THIS year’s Aberystwyth University annual US alumni receptions have been held in New York and Washington DC with guest speaker Ed Thomas, producer of the hit detective drama series Hinterland.

The two events were held on Tuesday, 24 May, in New York, and on Thursday, 26 May, in Washington DC.

The events, which were introduced by Aberystwyth University vice-chancellor Prof April McMahon, were hosted by the university, the Welsh Government, the BBC, BAFTA New York and BAFTA Cymru.

Ed Thomas, creative director and producer at production company Fiction Factory, is an honorary fellow of the university and producer of Hinterland, which is shot entirely on location in and around Aberystwyth.

Hinterland has now been sold to more than 150 territories worldwide, and last month the series won the Grand Award in the crime drama category at the New York International Film and Television Awards.

Ed explained to guests why he chose Ceredigion, with its mountainous terrain, agricultural lowlands, close-knit communities, sweeping seascapes and busy town-life, as the dramatic and imposing environment in which to film Hinterland.

He also explained why and how Wales dominates and leads the film and TV industry in the UK.

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