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Rome: HBO's $100M Gamble That Burned Bright
10 Jun
Summary
- HBO's historical drama Rome cost $100 million and took seven years to develop.
- The show's costume designer created over 4,000 custom-dyed costumes from natural materials.
- Sets for Rome at Cinecittà Studios were destroyed by a fire shortly after cancellation.
HBO's historical drama Rome represented a significant $100 million investment, stemming from seven years of development before its premiere. The premium cable network aimed for authenticity, depicting ancient Rome with gritty realism.
Over 4,000 costumes were meticulously crafted by Emmy-winning designer April Ferry, utilizing natural fabrics and custom dyeing. Some soldier tunics alone weighed 36 pounds, highlighting the production's scale and commitment to detail.
Despite critical acclaim for its sets, costumes, and visual effects, which garnered multiple Emmy wins, the series concluded after two seasons. Coincidentally, the vast sets located at Cinecittà Studios in Rome were later destroyed in a fire.
