Former Bradford Grammar pupil now a Hollywood producer

Umar Hussain, 32, was educated at Bradford Grammar School.

He left the school in 2010 and went on to study politics, philosophy, and economics at Manchester University before becoming an intern on the E4 reality TV show Made in Chelsea.

He then got his big break working as a visual effects production coordinator on the Guardians of the Galaxy film.

Mr Hussain attended Bradford Grammar School (Image: Newsquest) Through persistence and drive, Mr Hussain 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.

Mr Hussain returned to his old school to inspire the next generation of film fanatics.

The alumnus was the guest speaker at Bradford Grammar Junior School’s Prizegiving where he told his young audience about the organisational skills he picked up at school.

He said the ability to ‘ask the right questions’ had served him well in his career. 

Umar Hussain with (L-R) Bradford Grammar Junior School pupils Amelia, Jeevan and Georgia (Image: Stephen Garnett) Mr Hussain, 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. 

Young Umar Hussain has a close encounter with his favourite Star Wars character Mr Ribeiro added: “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.”

Mr Hussain joins the likes of artist David Hockney, Denis Healey, Sir Ken Morrison, and Olympic champions Alistair and Jonny Brownlee as former Bradford Grammar School pupils who have done well.