Great day spent on the set of the Focus production of “The American” in Sulmona, Italy. George Clooney plays the part of Jack, a hit-man who is forced to hole up in a small town in the Italian countryside. Hence the wise decision by upcoming director Anton Corbijn to shoot in the spectacular area of Abruzzo, recently devastated by a strong earthquake.  Clooney jumped to the idea of spending an extra two months in his loved Italy. “Italy is my home. Life here is spectacular and for the past few years I spent entire Summers at my house by lake Como. This year I went back to work --- and I just had to head South. When I told my friends they laughed!”

News came that President Obama was given the Nobel Peace Price the day I visited the shoot: “Isn’t that amazing!” cracked George who was one of the first celebrities to back up Barack Obama 3 years ago. “They told us I was nuts! I am so happy for what is happening to him. He is a very impressive man. This is a statement that the entire world supports his efforts for a more peaceful world and this is so cool.”

Armando, George and producer Grant Heslov