I don’t know how much they’re paying National Media Museum boss Colin Philpott, but it’s a fair guess that when he negotiated his remuneration package he requested “best office in Bradford”. And got it.

I have had occasion to be in the vicinity of Mr Philpott’s office twice in the last few months, which is no mean feat because it’s on the secret top floor of the museum, where the great unwashed don’t get to tread. You need to have a special key to get up to it in the lift, like The Bourne Supremacy or something.

The first time was when Gordon Brown came to visit, and I was there again yesterday to talk to Mr Philpott about the City of Film, which gets its formal and official launch next week.

The best thing in Mr Philpott’s office (apart from the white sofa arrangement on which you could, had you taken in a late showing at the cinema, happily sleep) is the vast window that shows the panoramic vista of Bradford’s skyline laid out before you.

The naysayers among you will already be sharpening your crayons to riposte with some witty comment, but hold hard, as Stuart Hall used to say.

Sitting up there with a bird’s eye view of Bradford, and listening to Mr Philpott enthuse about the potential good that the UNESCO City of Film could have on the district, I felt an unfamiliar sense of optimism swelling within my breast.

It probably helped that the sun was shining and the sky was blue, and that cranes were busily working on the horizon – not actually pretty, but a sign that good things are happening.

Those who think that the City of Film honour is just something to stick on a sign at the city limits should, if they get the opportunity, listen to Mr Philpott talk (or, better yet, buy next week’s T&A when my interview with him will be printed in a special City of Film supplement).

The film industry might seem removed from us, with its Hollywood excess and Cannes glamour, other than something we do on a Sunday afternoon with a box of popcorn.

But, if those responsible for promoting the City of Film get it right, it could have long-lasting and positive effects for Bradford.

The aim is to, one day, have the first thing that people think when someone says “Bradford” to be “film”. Not riots, or poorly-performing schools, or anything negative, but “film”.

Of course, what it needs is for the people of Bradford to get behind it and support it all the way. That might sound glib, but sometimes Bradford can be its own worst enemy – even if people outside are not talking the place down, you can guarantee that someone inside will.

The vision of Mr Philpott and his colleagues is just about ready to roll. To which I can only say: lights, camera, action... and bring it on.