(ANSA) - Italy's legendary Cinecitta' film studios were given a boost this week when American producers greenlighted the second series of a multi-million-dollar drama set in Ancient Rome and shot on its backlot.
HBO said it was planning another 12 episodes of the lavish series 'Rome', which has only just premiered on its cable TV network.
Production of the second series would begin next March and be scheduled to air in 2007, said HBO, which is co-producing the drama with Britain's BBC. The announcement was good news for Cinecitta', where a five-acre set was purpose built for the earthy, sword-and-sandles saga.
The film studios, where the 1959 Ancient Rome classic Ben-Hur was also shot, now boast the largest standing set in the world.
Recreating Imperial Rome at Cinecitta' brought the total budget for the first 12 episodes to some $100 million, making the series the most expensive ever made for TV. 'Rome' is set in 52 BC and follows the fortunes of two soldiers in the army of Julius Caesar. Enormous pains were taken to be as true to the past as possible.
Set researchers carefully studied the ruins at Pompeii, Herculaneum and Ostia Antica in order to recreate Rome's temples, statues and streets, even including authentic wall graffiti.
Actors playing soldiers were given a month of training in ancient Roman sword and fighting techniques while only wool, silk and cotton were used in making the costumes. Italian state broadcaster RAI, which also collaborated on the production, hailed the decision to continue the epic
drama.
Agostino Sacca', the head of RAI's soap opera and drama department, said that "the success of 'Rome' rewards the courage of HBO. It is also a success for the Italian TV drama sector and for the city of Rome."
"This series is set to become the biggest venture in the history of Cinecitta', in financial and employment terms," Sacca' continued.
He noted that 'Rome' was also throwing the international spotlight on the capital's Imperial history.
Sacca' said Italian viewers would soon get the chance to see the first series on RAI. The first episode of 'Rome' was aired on HBO at the end of August, drawing some 3.8 million viewers.
It was also received well by the critics, who praised the dense plot and the quality of the detailed sets and costumes. HBO Entertainment Presisdent Carolyn Strauss said that "I'm delighted that critics and subscribers share our enthusiasm for the show."
"Although the first season of Rome is just underway, we're affirming our support for this exciting and ambitious series by preparing for a second season now," she said.
A second series would help offset the massive costs of the first 12 episodes and ensure the continuing fortunes of Cinecitta', known as the Hollywood on the Tiber during the golden age of Italian film-making in the 1960s and 70s.
