The new Wales Screen Commission, fresh from a fact-finding mission to India, is confident of winning over more big-name directors looking for suitable locations.

Tomb Raider II has been shot in Snowdonia

The commission's message of confidence boost clashed with the announcement of the new leader of Kashmir that he would entice domestic film-makers back to the violence-torn state.

Bollywood abandoned Kashmir for locations like Wales following the Islamic insurgency in 1989 - but now Mufti Mohammed Sayeed wants the industry to return.

India thinks the value of its film sector could quadruple to £7.2bn by 2007.

The Wales Screen Commission, meanwhile, is looking to steal a march by selling Wales as the top site for breathtaking scenery.

Cultural links

North Wales commission manager Carwyn Edwards has just returned from a government-sponsored, eight-day trade mission.

He said he met with Bollywood's most senior producer, Yash Chopra, in Bombay, before travelling to Madras to meet bosses of the burgeoning film industry in south east India.

Whilst Bollywood's economic impact is limited, welcoming it to Wales is all part of our mission to make Wales a film friendly nation.

Mike Wallwork, Wales Screen Commission

"Locations are high on the agenda," he said.

"We also discussed the possibilities of setting up cultural links such as Bollywood film festivals as well as the support and incentives we provide to the film industry in Wales."

The new commission was set up to promote Wales as a production base.

Moves are seen as key economic contributors, as they not only generate income, but also help put the area on the worldwide map.

Commission co-ordinator Mike Wallwork said the trade mission was at least as much a cultural exchange as a money-making opportunity.

Hectic schedule

"Bollywood productions enrich the portfolio of work we do," he said.

"Whilst their economic impact is limited, welcoming them to Wales is all part of our mission to make Wales a film friendly nation.

"Carwyn's visit to India is as much about perfecting the way we handle Bollywood productions as it is about attracting new ones.

"He had a hectic schedule of meetings with top producers who are responsible for projects which can afford to come to Wales to film, and who understand differences in working practices between India and the UK."