Sky TV - Job Description

The Milan-based production company, (h) films, needed to shoot John Travolta for its commercial for Sky TV, an international satellite TV provider.  Travolta was filming a feature in New Orleans and couldn't shoot in Italy, so (h) films hired Crooked River Productions to produce the spot in the U.S.

Although the storyboards required a hillside overlooking an Italian city, Louisiana doesn't have such vistas.  And when weather and John's tight schedule were considered, Crooked River developed a bid for bringing Rome to New Orleans by creating a hilltop on a sound stage.  Using a 120 x 30 foot bluescreen as a backdrop, the art department laid down 5,000 square feet of grass in front of it.  The actors were placed in a vintage Alfa Romeo and special effects were developed and supervised by veteran art director Jim Mazzola ("Age of Innocence", "Mighty Aphrodite", "You've Got Mail"). 

The Italian crew, led by renowned director Giuseppe Tornatore ("Cinema Paradiso"), arrived just one day prior to shooting.  John Travolta's professionalism and ability to work quickly and efficiently made the shoot day a pleasure, and (h) films flew home with its film negative the following day.

PRODUCTION STILLS

One of the hero star props has its closeup.	A view of the entire set.

1st A.D. Alberto Mangiante cuing the talent.	Director Giuseppe Tornatore rehearsing with John.	Art Director Jim Mazzola (right) preparing star props.

More Sky TV production stills ...

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