Shubhabrata Dutta
Helmed by Paul Feig, Prime Video’s ‘Another Simple Favor’ is a dark comedy thriller that brings together old friends Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson for the latter’s destination wedding in Italy. As expected, the posh occasion turns into a string of dark events after a murder is committed, threatening to end Stephanie and Emily’s “friendship,” this time seemingly forever. The setting of the sequel to ‘A Simple Favor’ naturally called for flamboyant visuals, for which the crew settled for gorgeous locales overseas.
Another Simple Favor Filming Locations
For the filming of ‘Another Simple Favor,’ the production team resorted to two locations, Italy and Ontario. Production was slated to begin in the fall of 2023, but was delayed, seemingly due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Principal photography finally began in March 2024 and continued for two months before wrapping up in the last week of May of the same year. Italy became the base for the shoot, while Ontario was used to film indoor scenes.
Capri, Italy
Several locations in Capri, an island located on the south side of the Gulf of Naples in Campania, southern Italy, were used to establish the wedding aesthetic in ‘Another Simple Favor.’ Among them, the luxurious five-star Grand Hotel Quisisana became the center of the shoot. Located at Via Camerelle, 2, it exclusively hosted the filming and served as the home for the cast members for 12 days. Emily’s wedding takes place here, and the crew captured the iconic Victorian-style hotel to highlight the eccentric event. The lobby, rooms, staircases, terraces, balconies, and the private pool were also used as backdrops.
Overlooking the Faraglioni di Capri in the Bay of Naples, the Marina Piccola beach, and the Gardens of Augustus, the Grand Hotel Quisisana is nothing less than a paradise serving as a retreat for celebrities and personalities all across the globe. “I basically feel like Paul Feig, the director, just paid for like the most glamorous, expensive vacation of my life, so I love that for me,” actress Anna Kendrick, who plays Stephanie, said in an interview with Good Morning America. The hotel previously served as a setting for the movie ‘Parthenope.’
The JK Place Capri, a luxury boutique hotel located at Via Marina Grande, 225, 80073, was reportedly used to film some of the wedding scenes as well. The elegant hotel offers an avant-garde mix of classic and modern architecture and gorgeous views of the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula, and the Marina. The hotel offers a rich Mediterranean cuisine and private dining services for those seeking a more romantic experience. The pristine white backdrops seemingly enabled the crew to use them to double for settings provided by the Grand Hotel Quisisana.
The Lido del Faro beach club and restaurant, located at Località Punta Carena, 80071, in the commune of Anacapri, was also lensed for several scenes and establishing shots. Set at the southwestern point of the coastline overlooking the Mediterranean, it is a must-see landmark for tourists and offers a scenic view of sunsets. Also standing tall nearby is the 28-meter-high Punta Carena offshore lighthouse, further highlighting the aesthetic.
Many outdoor scenes were lensed at Villa Jovis, which is situated at Via Tiberio, 80073. The Roman palace was built by Emperor Tiberius and completed in 27 AD. The building carries historic significance and carried, during its time, a grandeur similar to the Grand Hotel Quisisana, the only difference being that it served as a palace for a king. The walls, staircases, frescoes, and mosaics testify to the glory of Roman architecture and provide a sense of mystery to the narrative.
Besides these three locations, various areas in Capri were also captured, including the streets around Lido Del Faro and the area around Ristorante Da Gemma, located at Via Cristoforo Colombo, 7, 80073. The restaurant is known among locals for its culinary tradition that goes back more than 80 years. The crew also set up rigs in cars for scenes involving travel. Cameras were also set up in speedboats for scenes filmed on water near the Faraglioni di Capri. Talking about Capri, Feig told The Times, “I like counter-setting. I want everything bad that is happening to be going on in this really beautiful place. The contrast, the dichotomy is fascinating…And there’s nowhere more beautiful than Capri.”
Rome, Italy
Several indoor scenes set in Connecticut were filmed at the Cinecittà Studios, located at Via Tuscolana, 1055, 00173, in Rome, Italy’s capital. Considered the hub of Italian cinema, the studio is one of the largest in Europe, incorporating huge customizable sets, a state-of-the-art T18 LED Volume Stage for virtual production, and cutting-edge post-production facilities. Filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Luca Guadagnino, Mel Gibson, and Francis Ford Coppola have worked there. Previous projects shot there include ‘Queer,’ ‘Conclave,’ ‘Rome,’ and ‘The Young Messiah.’
Toronto, Ontario
Additional indoor portions of ‘Another Simple Favor’ were filmed in Toronto, the capital city of Ontario. Nicknamed “Hollywood North,” along with Vancouver, its tax benefits, modern studios, and skilled professional crew make it a go-to filming destination for filmmakers. Its urban neighborhoods and modern architecture also enable it to double for various backdrops. An international cultural hub, the city offers a beautiful blend of natural landscapes and man-made marvels, including High Park, the Toronto Islands, the Scarborough Bluffs, and the Don Valley. ‘A Simple Favor’ was filmed entirely in Toronto and the surrounding areas.
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