A FORMER Queen’s Company guard from Weston-super-Mare is now landing acting roles in films and tv series.
Nick Hayman served in the Grenadier Guards for 25 years and his acting career as a supporting artist started in 1991 when he was still serving.
Back then he was still serving and was selected as one of two soldiers needed for a film starring Harrison Ford.
Since then, Nick had a total of 43 roles, including one in Rivals, filmed in Bristol, and also work alongside Emma Thompson and Emily Watson.
He said: “My first experience of being a film extra, now known as a supporting artist, was November 1991, while serving in The Queen’s Company of the Grenadier Guards Regiment.
“I was one of only two soldiers picked to play the role of Guardsman in the film 'Patriot Games' starring Harrison Ford, a great role which included close ups and two lines of dialogue.
“I shared some cigarettes with Harrison Ford. When he realised I was a real guard he was interested in my career.
“After serving a full career of 25 years in the Grenadier Guards, I continued the supporting artist roles and signed up to various casting agencies.
“I managed to perform in a total of 43 roles so far.
“Another great role last year was a recurring character for the hit series 'Rivals' playing one of David Tennant's TV executives with many filming days throughout the year the location mainly at the fictional TV studios in Castlewood, Clevedon.
“I am currently involved in Young Sherlock, directed by Guy Richie, filmed in Bristol.
“To be involved in this industry is fascinating and every time I have the opportunity to be on set, I feel quite honoured and privileged to be part of such an experience making new films and series.
“I am still overwhelmed by not only the cost, but the amount of people, equipment, preparation, time and effort that goes into one day filming that could only produce, sometimes only minutes of on-screen footage.”
“People think it’s a ‘secret society’ but it’s all out there and there are agencies, and they always have a form where you need to provide photos and other details.
“It’s always good for me to keep it local. I cannot see it as a full-time career, there’s no security. It’s always hit-and-miss.
“But for me it’s always fascinating to be involved.
“During one of my first experiences I told my mate ‘when is it that you get to rub shoulders with the likes of them.
“I would make tea for them just to be involved.”
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