Langara College alumnus Hudson Williams, a breakout star on Crave's Heated Rivalry, recently returned to campus to discuss his journey from graduation in 2020 to starring on the hit show based on Rachel Reid's viral book. His experience in Langara’s Film Arts program showcases the invaluable training that prepares students for successful careers in the film industry.
Langara College is proud to welcome alumnus and television’s newest breakout star, Hudson Williams, back to campus.
One of the leads on Crave’s Heated Rivalry, Hudson graduated with a Certificate in Film Arts (Acting) in 2020. Based on the viral book by Rachel Reid, the show has captured the hearts of audiences, sparking immense excitement since its premiere on November 28.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Hudson right after the premiere, during which he reflected not only on his role but also on his journey through the College's Film Arts program.
Hudson's path from the halls of Langara College to the set of Heated Rivalry exemplifies the transformative power of dedicated training and artistic exploration within the film industry.
“I have mad respect for Hudson and his fellow program grads,” says Jonas Quastel, chair of the Film Arts department. “Being an actor is a difficult existence, and it can take years until you are being paid to do the work.
"Hudson and his fellow alumni have been making short films and entering competitions consistently since leaving Langara. One of the great strengths of the Film Arts program is that everyone functions as producers on our films. For actors, this skill provides them with the confidence to produce their own material and not just be passively waiting for the phone to ring."
As Hudson continues to captivate audiences, it's clear that the skills and experiences he gained in Langara’s Film Arts program have played a significant role in shaping his career. We look forward to seeing where Hudson's talents lead him next and encourage aspiring filmmakers to explore the opportunities Langara College offers in helping them realize their creative dreams.
The Film Arts program is a rigorous eight-month experience tailored for those passionate about pursuing careers in the film industry as actors, writers, or directors. Running from January through August, this intensive program offers certificates in three distinct streams: Writing, Acting, and Directing.
Each stream serves as a stand-alone pathway, allowing students to refine their craft in a creative and collaborative environment. The program’s unique structure, which emphasizes overlapping courses in film studies, principles, and practice, equips students with a dynamic understanding of the filmmaking process. With guidance from experienced industry professionals, graduates emerge with a profound proficiency in their chosen discipline and a polished portfolio, ready to embark on exciting creative careers.
From executive producer, director, and writer Jacob Tierney, and based on Rachel Reid’s best-selling cult classic novel, this six-part series is a steamy romance set in the world of hockey. Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) are two of the biggest stars in Major League Hockey, bound by ambition, rivalry, and a magnetic pull neither of them fully understands. What begins as a secret fling between two fresh faced rookies evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery. Over the next eight years, as they chase glory on the ice, they struggle to navigate their feelings for each other. Torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore, Shane and Ilya must decide if there’s room in their fiercely competitive world for something as fragile – and powerful – as real love. Alongside Williams and Storrie, the dynamic ensemble cast includes François Arnaud, Robbie GK, Sophie Nélisse, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Dylan Walsh, and Christina Chang. (Accent Aigu Entertainment)
Applications for the Film Arts program are currently open. For more information on the Acting, Writing, and Directing streams, contact Jonas Quastel at 604.323.5024 or jquastel [at] langara.ca (jquastel[at]langara[dot]ca).
Still images from Heated Rivalry courtesy of Bell Media.
Homepage banner photo of Hudson Williams by Richie Lubaton.
