than an immersive escape from reality, it’s an escape to places we would otherwise never get the chance to see. Since the first motion pictures were crafted, filmmakers and their talented artisans have been continuously reaching new heights beyond our wildest imaginations. 

Movies bring new places, characters, and moments to life – and keep audiences wanting more. They give us a view we couldn’t see otherwise and offer up destinations for a voyage of discovery and wonder. 

An entire segment of the travel industry has arisen from fans of movies and series who need just have to get there, to feel the energy of their favorite big-screen memories in person. This series explores those iconic film locations – why they were chosen, the challenges faced by the filmmakers, and how to explore these spots in person.

Most movies shot “on location” aren’t.  Sometimes we get an establishing shot, a wide look at where we are in the world, and then cut to interiors and many exteriors filmed in less expensive, more accessible places. Even more frequently on sound stages at a local studio. But sometimes, movies really take us to those places that set us dreaming.  

Together we will journey to London, Paris, Rome.  We will see slices of new movies and old, of character studies and action, of comedy and tragedy.  Grab your sunglasses and your camera, and let’s hit the road.

Our next stop, Rome! No surprise that we'll start with "Roman Holiday," then throw "Three Coins in the Fountain," and examine post-World War II Italian cinema with "Rome, Open City," "Bicycle Thieves," and perhaps the quintessential Rome movie, "La Dolce Vita."

For more in this multi-part series please see also: 

  • Shot On-Location: London's Iconic Film Sets with Katherine Orloff
  • Shot On-Location: Paris' Iconic Film Sets with Katherine Orloff

Katherine Orloff is currently an associate professor teaching film and journalism courses at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, after a career in feature film production and marketing, and a stint as a field producer at NBC News "The Today Show." She has also contributed to the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago-Sun Times and numerous newspapers across the country on rock music. She is a second-generation member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and represents East Coast publicists on the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Enlightening Look at Film-making Locations and Logistics: Rome

What an informative seminar for those with limited knowledge about film-making in general and related to unique sites in the films. The experience of Ms. Orloff came through in her discussion of the background work that has to be done to film on location and mock the locations in inaccessible sites. Very interesting!! I will enjoy "Roman Holiday" and "Three Coins in the Fountain" with different eyes if I ever re-watch them. Enjoyed this presentation very much.

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Noel Stillings (Miami, US)
Review

Great to be virtually back in Rome, through these films! Ms. Orloff has a background in film, so I learned about how some of the car shots and other camera tricks and angles were used. Ms. Orloff had plenty of slides to show from the films, and also had comparison pictures of how a building or location (i.e. Trevi Fountain) looked during the film, and how it looks today (no difference, but was still good to see as some of the film shots were made at night). Fun learning tidbits such as how since you can't shoot film inside the Sistine Chapel a recent movie on Netflix (name?) had to re-create with huge wall murals the Sistine Chapel inside a movie stage. Very good overview!

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
50%
(1)
50%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Enlightening Look at Film-making Locations and Logistics: Rome

What an informative seminar for those with limited knowledge about film-making in general and related to unique sites in the films. The experience of Ms. Orloff came through in her discussion of the background work that has to be done to film on location and mock the locations in inaccessible sites. Very interesting!! I will enjoy "Roman Holiday" and "Three Coins in the Fountain" with different eyes if I ever re-watch them. Enjoyed this presentation very much.

N
Noel Stillings (Miami, US)
Review

Great to be virtually back in Rome, through these films! Ms. Orloff has a background in film, so I learned about how some of the car shots and other camera tricks and angles were used. Ms. Orloff had plenty of slides to show from the films, and also had comparison pictures of how a building or location (i.e. Trevi Fountain) looked during the film, and how it looks today (no difference, but was still good to see as some of the film shots were made at night). Fun learning tidbits such as how since you can't shoot film inside the Sistine Chapel a recent movie on Netflix (name?) had to re-create with huge wall murals the Sistine Chapel inside a movie stage. Very good overview!