David delights in sharing experience with young actors

JUDITH TONNER

Spirit Aid’s David Hayman shared his decades of stage and screen knowledge with performing arts students on a visit to Coatbridge’s college campus.

The star took part in the Q&A session as part of New College Lanarkshire’s partnership with Shooters, the film-making branch of his Spirit Aid charity.

It aims to give young people a voice through film, and saw the Shooters team spend five days working with 18 BA acting students on a training workshop to teach skills involved in working for television and film.

The Coatbridge students learned about talking through scripts, acting techniques and slow walks – and gained hands-on experience with a trip to the Dumbarton studios of BBC Scotland soap River City.

It gave them an insight into the equipment and logistics involved in filming, and they also had the opportunity to meet Keira Lucchesi, who plays the character of Stella Walker.

Shooters has produced more than 80 films since being founded in 2002, highlighting issues including mental health, addiction, bullying and domestic abuse.

It is led by director and filmmaker Moe Abutoq, producer and director David Hayman junior, and cameraman and director of photography Fraz Raheem.

David Hayman junior said: “The acting for camera training we provide as part of the BA acting course at New College Lanarkshire is always an enjoyable experience. It’s extremely important to learn these skills and the students were very receptive, taking direction well and adapting to different roles on set.

“Their commitment was second to none and it was wonderful to see their growth in confidence and skills and their enjoyment of the experience.

“We hope this gives them a solid foundation for future work in the film and television industry.

“All of the staff are always very accommodating and deserve an enormous amount of credit, as the hard work and encouragement they give their students is evident in the success stories of their graduates.”

Gregor Duncan, the college’s curriculum and quality leader for performing arts, said: “Getting to work so closely with a team connected to the profession is hugely beneficial to the students’training.

“It’s wonderful watching our students grow with confidence over the week and the standard of work they produce is fantastic.

“The chance to film on the BBC River City set was really exciting and allowed the students to experience a true working environment, an opportunity that precious few students will have.

“We look forward to continuing working closely with Shooters and building on the fantastic work that has been produced.

“The team’s dedication, expertise and level of work is always exceptional and makes this unique opportunity for students invaluable.”

Passing on their wisdom The students spent time with David (right), River City actress Keira Lucchesi and director David Hayman junior