Anyway, the point of all this is that John had just started work on a major new film; the first one to make use of the Dragon International Studios, at Llanilid, outside Bridgend. The film is called Ironclad, and as John described it, it sounds like an action packed medieval adventure, based on the true story of the siege of Rochester Castle in 1215. And if you happen to read up on the siege, it's jam-packed with incident that make it perfect for a big screen treatment.

I remember the hoop-la that surrounded the opening of "Valleywood" just over a year ago. Despite all the razzamataz of the launch, with Sir Richard Attenbrough, Rhodri Morgan, and celebs and dignitaries from all over the shop in attendance, it's taken this long for the studios to set up for their first major production.

But I'm not going to have a moan about it; I'm just glad of the fact that Valleywood is now officially up and running. The Brigend area has seen more than its share of heart-breaking stories over the last couple of years, so the arrival of Ironclad at Dragon Studios, is a much needed dose of good news for all.

Apparently the castle itself has been built inside the studio, and the production team are also using locations in the Brecon Beacons for exteriors. It makes economical sense of course to film everything within easy reach of each location, but it's still a major plus for the local economy... credit crunch, economic downturn... blah blah blah (well, you get the drift).

I wouldn't mind sneaking a peek at this set (hint, hint), but I'm certainly not going to miss this film when it hits our cinemas; hopefully, some time next year.

Oh, and by the way, John Pierce Jones is in it... and he's a very good actor you know (that'll be two pints now, chief).