THE ANNOUNCEMENT that a world-class film studio is to be built between Newport and Cardiff is potentially very good news for the Welsh economy.

The development will further enhance the reputation that Newport and Cardiff, in particular, have as being increasingly popular destinations for filming television series and movies.

Dr Who, Casualty, Sherlock and Wizards and Aliens are just some of the TV series regularly filmed on location in and around the two cities.

Movies Mr Nice, 28 Weeks Later and Outlaw were also filmed here. And let’s not forget that just down the M4 at Chepstow a former Tesco depot was turned into a film studio for the creation of television’s Atlantis.

The deal, struck with Pinewood Studios, is a major coup for Wales and one which could support more than 2,000 jobs generating an estimated £90 million spend with Welsh businesses.

The Welsh Government has promised to invest £30 million into projects brought forward by Pinewood which will all be aimed at increasing film and TV production in Wales, giving some indication of the confidence they have in the project.

And unlike some other similar projects in Wales, this one makes sense because of its excellent transport links and ease of access to the motorway. The development could also cement our universities’ reputation as the places to go to for studying film.