Film & Photo Production Service Italian Alps

Shooting in the Italian Alps offers unparalleled visual variety, from the perennial snow of the glaciers to the cinematic roads of the Dolomites. Courage Production bridges the gap between these breathtaking locations and the complex logistics required to access them.

We do not just find the spot; we ensure your team and equipment get there safely. Whether your brief is a high-end fashion editorial in Cortina d'Ampezzo or an outdoor lifestyle campaign in a remote valley on a side of the Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco), we manage the specific "mountain logistics." This includes securing National Park permits, organizing off-road transport for styling racks and lighting gear, and setting up heated base camps to protect talent and equipment from extreme conditions.

Recent Case Studies produced in the Alps:

• Falconeri Fall Winter Campaign (Cervino and Zermatt): Managed full logistics for a winter collection, including location scouting, equipment helicopter transportation, cable car privatisation, and drone permits.
• Napapijri Spring Summer Collection (Mont Blanc and San Bernardino): Shoot permits, 4x4 transportation, custom setup for production supplies on high-altitude terrain, public permits and coordination with local municipality (Courmayeur).
• Falconeri Summer Capsule: Location management, transportation, accommodation, permits, and equipment in the valleys of the iconic Cortina d'Ampezzo landscape.

Alpine Production Specs: The Hard Data

To help you plan, here is a breakdown of the standard logistical timelines for mountain shoots.

• Road Permits (Car Shoots): Min. 20 Working Days (Essential for traffic control).
• National Park Permits: 15 Working Days ("Nulla Osta" required).
• Snow Availability: Dec-Mar (Resorts altitude) / Year-Round (Glaciers >3000m).
• Heavy Transport: Snowcats & Heli-Ops (Booking required 2 weeks prior).
• Base Camp: Heated Tents (Mandatory for Talent and Crew).

For fashion brands needing to shoot winter collections in July or September, we provide access to Italy's glaciers (such as Cervinia "Plateau Rosà" or Mont Blanc "Skyway") where snow cover is guaranteed year-round at 3,480m altitude. These locations require impeccable logistics. We organize early-morning private cable car lifts to transport the crew and heavy equipment before public hours.

For more remote peaks, we manage aerial operations (Heli-ops) to sling-load generators and supplies. Crucially, we set up heated base camps on the snow to protect talent and digital equipment from the extreme cold and wind, ensuring a viable workspace even in harsh conditions.

For outdoor and lifestyle campaigns, the Italian Alps offer incredible variety: dense pine forests, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and pictoresque wooden cabins. These locations often fall within Protected National Parks, requiring specific permits for commercial shooting and drone usage. We handle the bureaucracy, typically requiring at least10 working days notice, to secure access to these areas.

Logistically, we organize efficient "light footprint" base camps, managing the transport of styling racks and gear across uneven terrain to reach the perfect natural backdrop for your shoot location.

Q: Do we need permits for drones?

A: Yes. Drone flights in the Alps can be regulated, especially in National Parks. We manage the specific "Nulla Osta" clearance or notify the appropriate legal entity if a permit is not necessary, as it is always important to remain aligned with government authorities.

Q: Can we shoot snow in August?

A: Yes, but only on glaciers above 3,000m. There are only a few such places in the Alps, with some located in Italy.

Q: How long are the transfers?

A: From Milan to Courmayeur (for Mont Blanc access) is just over 2 hours drive. From Venice to Cortina is approx. 2.5 hours. We advise basing the crew in the specific valley to maximize shooting hours.