TORONTO – Nearly 600 films are shot in the US each year, and just over 400 each in Canada and Italy. With more than 100 years of history in cinema, there’s almost no uncharted territory left for film crews.
And while LA, New York and London’s landmarks are perennially chosen locations, showbusiness has also planted its flag in the most remote areas of the planet. And now, if an Italian Producer can beat Tom Cruise to it, astronauts will have to share space with filmmakers.
The space race in the film industry was and is a real thing, albeit inconsequential to the fate of humanity. And just like the post-World War II arms race and cold war, Russia has achieved the early milestone. The Russian film titled The Challenge shot footage in outer space in 2023. The first feature film to do so. But it was a film that virtually no one saw outside of Russia.
The challenge to shoot a successful and memorable film in space therefore remains, and it’s one that’s being taken very seriously by an Italian production titled I See You. Tagged a “romantic space drama” by Space11 Corp Producer Andrea Iervolino, the Italian production intends to be the first Western film to send a filmmaker into orbit.
The project just announced the involvement of former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, a veteran of four space flights who also commanded the International Space Station. Scott has been brought on as a script advisor, boasting a resume as the first American astronaut to spend an entire year aboard the ISS.
The veteran astronaut will “lend his first-hand expertise to ensure authenticity in the portrayal of human endurance, isolation, and emotional connection in the vastness of space”, says Iervolino.
Iervolino, whose ballyhooing is often reminiscent of Don King’s Dr Seussian orations, believes his space film will be “the greatest love story ever told in space”. As per Space11 Corp’s description: The film will revolve around a profound and intimate love story that unfolds across time and space, blending the emotional intensity of classic romance with the wonder and isolation of the cosmos.
“We are pushing the boundaries of love and cinema at the same time”, says Iervolino. “Shooting the majority of this film (85%) in real space environments is both a dream and a mission. It’s the next step in redefining what’s possible in cinematic storytelling.”
Iervolino’s aspiration is commendable. And the logistic and bureaucratic challenges of securing a rocket alone are worth the praise. But if the primary drive is to be the first past the post, then the product will inevitably crumble under its own weight.
NASA explores outer space for science, and their discoveries have provided all the entertainment we’ve needed from beyond the exosphere. Compelling stories are all moviegoers are asking for. Not footage sparse matter.
Images courtesy of Space11 Corp
Massimo Volpe is a filmmaker and freelance writer from Toronto: he writes reviews of Italian films/content on Netflix
