Admit it – sometimes one of the best unexpected surprises is to stumble across a TV or film personality while traveling. It’s even better if you happen to encounter a movie being filmed when you’re on vacation. As a matter of fact, there’s a group of people who look to be betting heavily on that impulse some travelers have.
The latest entry in the James Bond cinematic franchise, Spectre, has gotten some notoriety since releasing a short trailer last week. The film, starring Daniel Craig as the iconic British superspy, is still currently shooting. In fact, the palatial city of Rome, Italy will be the next location for shooting.
Beginning on Saturday, March 7th, cast and crew will shoot pivotal scenes within the Eternal City for four days. An intense, high-speed car chase in the film will be shot along the Via Nomentana. This has occurred due to director Sam Mendes and his crew being barred from shooting those scenes at the Quattro Fontane, a plaza containing four baroque fountains from the 16th century. In addition, there will be scenes depicting Bond’s harrowing escape shot at Villa Torionia. The villa was home to the infamous dictator Benito Mussolini and his family, and word has it that the series of hidden bunkers will be seen in the film. Furthermore, the city has enlisted 800 security personnel members to guide citizens and tourists through those parts of the city where shooting is taking place.
Rome’s mayor, Ignazio Marino, and staff have reportedly been well compensated by Sony to the possible tune of millions of dollars. This has put residents of some apartments along the Via Nomentana in an enterprising mood; there’s word that they are now offering to rent out the spaces to anyone as the filming is taking place. There is no report on exactly how much but word has it that pricing begins at 1,000 euros on a daily basis, which works out to $1,141. There are even parties that are being organized to watch the filming going on by some flat-dwellers. For anyone making their way to Rome during that time, this situation may add a bit more suspense to their trip than they realized. Spectre is due to be released in the U.K.on October 23rd and in the U.S. on November 6th.
