'Pirates of the Caribbean' chooses Pulse's Sanya Hughes

Pulse International model Sanya Hughes has landed a role in a major blockbuster, as one of the most successful movie franchises in the industry is marking its fourth installment - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

The film's stars, Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz, lead an illustrious cast including Judy Dench, Geoffrey Rush and Rolling Stones rocker Keith Richards.

The film will be released in the Spring of 2011 and marks a major highlight for Hughes who returned to international modelling just last year, after taking time off to complete her studies in cosmetic chemistry.

For Pulse, too, it is a significant milestone in a year where its models have made debuts in four feature-length films.

Hughs joins the growing list of agency colleagues, including Hector Lincoln (The Devil Wears Prada) who have made forays into film.

Also among the young acting set are Oraine Barrett and Nicole Grey, with the latter earning a first for the agency, having played the lead actress in the Jamaican film Better Mus' Come.

Grateful

Speaking from Los Angeles where she has been for the filming, an excited Hughes expressed much gratitude.

And, although she is not able to say more about the film until its release next year, the experience of being on a big movie set was "quite awesome," according to Hughes.

"The whole process was exhilarating, it was great to be around all the wonderful people I met on set and I look forward to doing a lot more projects of this scale," she said.

Rehearsal and shooting took place at Universal Studios, Hollywood and the film which is still in production will be released in 3D.

The 5'7" beauty was voted by Global beauties as the sexiest woman in North America and the Caribbean back in 2002 after returning from Miss Universe.

Prior to Hughes' success at that level, she won Pulse's Petite Jamaica Fashion Model title, and has been the only model from this category to go on to an international modelling career. She is signed to Elite in Miami and LA Talent in Los Angeles.

Impressive résumé

Prior to making the move to the lucrative American market, she was based in London and her résumé included assignments and campaigns for French Connection, Emkai, CAT, Ted Baker among others.

Hughes also had major advertising credits under her belt, including for video-game giants Nintendo and fast-food chain KFC.

She also starred opposite George Michael in his music video Amazing, and scored covers and multiple editorials for PRIDE magazine.

But Hughes is now focused on expanding her range as the opportunities come.

As a Jamaican, the historical significance of the movie and the link to her homeland is not lost on the young actress.

"It just felt appropriate that a Jamaican should be represented," said Hughes.

The latest instalment of Pirates of The Caribbean sees Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) thrust into an unexpected adventure and caught between a woman from his past (whom he may have loved but is still in two minds about - she may just be a trickster) and the formidable pirate Blackbeard on whose ship he has been forced aboard.