Amazon MGM Sequel Shifts to Rome After Venice Biennale Shoot

The production team for Amazon MGM Studios' upcoming rom-com sequel has moved operations from Venice to Rome. This transition marks the end of a twelve-day filming schedule in the Venetian lagoon and the start of a thirty-three-day shoot in the capital.

Cameras began rolling on October 21 for the follow-up to the 2024 hit 'Upgraded.' The film stars Camila Mendes, who returns as Ana Santos, and Leslie Bibb. In the first installment, Santos was an auction house intern who feigned a higher status to impress a wealthy art collector. The new story follows her as she attempts to establish herself in the contemporary art world.

Director Becca Gleason led the Venice portion of the shoot. She replaced Carlson Young, who directed the original. The crew filmed on the terrace of Ca’ Giustinian, the headquarters of the Venice Biennale. This location overlooks the Grand Canal and serves as a central setting for the film's plot. The Biennale is the world's oldest contemporary art fair.

Additional scenes were captured at the neo-Gothic Palazzo Franchetti, located near the Accademia bridge. This building functions as a Biennale exhibition space. The crew also filmed at the Moro Venice restaurant. The specific role of Leslie Bibb in the sequel has not been publicly detailed.

The screenplay was written by Luke Roberts and Justin Matthews, the duo behind the first film. Italy for Movies, the national portal for film production incentives, confirmed the thirty-three-day schedule in Rome. Luca Tranchino, an Italian production designer known for his work on 'Prison Break' and 'Domina,' is handling the visual design for the project.

Colorado Film serves as the Italian executive producer. The project is backed by Gulfstream Pictures, with Mike Karz and Bill Bindley acting as producers. Honor Role, represented by Mendes and Rachel Matthews, Luber Roklin Entertainment with Lena Roklin, and Tempo Production with Piers Tempest are also listed as producers.