Netflix's Witchcraft Series 'Luna Nera' to be Shot at Cinecittà

Netflix’s witchcraft series Luna Nera (Black Moon) is set to be shot at the renovated Cinecittà Studios in Rome. The Cinecittà Studios has recently hosted Michael Bay’s Six Underground and George Cloney’s series Catch 22 and it is set to welcome more productions with Hollywood ties, Variety has learned. The series Luna Nera is created by three Italian women: Francesca Comencini (Gomorra), Susanna Nicchiarelli (Nico, 1988) and Paola Randi (Little Tito and the Aliens). The series is based on Triana’s manuscript and will be produced by Fandango, founded and owned by Domenico Procacci.

The series follows a teenage girl, who after being accused of witchcraft, has to flee the village with her little brother. The girl will find refuge with some women accused of having supernatural powers and she will have to choose between an “impossible love” and her “true destiny” in a world that is torn between rationality and mysticism.

“We are thrilled to develop such a great story and with a new partner in Italy. The manuscript has a rich web of characters and a mythology deeply rooted in local legend and represents a fresh and original way to do a female-led show in Italy,” said Erik Barmack, VP of International Original Series at Netflix.

“Our country boasts a wealth of stories, myths, and legends, inspiring novels, films, and even television series from all over the world,” said Domenico Procacci, Fandango SpA CEO. “With Luna Nera, the ambition is for us to be the ones to recount this extraordinary narrative and visual imagery, seeking to reach a global public. And if this is the plan, Netflix is naturally the ideal partner for this project. Together, we have the possibility of doing something authentic, entertaining, and highly original. It’s the start of a new adventure that promises to be very exciting,” Procacci added.

On Friday, at a presentation for international producers in Cannes, Roberto Cicutto, president of Luce Cinecittà, said that the rambling facilities are on schedule to complete their “refurbishment plan,” which includes: three new sound stages and a tank for underwater filming (indoor and outdoor). Furthermore, the ancient Rome set, which had been partially burned, is being rebuilt. “We’ve promised to invest in these studios, and we are keeping our word,” said Lucia Borgonzoni, Italian Deputy Culture Minister.

The relaunch of Cinecittà is the key part of Italy’s attempt to regain “cinematic glory” and an important spot in the world’s entertainment industry.

Luna Nera is Netflix’s third Italian original.

Netflix’s Witchcraft Series ‘Luna Nera’ to be Shot at Cinecittà