When in Rome...: Kate Beckinsale begins filming for new role as a journalist in Amanda Knox film

She recently admitted to not being afraid to take on the role as a journalist in a new film, documenting the story of the highly controversial murder of British student Meredith Kercher.
And true to her word, Kate Beckinsale looked to be getting stuck into filming The Face Of An Angel in the Piazza del Popolo, in Rome, on Sunday.
The 40-year-old actress was spotted at Rosati bar and restaurant in the square nestled amongst the crew as she began to act out scenes for the first official day of filming the story based on the of comings and goings of the accused, Amanda Knox.

Getting into character: Kate looked to be taking her role as a journalist seriously in Amanda Knox movie

Joining her on set, was her co-star German actor, Daniel Brühl, 35, who presumably plays a documentary filmmaker, who together attempt to hunt down the story.
Kate looked far more glamorous than the average reporter, dressed in a pair of dark denim jeans a navy blue blazer, white T-shirt and a pale grey cashmere scarf.
The Oxford university graduate kept her long highlighted brunette locks sleek and straight, whilst carrying a black leather handbag on her shoulder.

First day: Kate Beckinsale appears on set for the first day of filming her role as a journalist in Amanda Knox movie, in Rome's Piazza del Popolo on Sunday

Let's eat: Filming commenced at Rosati restaurant in Rome, where bystanders looked suitably disinterested in the proceedings

She wore a pair of sunglasses towards the end of scene whilst carrying a long pale grey coat over her arm whilst checking her slightly outdated mobile phone.
Whilst at the restaurant, a waiter was seen bringing out cups of coffee for the pair who were inevitably talking about how they were going to seek out the truth about Amanda Knox.
Kate, whose role is based on CNN journalist Barbie Latza Nadeau has revealed that years of working in cult films has given her a confidence in dealing with followers who cross the line.
'I've done three films dressed head to toe in latex, so don't think I haven't had my share of nutters,' she said recently.

A journey: The film tells the story of a journalist, played by Kate, and a filmmaker who embark on a journey to chase the story of a murder and the main suspect Amanda Knox

Time to go: Kate finishes up her coffee date whilst in character for the film, and heads out of the restaurant

The comment comes as fans and critics absorb the news of her latest, and perhaps most controversial, acting role.
Also starring Cara Delevingne, the project is directed by Michael Winterbottom, whose previous credits include The Killer Inside Me, with Casey Affleck and Jessica Alba, and The Trip.

Cup of coffee: A waiter brings out a cup of coffee with Kate and Daniel Brühl

Kisses: Kate Beckinsale and Daniel Brühl embrace at the beginning of the scene in Rome

Suited and booted: Wearing a smart suit jacket, blue shirt and grey trousers, Daniel walked out of the restaurant in the Piaza del Popolo

Kate Beckinsale is pictured here with journalist Barbie Latza Nadeau, who she plays in the film

Whilst on a research trip in Rome, Beckinsale was given a tour of the offices used by Latza Nadeau, who has also worked for the Daily Beast, at the foreign press association round the corner from the Trevi fountain.
Latza Nadeau, 47, said she was still adapting to being portrayed by one of Hollywood's most glamorous women.
Latza was one of the journalists who followed the case, pushing lawyers for quotes and access to court documents whilst filing copy from the cramped press room.

When in Rome: The pair go sightseeing in the ancient city as they bond over their experiences

This isn't the first time that Hollywood has made a film based about so-called 'Foxy Knoxy'. In 2011 actress Hayden Panettiere starred in TV movie Amanda Knox: Murder On Trial In Italy.

The Heroes star robustly defended her role in the project and even questioned Knox's guilt.
Speaking at the time she said: 'It really all comes together to form this incredible story that I think people are really genuinely interested and curious in. And I don't know that we'll ever really know.
'I believe in the person that she deep down was. And i think that no matter, regardless of innocent or guilty, I believe she was a... she has a spirit. You know she's a real person. She was a young girl who had dreams and aspirations and was going to Italy to go to school and to broaden her horizons and have experiences and meet new people.
'And I don't think that guilty or innocent takes away from that.'

The 40 year-old poses at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art 2013 Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles, California

Knox and Raffaele Sollecito were jailed for 26 years after being convicted of the murder of Meredith Kercher, who was stabbed to death after being sexually assaulted. They were later acquitted, but this was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court.
Knox's retrial on the charge of murder began on September 30.
Fortunately, Kate's career boasts extensive experience, which means she will be able to add considerable clout - and press professionalism - to the project.
The beauty shot her first film - Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing - during her first summer holiday in 1993.

Victim: British student Meredith Kercher was killed in Perugia in Italy in 2009

Her first big Hollywood movie was acclaimed thriller Brokedown Palace with Claire Danes. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, it tells the tale of two teenage girls who are sent to a Thai prison for Heroin trafficking in Bangkok.
The film has enjoyed renewed relevance of late with the arrests of the so-called 'Peru Two'. 
Prior to that, Kate studied French and Russian literature, and shot three other films, while at New College before dropping out in 1995.
Formerly the partner of Michael Sheen, with whom she has a daughter - Lily Mo, Kate is now married to Underworld director Len Wiseman.

Controversy: Amanda Knox arrives for the afternoon sitting of the Meredith Kercher murder trial