Following on from the discussions about permissions being needed to take still photographs in a sim, there is widespread confusion about what permissions are required in order to film machinima in SL. Different people at different times have given confusing opinions.

For those who haven't come across the term before, machinima is animated action which is filmed inside a game or platform, using something which isn't primarily an animation programme.There's a wide variety of film shot in SL, from promotional material for the platform itself, to fictional films, from how-to films, to short advertisements for SL products.

I contacted Catherine Linden to ask for some guidance on the Linden Lab attitude to the question, and received the following reply:
"Linden Lab does not give permission to
anyone to film in Second Life because we don't own the content.
However, I do like to say that filming in Second Life is like filming
in NYC. Generic street scenes and landscapes can be considered
"fair use" but filming individuals without their permission is not
advised, just like in real life."

Robostudios has launched their trailer for their new film about SL, on google video. You can find the trailer here.

I should declare an interest here. Not only do I appear in the film, but Robostudios has an office in Nemesis. Actually though, I had to demolish most of it temporarily to make room for the London Eye....It used to look like the picture, honest.

I am looking forward to the final cut of the film, not just because I am in it, but because they have really taken time to go in world, to talk to people in depth and to become part of SL. They aren't the normal come in, interview, and run film makers, not at all.

I originally agreed to participate thinking that it might publicise Numbakulla, which is featured in the film, but I have to say that I really enjoyed being interviewed, and talking about SL, Anders is a great interviewer, I am sure he will have got the best out of everyone he talked to for the film. It seems as though everyone has something interesting to say about SL, and each from their own angle. I don't know how Oclee feels about being the only person named in the trailer. Everyone tells me I sound so English next to all the Americans. Well there's a surprise. I AM English.