A MAN whose restaurant in Llandudno closed late last year has since gone on to help set up a new film company in the town.

Bobby Sirrah was a business partner of Bistro Bach, on Mostyn Avenue, Craig-y-Don, for six years, until it ceased trading last November.

And though he admitted its closure, which was due to financial issues, was “soul-destroying”, he and some childhood friends have since founded film collective “The Fifth Branch”.

Since closing the restaurant, Bobby has worked on some “very high-profile productions”, with more lined up.

The film collective, he said, is specifically focused on promoting North Wales as a filming destination to draw larger productions to the area.

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He said: “We’re also focused on using local talent from actors to film crew to promote the talent that North Wales has to offer among its residents.

“Essentially, we’re pooling the talents of as many local people to work collaboratively on a single project.

“Loads of people have come forward to give their time and effort into this project.

“We’re currently looking for a large number of people to be extras in a few scenes in the upcoming weeks.”

The company was founded between Bobby and four friends, who had all set off individually to try to make it in the film industry, but have ultimately reunited to work collaboratively.

He and cinematographer Robert Smith made a promise with each other when they were 16 years old that, whoever was successful in the industry first, would help the other.

Now that they have reunited to work together in their 30s, Bobby decided to name his own company after that promise – “Pact 16 Productions”.

He added: “We were always frustrated that there was never much film work in the North Wales area.

“So, we made it our mission to try to promote North Wales as a filming location, while also exclusively using talent from the local area to showcase the amazing skills of people living here.

“Our long-term goal is to both draw larger productions companies to the area, as well as grow our production company to the point that we can start to produce larger scale film productions.”

The Fifth Branch consists of Robert and Alyn Smith (Hiraeth Pictures), Paris Wharton (Videoninja), Carl Richardson (Mad Audio), and Bobby Sirrah (Pact 16 Productions).

Its productions are made on a “zero budget”, simply by pooling the skills and talents of those wishing to work collaboratively on a project.

While it is close to finishing its current production, “Zero Sum Theorem”, a few large scenes are still yet to be shot, with the group on the lookout for volunteer extras.

People can sign up to be extras on the following Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/167593473013144.