ONE TO WATCH

1st July 2016

We love seeing talent flourish, especially when it is home grown. Glasgow boy Craig McGinlay is a model turned actor with big projects on the horizon. We catch up with him to find out what lies ahead in his career.

Craig welcome to ROX, does it bring back good memories visiting us?
Yes, lovely to be back. It’s a beautiful store and I have always loved the relaxed atmosphere you portray in here.

You’ve been getting around haven’t you?
I have indeed. From the likes of Milan, New York, L.A., London, the epic Snowdonia in Wales, as well as working on a major movie project at Warner Bros. Studios. I love my job so wouldn’t have it any other way. Walking on set each day for filming has been a delight and feel very honoured and grateful for the opportunities offered to me of late.

Last year you finished filming Knights of the Round Table: King Arthur, starring Jude Law and Sons of Anarchy actor Charlie Hunnam. How did this opportunity come about?
I was fortunate enough to be cast by Guy Ritchie for a whisky ad in September 2014 and from meeting Guy during the audition and filming process I was asked to audition for Knights of the Round Table: King Arthur.

You also starred in the famous HAIG Club advert last year with David Beckham? What was he like to work with? Did you share style tips?
I did indeed. He was an absolute gent. Top guy. I do not have a bad word to say about him. He is a terrific role model for aspiring athletes and any other industry as I believe his work ethic, manners, and standards are so high. I used to be a Sport Scientist working with pro football players so it was nice to chat fitness and football as he was renowned for being a fantastic engine in midfield as well as having an outstanding right leg. Great to hear him talk of his kids and how he likes to either drop them off at school or pick them up after as well as watch them take part in sport or activities at the weekend. I could tell this was a very important part of his life and he wants to continue to do this regardless of how busy his schedule may be. A terrific family man and very down to earth. It’s been amazing to work with David on two projects within a year of each other (both Haig Club, and KORT: King Arthur).

Craig you are known for your unique style and love of sharp tailoring, is there a specific brand/designer you go for?
Well thank you, that is very kind. Not necessarily. When I first moved from a career playing rugby and coaching elite athletes, to modelling and then acting, I realised it is important not to just follow trends. I was always brought up to set high standards and that image is important, but that I should wear what I feel comfortable in and go with my gut feeling of what I think looks good, not just wear something because I think it looks good on someone else. It is important to express yourself with your own style and not to necessarily follow trends.

Your career started out as a professional rugby player, followed by sports coach and model. Now your acting career has taken off do you plan to stay in the acting industry or will you be showcasing another new talent?
I have enjoyed each of the career paths you mentioned but to be honest I always wanted to be an actor but never thought it would happen. Perhaps I wasn’t confident enough to give it a real go and felt it was a distant dream so I pursued a career in professional rugby. This ended very early after competing in a World Cup in Italy for Scotland Under-19’s. I stayed within working in elite level sport but wanted to help other athletes achieve their dreams in sport via injury prevention techniques, re-hab, pre-hab, and general conditioning. From working with Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games athletes I was asked to be involved in the brand launch film campaign. From this I was scouted to join a modelling agency then scouted by a director who spotted a campaign I modelled for. I auditioned for lead roles in 3 short films and was thankfully offered all three roles. Then, Guy cast me in The Haig Club. From working with Guy twice within a year (Haig Club & KORT: King Arthur) it has given me a massive amount of experience over a short period of time working with a top director, film crews, and casts. I still have a long way to go but I am learning all the time and I am thoroughly enjoying the process. I see myself focussing on acting and really trying to push my career to the limits. I cannot thank Guy enough for offering me these opportunities and it has finally given me that confidence I always wanted to just give it a go and not think about the consequences if it doesn’t work out. I will continue to work in order to improve my acting, accents, fight skills (jiu-jitsu, boxing, muai-tai, kick boxing, savate, martial arts, sword fighting) and horse riding. There are no limits to skills and stunts I want to learn so lots still to come.

If you were to give any advice on moving into an acting career what would this be?
Short films were a great way for me to start. These are a really good way to learn how a set works and practice your skills. Furthermore, always look to add to your skills whether that be dancing, singing, or fight choreography. There are always more and more skills that can be applicable to film and TV or even theatre acting.

You’re now living in London, what does 2016 have on the cards for Mr McGinlay?
I have literally just finished filming KORT: King Arthur so will take some time out over Easter and see family and close friends in Scotland before heading back to London. KORT: King Arthur is due for cinema release on March 24th 2017. I have potential meetings in L.A. this year so let’s see what happens there.

Can we expect to see you as the future James Bond in years to come?
Bond..? We’ll see…

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I would like to have achieved leading roles in my acting career and have shown success and diversity as an actor. I will likely still be based in London or potentially L.A.

You must have a strong network around you, what does that look like?
I do not want to name drop but I have worked with some fantastic actors as well as directors and models over the last 18 months. It has been a whirl wind of a time and I am so grateful for each and everyone’s support throughout the process from my family and close friends, to work colleagues on film sets and photo shoot campaigns. Although I work with many of these guys it is great that we are close and get on well, so we hang out in London or LA at a restaurant or go to the cinema or a show, even play golf or train together in parks or gyms in London.

We know fitness is a big thing for you (we’ve seen the insta vids of you putting us all to shame in the gym) but are there any specific gym musts that you follow, do you have a PT?
It’s a huge part of my job both modelling and acting. For the likes of a modelling job I may need to be shredded/ripped and lose weight so I can fit the sample sizes for clothes then for the likes of KORT: King Arthur I put on around a stone and a half of muscle for the movie role. I do not have a PT. As aforementioned, I studied a Sport Science Masters degree and worked with elite level athletes from pro rugby and football, to elite Commonwealth and Olympic athletes, hence I have built up a good level of experience in terms of knowing how to bulk up and trim down quickly and healthily for acting roles.

Our ROX MAN readers are watch enthusiasts, are you a watch man?
I love watches. I have a nice collection of watches, two of which are from ROX. They help make sure I’m never late for meetings.

We predict good things from you, so when you make your first million is there a watch lust list?
Hublot is a brand that I am a huge fan of, so I know my collection will progress there. Hopefully I can collect them all. I like classic timepieces too but a sports watch for me has practicality and style.

How do you find time for it all?
I make time for it all. As I said earlier, I am very busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I really enjoy my job.

Do you prioritise what’s important to you in terms of work and play?
I am a professional actor so need to prioritise my time to line learning and rehearsing. This comes first when working on a job but like any industry it is important to find the balance of work and play.

Finally what does Craig McGinlay do to chill out?
I enjoy playing golf with my dad and friends, going to the gym, and going for dinner. I’m a big foodie. I have always loved watching movies but I think now I watch film differently as I find myself analysing actors and films to help me develop so being able to research for work in the comfort of my own home or when at the cinema is a pleasure.

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