The concept of a women’ journey by means of Italy is deeply interesting, a lot so {that a} gang of film stars orchestrated a sequel to 2018’s E-book Membership to take one themselves. In E-book Membership: The Subsequent Chapter, the 4 leads—performed by Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen—depart their literary endeavors behind and embark on a bucket record journey to Rome and Venice as a bachelorette occasion of types. Director and co-writer Invoice Holderman took the manufacturing to Italy, even for the scenes set in Los Angeles—the shoot was difficult, however memorable.

“We had been there in summer time,” Holderman says, “It was the guts of vacationer season and like all main metropolitan space you need to take care of controlling crowds and controlling vacationers. Nevertheless it was additionally an amazing factor and tremendous enjoyable. In truth, filming in Italy was so a lot better than I anticipated. And my expectations had been extremely excessive.” Right here, Holderman shares a number of the places utilized in E-book Membership: The Subsequent Chapter, in addition to the place the forged and crew stayed and ate whereas in Europe. 

Was the thought at all times to set the sequel in Italy?

Sure. The concept for the sequel really started with Mary Steenburgen and Candice Bergen at a press occasion for the primary film. Earlier than E-book Membership even got here out and earlier than anybody had talked a few sequel, they’d masterminded the thought to do it in Italy. 

Stars Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen (second to proper and proper, seen right here and under with co-stars Diane Keaton and Jane Fonda) masterminded the thought of absconding to Italy for a sequel to 2018’s E-book Membership.

Riccardo Ghilardi / © 2023 FIFTH SEASON, LLC

What did Italy particularly deliver to the story? 

Italy has a really particular, aspirational romanticism, not simply by way of romantic partnerships, however for the romance of friendship. It appeared like an amazing place for associates to go and bond and join. And clearly, it is the most important wine-producing nation on the earth, which for a ebook membership, is essential. It is obtained a lot historical past, it is so textured and it is stunning. And all of these elements made it really feel like not solely was it a enjoyable place to go, but in addition thematically it felt actually resonant. We’re additionally not going to cover the truth that it is a enjoyable place to get to spend just a few months making a film!

The place did you base the manufacturing?