Lazios regional government is setting up a film commission to encourage production companies to make movies in the countryside around the capital. The city of Rome has always been a favourite location for film makers and only a few weeks ago Tom Cruise was racing in a speed boat on the river Tiber filming a scene for Mission Impossible III. Now the region will work with Rome film makers such as Cinecitt studios and with the chamber of commerce to promote locations out of town.

Lazio has been used by film makers ever since Buster Keaton made the film The General on the railway line at Capranica and Fellini filmed part of La Dolce Vita at Bassano Romano. Oscar winning blockbuster Gladiator brought thousands of tourists to Rome and the regional government hopes for a similar success.