Bearwood Ex-Head Boy turns College into Hollywood!

The Assistant Director of ‘One Chance’ returns to his old school with the stellar cast of the upcoming Britain’s Got Talent biopic.

James Manning, Head Boy of Bearwood in 1994, was delighted to return to the College with actors James Corden, Julie Walters and Colm Meaney as they spent two days filming scenes for the forthcoming major motion picture about the life of Paul Potts.

“Bearwood doesn’t seem to have changed much.” James commented, “coming up the drive is still amazing.” He was pleased to hear that Nelson House is still growing strong although surprised that it was now a day house, since James boarded at the College, close to his family in London.

James has very fond memories of Marlene Simmonds, who has been at Bearwood for 30 years this month and was Head Cleaner during James’ time. A few of the customs of the mid-1990s have fallen by the wayside though.

The most significant is the fact that James’ last year at Bearwood was the school’s final year as a single sex school and perhaps the most interesting for our current Sixth Form is that the prefects used to have a drinks party every Monday evening with the Head, Mr Belcher, in his lounge! 1994 was also the year that the College’s 350-seat theatre was opened and assembly was held there every week.

As Head Boy, Manning had to sit on the stage with all of the staff in their gowns and address his fellow students. “It was an intimidating experience,” admits James “probably the worst thing I had to do in my role, but by the end of the year I had just about got used to it and it gave me a lot of confidence.”

Confidence is something that James has needed in his career within the film industry, together with tenacity and patience.

Following some work experience arranged with a neighbour within a production company, Manning pursued a Media Studies degree, and worked hard as a runner for a few years.

“If there is any industry where it matters who you know more than what you know it’s this one.” James commented. Eventually he was recognised for his commitment and given a break into directing. Ultimately he would love to be a Producer. “You have to work hard in this job,” he added “It’s all short term contracts so you have to continually impress people with your work ethic and be looking for your next job. Your education definitely plays a part in that. I’m really glad I went to Bearwood and I’m still in touch with a group of really good friends from school; we’ll be friends for life.”

Manning kindly arranged for 15 Sixth Formers taking Film Studies A-level at Bearwood College to be involved with the filming as extras. They undertook the roles of the orchestra in the pit during a performance of Aida and were used in crowd scenes. 

Year 13 student, Ciaran Cresswell, who played a member of the backstage crew in one of the scenes, carried a piece of Egyptian architecture across the shot. “I’m so excited to be part of it,” enthused Ciaran “I am applying for languages at University but I’d love to do more with the film industry.” Kat Arnold-Wallinger, a fellow Film Studies student echoed Ciaran’s enthusiasm, “It just makes me want to work in film so badly,” she said “This whole experience has been incredible, I’ve learnt such a lot”.

Under the direction of David Frankel, who also directed The Devil Wears Prada and Marley and Me, the film charts the inspirational life of Paul Potts, winner of the 2007 inaugural series of Britain’s Got Talent.

The Gloucestershire-born son of a bus driver and a supermarket cashier, Potts was bullied at school and turned to singing as a source of solace.

His rich tenor developed through his participation in amateur productions during his time at the University of Bath and his voluntary involvement with