One of the best things about working in video production is getting to meet people in their own space. Filming can open doors to worlds you’d never normally see, and that was definitely the case last year when I was producing a campaign for Booking.com.
We were asked to create a series of films for Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards, celebrating accommodation partners with ratings above 8.5. After a successful shoot in London the previous year, we wanted to go bigger and better. Working closely with the client, we decided to film abroad, landing on Italy for its variety of landscapes and architecture. Of course, shooting overseas comes with its own unique set of challenges—language barriers, working with unfamiliar crews, and filming in hotels that are not only fully functioning but often pretty luxurious, too.
In an effort to keep a handle on both the logistics and the creativity, we went for one big road trip. Our van became our home, our studio, and our office all at once. So, on a damp November morning, we all crammed in and started our 1,500-mile journey to Rome.
After two long days on the road, we finally arrived—and I can’t tell you how good that first pizza tasted. We were filming at the Maalot Hotel, a place tucked away near the Trevi Fountain that mixes luxury with a lovely bohemian vibe. To say the staff were friendly is an understatement. They made us feel so welcome, even though we weren’t technically guests. That might be because of their naturally warm hospitality, but I think it also helped that our film aimed to feature everyone—from the manager and head chef to the bellboy and handyman. I reckon they appreciated that sense of inclusivity. The head chef, Domenico, went all out, creating dish after dish just so we could capture the perfect shots. He didn’t speak a word of English, but I’m pretty sure he picked up on how much we enjoyed filming with him—and tasting his incredible food.
After wrapping in Rome, we headed up north, swapping the hustle and bustle for the serenity of Lake Maggiore. We filmed at the White Lilac B&B, run by Donatella and her husband Simon. During pre-production, we often spoke about hotel staff “going the extra mile.” At White Lilac, you could see this idea everywhere, from Donatella remembering exactly how returning guests liked their rooms set up to Simon sourcing local jam and honey for breakfast. Those thoughtful touches are what earn a property its Traveller Review Award. Donatella and Simon’s warmth was so genuine, they said they’d actually miss us when we left. And to top it off, filming a boat ride on the lake? That was definitely one of the perks of the job.
Then it was time to head into the Dolomites—snow chains on and cameras at the ready. We chose Italy precisely because of its range of landscapes and architecture, so we wanted to make it immediately obvious where each scene was shot. Rosapetra Spa, our final location, certainly ticked the box. It’s a gorgeous alpine lodge in a snowy valley, and we spent our time showcasing everything from massage treatments to mountain hikes with the hotel’s outdoor concierge. I have to say, I was definitely better prepared for sunny Rome than icy Dolomites, but I couldn’t complain—especially when our on-camera talent had to plunge into a freezing cold pool for a shot. Don’t worry, though, he got a warm massage afterwards!
On the long drive back to London, I had plenty of time to reflect on it all. It was a shoot filled with laughter in cramped spaces, breathtaking natural scenery, and a real sense of camaraderie among the crew during those 5AM call times. More than anything, I felt thankful for the people we’d met, and lucky that our job is to share their stories with the world.