A U.S. movie crew shot part of a science-fiction flick inside the famed Colosseum in Rome.

The company led by Doug Linman had three days of rare access to the ancient Roman landmark, including the underground chambers, thanks to the receptiveness of Rome's mayor and movie buff, Walter Veltroni.

The New York Times said Veltroni has actively courted Hollywood and the rest of the international cinema industry and paved the way for the city to rent out the place.