Filmitalia

Filmitalia is the information portal and coordination body for Italy's network of regional film commissions. As an association of 20 regional film commissions spanning the entire Italian peninsula and its islands, Filmitalia serves as a single point of contact for national and international productions seeking to film in Italy. The portal provides comprehensive information about the services, incentives, and locations available across all of Italy's regions. Filmitalia plays a crucial role in promoting Italy as a world-class filming destination while supporting the development of local film industries in every corner of the country.

The services provided through Filmitalia and its member commissions are entirely free for productions, reflecting the Italian government's commitment to attracting film and television production. These services include logistic assistance with permits, accommodations, and transportation; access to financial resources including regional and national tax incentives; identification of qualified local workforce including actors, crew, and extras; and comprehensive location scouting support. Each regional commission has intimate knowledge of its territory and can provide tailored assistance based on a production's specific needs and creative vision.

Filmitalia's location scouting resources are among its most valuable offerings, as Italy's extraordinary geographic and architectural diversity provides settings for virtually any story. From the Alpine landscapes of the north to the Mediterranean coastlines of the south, from medieval hilltop villages to contemporary urban centers, Italy offers a range of locations that few countries can match. The regional film commissions maintain databases of vetted and production-ready locations, often including sites that are not available through commercial location scouts. Many of Italy's most iconic locations, including historic palaces, churches, archaeological sites, and public spaces, can be accessed through the commissions' established relationships with local authorities.

For actors and talent agencies, Filmitalia provides access to databases of industry professionals across Italy. The portal connects productions with local casting agencies, talent agents, and acting coaches in each region, facilitating the casting process for international productions that may not have established Italian contacts. This resource is particularly valuable for actors based in Italy who want to increase their visibility to international productions filming in their region, as well as for international casting directors seeking local talent for Italian-set projects.

Italy's generous tax incentive regime for film and audiovisual production is one of the most competitive in Europe, and Filmitalia provides guidance on navigating these financial benefits. The Italian tax credit system offers significant rebates for both national and international productions, with additional incentives for productions that utilize specific regions or facilities. These incentives have been instrumental in attracting major international productions to Italy, creating employment opportunities for local actors and crew. Filmitalia's staff can help productions understand the eligibility requirements, application processes, and compliance obligations associated with these tax incentives.

All services provided by Filmitalia and its member regional film commissions are offered free of charge to qualifying film and television productions. There are no application fees, consultation fees, or service charges for accessing location databases, logistic support, or workforce referrals. The commissions are funded through regional government budgets, reflecting Italy's strategic investment in attracting production activity and supporting local creative industries. This zero-cost model removes financial barriers for independent filmmakers and smaller productions that might not otherwise be able to afford professional location and production services. The national tax credit program, while not administered directly by Filmitalia, represents additional financial value that can significantly reduce the cost of producing in Italy. Productions should be aware that while Filmitalia's services are free, the actual costs of filming in Italy, including location fees, permits, crew, and facilities, vary by region and project scope.

We recommend Filmitalia as an excellent starting point for any production considering filming in Italy, from major international features to independent projects and student films. Actors based in Italy should ensure that their profiles and contact information are registered with their regional film commission to maximize visibility to incoming productions. International actors and casting directors should use Filmitalia's resources to identify local talent agencies and casting services in the specific regions where their projects will be filming. Filmmakers should engage with the relevant regional film commission early in the pre-production process, as establishing a relationship and understanding the local landscape takes time. Productions of all sizes should explore the Italian tax incentive program, as the financial benefits can be substantial even for modest-budget projects.

Contact Filmitalia directly through their website to discuss your project's specific needs and receive guidance on which regional commissions are best suited to assist you. Research the specific regional film commissions in the areas where you plan to film, as each has its own strengths, specializations, and level of production infrastructure. If you are an actor in Italy, register with your regional film commission and ensure your professional materials are current and accessible to productions that inquire about local talent. Attend Italian film markets and festivals such as the Venice Film Festival, the Rome Film Fest, and the MIA Market, where Filmitalia and the regional commissions have a strong presence. Familiarize yourself with Italy's tax incentive structure before beginning the application process, and consider engaging an Italian tax professional who specializes in audiovisual production. Build relationships with Italian producers and production service companies who work regularly with the film commissions, as their experience and contacts can significantly smooth the logistics of filming in Italy.