Written by Michela Giovinetti on Feb 16, 2017. Posted in Contributors

Open for Filming: The Island of Capri

The Italian island of Capri needs no introduction. Famous all over the world for its natural beauty and glamour that have made it the destination of many charming celebrities (including Brigitte Bardot, Clark Gable, Jackie Kennedy and many  others), it has a long history as a film location that still continues today, especially in the advertising industry.

It’s not by chance the luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana have made the Faraglioni rocks as the symbol of their Light Blue perfume in a famous commercial shot by Mario Testino, starring models David Gaundy and Bianca Balti.

There’s only one real way to arrive in Capri – by sea across the beautiful Bay of Naples. Arriving at the Capodichino International airport in Naples, the easiest and safest thing is to book a transfer by private minivan that will take you to the Beverello harbour in about 20 minutes (traffic jams permitting!).

Capri is 21 miles from the mainland and takes approx 50 to 80 minutes to reach by boat, depending on whether you take a slow ferry or hydrofoil. For more confortable trips, there's also the more expensive option of renting a private yacht, but in case of transporting VIPs where privacy is required, the best option is certainly to charter a helicopter.

Being a small island, there are some rules to be respected, especially concerning the mobility. Private cars or minivans are not allowed on the island from March to November and trucks can land only from Monday to Friday (and must be not longer than six metres in length).

Regardless, there isn't much use for vehicles – there's only one main road on the island and considering that most of Capri is pedestrian area, people must walk and all the equipment has to be carried on small but very efficient electric trucks.

Even if Capri is a tiny island, it offers many different spots to be used as a location for film or photo shoots. Surrounded by a turquoise sea interspersed with  stunning coves and rocks, it's full of elegant beach clubs that are among the most requested locations.

Other popular locations include alleyways with stone walls covered by a blooming bougainvillea , the famous Piazzetta with bar and cafè, and terraces with a mediterranean style seaview.

You might also consider some of the many historical places such as the ruins of  Villa Jovis, the villa of the Emperor Tiberius, or the bothanical garden of the Museum Villa San Michele, located in Anacapri.

While there’s still no film commission in Capri, it certainly isn’t difficult to obtain permits to shoot in public areas as it only takes few days and has an affordable cost. Also, thanks to their touristic traditions, both the City of Capri and Anacapri are very welcoming to crew members.

Due to Capri’s popularity among tourists however, my only suggestion is to avoid filming during the months of July and August. During spring season or in the late summer months, the island is less crowded and you can really appreciate why it's a unique location and famous all over the world.

Michela Giovinetti currently works as a Location Manager in Capri but boasts over 10 years of experience within Italy's production industry. For more information about filming in Capri, please visit: www.caprilocationservice.com.