Bradford College

Student Lands Leading Role in British Film Production

Talented British actor, Jack Davis is tipped to become a household name after being chosen to play the lead role in a British Youth Film Academy (BYFA) full length feature film of Shakespeare’s Richard II. Jack Davis is the latest rising star to emerge from the Bradford School of Arts and Media.

The British Youth Film Academy (BYFA) promotes and honours excellence in film and television and is committed to rewarding talent and inspiring audiences.  

The announcement that Jack Davis has been cast as the lead in a (BYFA) production comes as no surprise to staff and students at Bradford College; the budding young actor has been noted for his outstanding acting performances that have left audiences captivated since he enrolled at the College a year ago.

Jack Davis, beat off stiff competition from hundreds of hopefuls to be cast in the film directed by John Montegrande and based on the life of King Richard II of England (ruled 1377–1399).

Speaking about how it felt to be to be cast as the lead, Jack said: “I couldn’t believe it when the director rang me and told me I had the main part – he said: ‘You’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of you!’  - It’s still sinking in!”  

Jack humbly added: “Through school I wasn’t great, then I came here and I think I just found myself again.” Jack always dreamed of becoming an actor and coming to Bradford College made his dreams a reality.

Jack credits Bradford College and Damien O'Keeffe, Curriculum Team Leader for Media, Music and Performing Arts with helping him develop as an actor.

Filming for the production begins this summer and will be shot in Yorkshire, over a five week period as part of the British Youth Film Academy (BYFA) summer camp, which was established to provide a solid link between the commercial film industry and all branches of media education.

Key roles in making the film are all undertaken by young people, guided by industry and educational professionals.

Feature films are produced every year to a high standard and have starred a number of successful and well known British actors including: Brian Blessed, Alexei Sayle, Todd Carty, Pauline Quirke, Phil Cool, Gareth Hale and Norman Pace. Up and coming actor, Jack Davis looks set to follow in their footsteps, as the film is tipped to make him a household name.

Up and coming actresses Abi Chilton, Becky Chilton, Nicole Holt and Sophie Kelly, currently studying Performing Arts at Bradford College have also been spotted by (BYFA) talent scouts and selected to play central roles in the prestigious production.

Commenting on inspiring new actor Jack Davis, Curriculum Team Leader for Media, Music and Performing Arts Damien O'Keeffe said: “Jack immediately stood out as someone with presence. He has a restlessness and energy about him – he’s never still! It will be very interesting to see that contained within the frame. I’m sure that’s what John and the BYFA crew saw in Jack’s audition. There’s an awful lot of hard work ahead, but the opportunity to carry a film at such a young age is fantastic. We’re all very proud of Jack.”

Richard II will be screened at a special red carpet film preview later next year.