An independent consultancy firm has been appointed to work on the most comprehensive study ever into the economic and cultural impact of cinema in both Ireland and Wales. The study, to be conducted by Inglis Todd Consultancy, will include a detailed cinema audit in the two countries. It will also examine the wider potential for future cooperation across the Irish sea, and for setting up join initiatives between the two regions. Siobhan Bourke, Film Advisor with the Arts Council of Ireland, said: ‘With major technical changes within cinema on the horizon and a changing legislation regarding disability access, the need for specialised research of this kind is imperative if Irish audiences are to continue to have high quality cinema experiences.’ Funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and Sgrîn Cymru Wales, the primary organisation for film, television and new media in Wales, the study began last month with results due to be announced by early 2004. For further information on the Arts Council of Ireland, CLICK HERE. For further information on Sgrîn Cymru Wales, CLICK HERE.