The river might remind you of Love Actually, a journey on the Tube make you think of Gwyneth Paltrow's daydreaming dual life in Sliding Doors. A Notting Hill bookshop may make you think of the unlikely coupling of Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, or a walk across Westminster Bridge make you recall the awesome image of an apocalyptic London in 28 Days Later.

Truth is that London is one of the great film cities, the world's third busiest production centre, with superb, state of the art facilities and world-class talent, behind as well as in front of the camera.

The capital is also a top location for major international blockbusters produced by studios such as Disney and 20th Century Fox and we attract legendary names from across the globe, a roll call that includes acclaimed and award-winning directors like Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen and Tim Burton.

An extremely healthy domestic industry continues to produce respected, internationally renowned film makers, including our very own Danny Boyle and Bradley Hemmings, who I'm delighted will be masterminding the Opening Ceremonies at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, which represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase our greatest talents to the rest of the world.

The size and scale of the Games will of course bring their own set of challenges. We are intent on successfully hosting one of the greatest shows on earth, but London must continue to function as a tourist attraction, a business hub and a film production centre in the build up and through the course of the Games.

There are innumerable reasons to come to London. It is without doubt one of the greatest cities on earth for the variety, excitement and quality of cultural activity on offer.

At the same time it's a great place to do business, not just in terms of financial services, but for its dynamic and innovative creative sector.

That is why I am working with the city's agencies to ensure the infrastructure is in place - you can be assured that, as well as a fulsome welcome for the thrilling sport and for leisure, London will be open for business as usual.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London