Nick Meissner

Hello, I am considering upgrading from Final Cut Studio 1 to FCS 2. Some of the new features look impressive but then I read some awful reviews on the Apple store website for FCS 2. It made me think perhaps I should stay with version 1 until Apple gets the problems sorted out. Have any of you used FCS 2 extensively? And have you found it to be unstable and buggy or a good upgrade and worth it? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Many Thanks!

Hi Francesco, Many many thanks for your informative reply. I do appreciate getting your take as a local in Rome. If it isn't too much trouble, it would be helpful to see what the film commission says regarding what criteria makes someone a tourist or a pro film crew, as well as anything else that might be helpful in figuring out which route to go and how to do it. One other thing...If I did fall under the catagory of a Pro Film Crew, would I have to obtain the 500 euro permit for occupying public ground in the archeological area in order to get some footage at the Colisium, Pantheon, Roman Forum, etc? And would it be a seperate permit for each site? Or is that where the 50 euros per shot comes in? And any suggestions you have regarding Vatican City would be much appreciated. Thanks again

Thanks so much Simona. I am sure that website will be a big help when they complete the english version. Until then, I need to find some english info. Please let me know if you happen to come upon something. Nick

Hi, I am working on a small-scale documentary project, part of which will involve covering some historical events and places. Some of those are in Italy (Rome and Vatican City in particular). I am not being payed for this, it is something I would like to do for educational purposes. Kind of a hobby as well. It should just be myself and a friend who will be speaking to the camera at some of the historic locations. I'll be using a small prosumer camcorder (leaning towards Panasonic AG-HVX200). I do understand that using a tripod can sometimes change one's status, necessitating a filming permit, but I would like to use at least a compact tripod at some of the locations, so long as it didn't cause any traffic problems, if they will allow me to without a major hassle. If a tripod is out (or limited to someone who has a $$ permit), could possibly use a monopod. What I was wondering about is: 1.Would I fall under the catagory of professional film crew or would I be considered a tourist filming while on vacation? 2.If I were to be classified as an ordinary tourist, how should I deal with any inquiries by local authorities regarding my filming activities? 3.If I would need to obtain permits, etc, how much money is this going to run? And where to obtain these permits (any way other than the Italian language website for the Rome Film Commission)? 4.Is there a local contact anyone knows about that could help "grease the wheels" for me (for a fee, of course) where I would come out ahead in the end? Any info would be much appreciated--especially from someone who is or has worked in Italy. Thanks!

Hi, I am working on a small-scale documentary project, part of which will involve covering some historical events and places. Some of those are in Italy (Rome and Vatican City in particular). I am not being payed for this, it is something I would like to do for educational purposes. Kind of a hobby as well. It should just be myself and a friend who will be speaking to the camera at some of the historic locations. I'll be using a small prosumer camcorder (leaning towards Panasonic AG-HVX200). I do understand that using a tripod can sometimes change one's status, necessitating a filming permit, but I would like to use at least a compact (inconspicuous) tripod at some of the locations, so long as it didn't cause any traffic problems, if they will allow me to without a major hassle. If a tripod is out (or limited to a $$ permit), could possibly use a monopod. What I was wondering about is: 1.Would I fall under the catagory of professional film crew or would I be considered a tourist filming while on vacation? 2.If I were to be classified as an ordinary tourist, how should I deal with any inquiries by local authorities regarding my filming activities? 3.If I would need to obtain permits, etc, how much money is this going to run? And where to obtain these permits? 4.Is there a local contact anyone knows about that could "grease the wheels" for me (for a fee, of course) where I would come out ahead in the end? Any info would be much appreciated--especially from someone who has worked in Italy. Thanks!