Buster Waeland

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The Boring Long details:

I started work age 15 as an 'outrider' [checking wild cattle and horses] and assistant riding instructor for a major farm and riding stables. ThenJoined Billy Smart's Circus with a horse act at age 16+ as a 'trick' rider. By age 17+ I was second lead rider in the main finale, trick and stunt riding and performed in my First Royal Gala in front of HM.

In that Gala I worked personally with Mr Roger Moore, Miss Jeanette Scott, Sir Kenneth Moor, Billy Fury, The late Mr Stanley Baker, and my first professional photographic picture was shot at the BBC Shepherds Bush Television Centre. Taken 24-9-1961 Age 17. It was used for the front page of the Radio Times.

[BBC Photographic record number, T/DP/30.459 copyright ref.: T3_3.]

1961 BBC TV ©

During my 18th year I worked the summer season for Smart's and 19th year only Gala's. In periods of my 18th and 19th year I helped run a riding school as 'horsemaster' and trainer! I also worked as a stage assistant, performing with a 'Cowboy Lecturer' on the English lecture Circuit, and acted as stooge and horseman for a Trick Shooting and trick Riding Arena Display Act.

I always continued with my Horses.

From late 1962, I worked in Television both as a walk-on artist and extra, but also as junior stuntman, fights co-ordinator and small part actor. I also worked as a technician in camerawork, as an armourer, in lighting and props, and many areas of 'TV special skills Contracts', using my horsemanship, parachuting, sub-aqua diving and specialist driving qualifications. This varied TV work carried on until 1990, but in the late 60's I co-owned and directed a touring Western Circus, then later in the '80's I formed and ran the "JAFS Arena Stunt Team".

Amongst other arena successes with JAFS, I co-ordinated two of the largest successful Television Stunts on The Late, Late, Breakfast Show for BBC TV.

In actorial, stooge, or technical capacities, I worked in such productions as Colditz, series 1 & 2, Z Cars, Softly, Softly, Man about the House, Harry Worth Half Hour, Tommy Cooper, Task Force, and a major list of programmes for BBC, LWT, Thames, Granada, & Southern TV. Inclusive of 'How' with the late Jack Hargreaves & Fred Dineage, and other stars. Minder, The Professionals, The Sweeney, and so on up to more recent credits for "The Bill"; "You Rang M'Lord", BBC; "The Chief", Anglia TV; "Menace Unseen", Zenith Films for Anglia TV and "The Care of Time", an independent production for Anglia TV. My work also ranged from parts and skills in "Allo Allo" and "Hi de Hi", through programmes such as "Soldiers", "Johnny Jarvis", "By The Sword Divided" & "Vanity Fair". From 1984 - 1990 I worked in every major programme series that Anglia TV made in one capacity or another.

Past drama credits include, Macbeth, The Importance of Being Ernest, A Christmas Carol and a number of works by Berkoff.

Ad's, Voice Overs, & Training. I have featured in Ad's for Vauxhall, The Eastern Electricity Board, Mercedes Benz and more, and have worked for Schweppes, Coca-Cola, Mobil Oil, BMW UK, and Shell, with training and promotional work; as well as corporate video work and voice-overs for County CouncilS, Unitary Authorities, The Federation of Small Business, Israel TV and internal BBC training programmes. My very first Ad was for 'Klinger Stockings' shot by 'Donovan' in the 60's.

Presenting and special appearances. Over the years I have co/presented or co/ hosted a number of programmes including "Cover to Cover" for LWT, "The Poetry Enigma" Independent Production for overseas sales, "Tomorrow's World" BBC, "TV EYE" Thames, and "Paradine" BBC. Also external news gathering and presenting.

Show Career. I started working life in CIRCUS as a 'ring boy' but became 1st Lead Rider in a horse act at the age of 17 years. This was for Billy Smart's Circus, but ,'as Circus family' I have been Ring Master for Circus Speary, with Robert's Brothers Circus, and Chipperfields. I had my own touring Western Circus in the late 1960's. I was still riding professionally in 1990 in "Vanity Fair" For BBC TV. From trick riding, I moved to trick and stunt work in TV & Films. I was also a rigger for safety and stunt work, and qualified lighting technician.

As an Actor and specialist stunt person I have worked in all forums of the 'business' from stage to arena where my own JAFS stunt team toured in 1983/4/5/6/7, and I still hold Arena Stunt Records. I have also worked for Radio and have toured the 'Lecture Circuit' throughout Great Britain.

Additionally I am a Lighting Cameraman, photographer, Writer, and Director being a Member of both BECTU and Equity, together with being a Member of the Royal Television Society. I am a nominated 'Television Deputy for the East Anglian Region of the British Actor's Equity Association. I am still licensed to work with Exotic and Dangerous animal species through the Company, 'Animal World'! A Weaponry advisor, specialist driver with HGV1 & PSV licences and covering all veteran and vintage vehicles, including motorcycles, construction, and agricultural plant.

My independent work has included many Professional Show Reels for Circus performers, The 45-minute full industrial Pilot of "Rachael's Letter", a drama documentary, Written, Produced and Directed by myself. Professional Music Diary video's for individual Musicians and Bands. Two Game shows and one Quiz show Pilot programme Devised, Produced & Directed by myself. An Independent Stage Pantomime for schools, Written, Devised, and Directed by myself in co-operation with Education Authorities, Training and Promotional Industrial Video productions and photographic assignments.

By 1993 I owned a private Video and TV Production Studio based in the UK with a studio of 3,500 square feet. I also Managed a Family Location Facilities Company covering all specialist supply vehicles for Film and TV Outside Broadcast Production.

In 1998 I had an accident and damaged by back badly and contracted COPD Emphysema, but at 2002 I still ride and work part time with Horse Clinics, Lecturing and as a Writer.

Although now retired from more strenuous activities, Past Technical and Independent Technical qualifications included being a qualified parachutist, parscender, and paraglider. Ex Firearms certificate Holder and qualified armourer, archer, both target, field, and historic. Ex Sub Aqua-Diver. Horsemaster and rider/driver, qualified to drive four-in-hand carriage, & four/six horse artillery gun and limbers. Specialist location driver.

Past Sponsors for independent Stunt work. Malohney & Rhodes for Mercedes Benz, Diahatsu, Quinto Crane and Plant Limited, Troll Safety Equipment, Centurian Helmets and Safety Equipment, Skoda UK, The Milk Marketing Board, Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company, amongst others.

Additional Technical and Academic Achievements. By age 18 I was qualified by the British Oxygen Company as a Gas Welder and Cutter. Later became an established armourer. A Small Business Management Consultant. By entrance exam qualified into the Membership of the Institute of Marketing, and Membership into the British Institute of Management. I attended a three-year evening course, starting in 1973 studying Industrial Psychology. I also became an Aerial specialist working with light aircraft and helicopters, including working with Commander Ken Wallis of "Little Nell in 007" fame and with Captain Bill Crewdson the famous Fiolming Helicopter Pilot.This whilst also becoming licensed as a Firearms, ballistics, and explosives consultant.

For Photographic Records please Click here.