Jay Alexander-Ali applied for work experience on a film set, but the University of Salford student ended up getting his first acting role in a professional production.
The 22-year-old, who has just completed his second year studying media and performance, learned about the production through his course.
He had hoped to secure an off-screen job but, following a short interview, he was offered a speaking part.
He has now finished filming Stock, commissioned by Sky Arts and set to be shown on the channel next year as part of a season marking Britain’s departure from the EU.
Jay said: “It’s been a great experience to have been involved in this and to watch these professional actors at work.
“I originally just contacted them to work as a runner and get some first hand experience of working on a professional film set, but I couldn’t believe it when they offered me the role.
“I was able to do it in my own accent, which was very exciting.
“When I originally came down from Scotland I thought my accent would be a disadvantage if I wanted to get work – but I’ll have to rethink that now.”
The film stars French actors Idir Chender and Hania Amar, as well as Waterloo Road’s Sarah-Jane Potts.
It is described as a ‘post Brexit fairy tale’ following a newly arrived wholesaler who becomes caught up in an unwanted conflict with the authorities.
Jay plays the role of a guard in the film, which was shot in Manchester, Prestwich and Salford and is currently in post-production.
The film’s director Naqqash Khalid, who is also an associate lecturer on the university’s media and performance programme, said: “Jay is a natural, he has an effortless cinematic quality to him.
“He’s very easy to work with and has a great energy on set.
“Casting directors need him on their list – he is someone to watch out for.
“I look forward to working with him again in the future and to seeing what he does next.”
