In 2017, a much-publicised study by Qube Learning declared Film Studies one of higher education’s top 5 ‘pointless’ degrees, but one former Academy pupil is taking great pride in proving even the harshest critics wrong.
Introducing Eilidh Murdoch, class of 2013, a former School Prefect now enjoying life on the sets of some of Hollywood’s biggest productions. Recently, we caught up with the 26-year-old to look back at her time at The Glasgow Academy, and of course, hear more about life in the film business.
Eilidh, before we dive into your exciting new career, what do you remember of your first days at The Glasgow Academy?
Well I joined The Academy in Prep 5. As soon as I walked into my new classroom I felt instantly at ease. My teacher, Mr Anderson, was a kind man with a cracking sense of humour, which really makes the difference when you’re trying to settle in. Throughout my first day, it was made very easy for me to get to know my classmates as well as the other teachers – everyone was so warm and welcoming. Safe to say when I came home that day, I was very excited to call myself a pupil of The Glasgow Academy. It really was like joining one big family.
Was there any one teacher who had a particularly positive impact on your time at the school?
Such a tough question. There were several teachers who made my time at the Academy really quite wonderful. My drama teachers Mr Millar and Mrs Howie would be top of the list. Drama, Hockey and the School Choir became a huge part of my Academy life. I loved taking part in school shows every year and took my roles very seriously – perhaps a little too serious at times. Mr Millar and Mrs Howie would always encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and were never shy of giving me a challenge. From my point of view, when a teacher loves what they do, it rubs off on students and that was always the case with Mr Millar and Mrs Howie. When a teacher believes in you, guides you in the right direction and nurtures your talent, it gives you such a strong belief in your capabilities. These two teachers have always cheered me on and have continued to keep in touch to this day. I can’t thank them enough.
On a lighter note, any embarrassing moments from your time at the school you’d like to share?
Too many to count. Honourable mention to the countless times I stumbled down the stairs – always in front of a crowd! The most embarrassing moment was when playing hockey for the first XI. An opponent ‘accidentally’ tripped me up and I hit the ground with such force that I winded myself. As I lay there looking up at the sky, a strange, uncontrollable noise erupted from me that kept getting louder and louder. As my teammates described at the time – “you sounded like a sea lion giving birth.” Everyone laughed of course and for a few days I enjoyed ‘legend’ status because of it.
What do you miss most about The Academy?
Eight years after leaving, I had the opportunity to come back and visit the school in December of last year. Returning to the school felt very comforting, so familiar, like I’d never been away. It was lovely to be recognised by some of my former teachers (even with a mask on), a big shout out to Mr Simpson, Mr Wood, Miss Dunkerley, Mr Mills and Mr Hawkins – it was so wonderful to see them all. Overall, what I miss most is being immersed in the school’s family atmosphere, being a part of a school that really focuses on being there for each other and maintaining such a strong support network at its core. There’s such a lovely community feel within the school, it’s something you don’t come across too often in life. Even within the sports teams you could feel it, there was no hierarchy between year groups. We were just completely united as a team.
So Eilidh what exactly is your current job title and what are you working on now?
My job title is ‘Set PA for film and high-end television.’ It’s quite a varied on-set role within the directorial team. Currently, I’m working on a major Warner Brothers film ‘Wonka’ starring Timothee Chalamet, which is the prequel to ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’
Tell us a little bit about your career journey and how you got to this point…
After studying Film and TV Studies at Cardonald College, I got my first full-time job with STV Creative. I worked there for around a year helping the team produce and film adverts for commercial clients. Through word of mouth, I got a job working on a high-end television drama called ‘Belgravia’ and soon after, I was recommended to a London-based company to work on Netflix film ‘Eurovision’ starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. From there the opportunities started to flow, I worked on Outlander and The Bachelorette, followed by eight months on the set of The Witcher, with Henry Cavill. Since then, I’ve worked on projects for Disney, Netflix, HBO and now Warner Brothers Studios where I am now. It really has taken a lot of patience, perseverance and hard work to get to this point. There’s a lot of disappointment in this industry, but when you’re doing something you love, and you begin to progress, it’s so worth it.
How do you find being surrounded by such high-profile personalities? Did it take some getting used to?
There are a lot of huge personalities in the film world – even within the crew! From set to set, there’s a lot of adapting to how someone likes to work, and it was a little difficult at first. Once you get to know the cast and crew however, you start to build a rhythm and things gradually get easier. Working with famous actors, however, takes things to a whole new level. Trying not to ‘fan-girl’ whilst introducing yourself to people like Pierce Brosnan and Olivia Coleman can prove tricky at times. But people do forget, they’re working just as you are and at the end of the day, they’re all human. It is however quite a surreal experience to become friendly with someone you grew up watching. It’s something I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to.
Career highlight so far?
Film is such a crazy industry to work in and I guess it’s all about the experiences. Timothy Spall was the first high-profile actor I officially met. He was an absolute gentleman with such a charismatic and kind manner. We had a great laugh together and it was such an honour to work with him on-set. A real highlight. Working with Rowan Atkinson was also a great experience. Other great memories include dancing with Will Ferrell in an Edinburgh club, drinks with Henry Cavill in his local and karaoke with Vanessa Hudgens – a few ‘High School Musical’ dreams came true that night.
What’s next for Eilidh?
My goal is to keep working up the ladder and progress to Third Assistant Director by the end of the year. Generally speaking I just want to continue working on big movie productions. It’s what I love and I’m excited to make it happen.