The Italian Job (B&W)

“In Roman times, the island of Procida, in the Bay of Naples, became a renowned resort for the patrician class of Rome. Over time, however, industry replaced leisure and Procida became a shipbuilding hub and, at one point in the 18th century, over 17,000 shipbuilders were employed on the tiny island. That compares with a total population today of 10,000.

Shipbuilding faded here in the last century, but it does remain a place of boats – small islands without airports tend to be that way. In the making of Antony and Cleopatra, with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Cleopatra’s barge was filmed against the timeless harbour in the island. It is very difficult to put an age on any building here, which presumably was why the producers were drawn to Procida and neighbouring Ischia.

The long thin multi coloured harbour is one of the most visually captivating sights in southern Italy. It certainly makes for a good backdrop and my leaning was to film at dusk so that we could add some energy from the house lights in town. This strategy always tests camera capability, and indeed the cameraman, and most of the photographs don’t stack up, but I consider it better than playing safe during normal daylight hours. All you really need is one shot.

Alessandra Ambrosio and the Riva work well together, she has an elegance and allure that Elizabeth Taylor would have appreciated.” – David Yarrow