A former Bradford student who worked his way up to become a visual effects producer on Hollywood blockbusters returned to his old school to inspire the next generation of film fanatics.
Umar Hussain, 32, was the guest speaker at Bradford Grammar Junior School’s Prizegiving where he told his young audience that the organisational skills he picked up at school, along with the ability to ‘ask the right questions,’ had served him well in his career.
Umar left Bradford Grammar School (BGS) in 2010 and went on to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Manchester University before becoming an intern on the reality television show Made in Chelsea. He then got his big break working as a visual effects production coordinator on the Guardians of the Galaxy film and through persistence, drive and making the most of every opportunity, rose through the ranks to become a visual effects producer.
Now Miami-based, his credits include Star Wars Episodes VII, VIII and IX, Jurassic World, Fast & Furious, Doctor Strange, ABBA Voyage and one of his favourite films, The Lion King.
Umar, who enjoyed a tour of his old school and chatting to pupils about his job, said: “I enjoyed my time at BGS and it’s so nice to be back and to be able to speak to current pupils.
“As well as the impressive new technology on offer today, personality counts. BGS is such a lovely place to learn and being polite and empathic has got me far.
“My father, Zulfi, always said, ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’ and I took him at his word. You’d be amazed how many times people will help if you ask them nicely.”
Richard Ribeiro, Headmaster at Bradford Grammar Junior School, said the children had loved learning about Umar’s work.
“We’re really grateful Umar took time out of his busy schedule to inspire all our pupils. He’s shown them exactly what you can achieve with his determination to move upwards, then working hard when the opportunities came his way. He’s a fantastic role model for them and we’ve loved showing him around.”
“BGS is such a lovely place to learn and being polite and empathic has got me far.”
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