Light, camera, action for Jay

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.”