Screen star struck by students' talent

Actor Myles Pollard has praised the "genuine acting talent" of Manea Senior College students who starred in a short film shot at the school last week.

The McLeod's Daughters and Drift actor was in Bunbury to direct Room 2.22, filmed over three days as a collaboration between industry professionals and students from Manea and Murdoch University.

"It's been quite exhilarating and really rewarding to see the kids grow in confidence," Mr Pollard said.

"They are quite autonomous thinkers and I don't need to give them direction.

"They are totally engaged and are acting at a level way beyond amateur."

The eight-minute short film was funded by an $85,000 Royalties for Regions grant and created as part of Murdoch's Creative Arts Initiative.

Manea is the third school this year - and the first in the South West - to create a film.

Producer Brad Major, who hopes to expand the initiative to include multiple South West schools in future years, believes it benefits all involved.

"High school kids can see the next phase of their journey and university students can learn the skills to move into the industry," he said.

"The industry guys gain a bit and can give back to the community.

"The project is about aspirations and showing what's out there in the greater world."

About $1 million worth of film equipment was used for the shoot at Manea and about 60 students were involved as cast, crew and extras.

The film, about a mad scientist who turns misbehaving students into perfect teenagers, is expected to premiere at CinefestOZ next month.