Italy’s beauty often feels timeless — marble cities, rolling hills, and film locations that have hosted centuries of stories. Yet beneath that calm surface, the country moves.
Italy records around 15,000 earthquakes every year, though only a few are strong enough to be felt. Most are minor tremors, but history reminds us that even a brief shake can have serious consequences for people, buildings, and productions that aren’t prepared.
For those working in film and television, understanding seismic risk isn’t about fear — it’s about readiness.
A Country Built on Moving Ground
According to the Italian Civil Protection Department, the entire Italian peninsula is classified as seismically active. The Apennine mountain chain, stretching from north to south, is where most of the movement occurs.
The highest-risk zones (classified as Zone 1) include parts of Calabria, Sicily, Umbria, and Abruzzo, areas that have historically experienced strong quakes.
In contrast, Rome — where a large share of Italy’s audiovisual industry is based — lies in Zone 3, a low seismicity area. This means earthquakes are rare and generally weak, but the city’s subsoil — formed by ancient river sediments — can slightly amplify vibrations.
For productions using historic buildings, underground studios, or temporary set structures, these factors make planning and crew awareness essential.
Small Actions, Big Protection from earthquakes
While the odds of a damaging earthquake during filming are low, the industry’s duty of care demands practical prevention. A few simple steps can make the difference between a calm reaction and chaos:
- Secure what’s above you.
Ensure lighting rigs, trusses, and suspended set pieces are properly anchored or counterweighted. Avoid stacking heavy items on shelves or near walkways. - Know your exits and safe spots.
Brief the crew on how to react if the ground shakes — stay calm, move away from windows and overhead equipment, and take shelter under solid furniture or structures until the shaking stops. - Keep an updated emergency plan.
Include seismic response in your Health & Safety documentation. Mark outdoor assembly points and make sure everyone knows where to regroup. - Work with the location.
Many Italian venues have their own emergency procedures. Always coordinate with local authorities or building managers before shooting.
Rome: Low Risk, High Awareness Even in Rome, where large earthquakes are uncommon, preparedness is part of good production culture.
Recent microzonation studies by INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology) show that while the capital’s seismic risk is low, some districts built on softer soils — such as Prati or Trastevere — may experience amplified ground motion during distant quakes.
For production teams, this simply means staying informed, securing the workspace, and integrating seismic awareness into everyday safety practices.
Wherever you are, we can help you build a safer, more informed set.
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Framinia Health & Safety LTD
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📞 +44 20 39665793
📧 uk@framinia.com
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