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Student in gangsters’ paradise after bagging film role

09/07/2015
A Middlesex student has been given a role in the new British gangster movie C.O.O.L.I.O.

A Middlesex student has been given a role in the new British gangster movie C.O.O.L.I.O.

BA Business and HRM student Ana Lorena Marinica impressed in the auditions held at Middlesex University, beating other budding actors from the University.

C.O.O.L.I.O - which stands for Change Original Lives Interface Oracle - stars Geoff Bell (War Horse, Green Street, Rock n Rolla), Brian Croucher (BBC's New Tricks, The Bill, Eastenders) Chris Ellison (The Bill, Burnside) and boxing promoter Frank Maloney.

“I feel amazing being in the film and I find it a challenging but wonderful opportunity. The plot is fascinating and I love my character,” said Anna, who plays a student journalist in the movie.

“One of my HRM tutors, Doirean Wilson, mentioned the audition would happen at Middlesex. So, when the opportunity showed up, I thought I’d give it a try,” she added.

Film director Paul Cahalane said there were several great actors and actresses at the Middlesex audition but Anna impressed the most.  "Anna really stood out, she is just so natural," he said.

One scene from the movie was shot at Middlesex, with several extras from the University taking part in a classroom scene.

Former Middlesex graduate Anjni Varsani is a film executive in the movie. Anjni, who studied BA Business Management, said her familiarity with the University was the reason why the film company chose Middlesex for the auditions.

Anjni also described how studying at Middlesex helped her land a job with the film company: “I have been working here since I finished my exams last year. I met the director Paul Cahalane during a consulting project at Middlesex, where students liaised with real life businesses for five months.”

“Middlesex was a great place to study and I love going back there. The tutors are friendly and approachable. They not only teach the core modules but prepare you for when you leave university, by teaching you what it’s like to be in a professional business environment,” she added.

C.O.O.L.I.O is due for release later this year.

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