Buddha Boy!

Performing arts students at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Graig campus have performed in a BBC Wales short film which won Best Film and Best Director at a BBC premiere held in Cardiff.

Buddha Boy is a 10-minute film produced by It’s My Shout – a training scheme supporting aspiring talent in the creative industries which has already launched the careers of many writers, actors and directors. “This is a big professional production which is supported by well-known actors,” said performing arts lecturer, Michael Hackfort. “Part of it was filmed at the college’s Llanelli campus where we saw the dance studio being turned into a film production office which was an amazing experience for our students.”

Eight students from the college performed parts in the film which included a female lead. Welsh actors William Thomas, and Charles Dale of Coronation Street and Casualty fame, played the roles of grandfather and school teacher. Hair and beauty students also got to work on the production and through college links with Llanelli schools, pupils also had the opportunity of performing in this BBC Made in Wales, annual series.

Michael Hackfort added: “The quality of filming is very high in terms of production value and you just don’t get opportunities like this happening very often.

“Creative Industries at Coleg Sir Gâr takes part in this scheme every year which we believe gives our students a broader learning experience than just stage acting.

“The experience, which is extended to all creative industries students, gets learners used to camera work and gives them a really professional insight into the challenges of producing TV programmes.”