An Interview with Gordon J Millar
Gordon is one of the most proactive actors I've encountered in Scotland. His knack for networking and communication sets him apart, especially in an industry where many actors wait idly for their agents to call (or not call, as quite often is the case). I cast Gordon as the character of Euan in my feature film Skinjacker, a role he embraced with creativity and dedication, aligning perfectly with my (the director’s) vision. The last time I worked with him was at the start of the summer when he popped over the River Forth to record a voiceover for us for a commercial. I thought it would be fab to dive into a Q&A with him. Here’s what he had to share:
David: Standard first question - Who are you and what do you do (in the industry)?
Gordon: My name is Gordon J Millar, and I’m a Scottish screen actor and voiceover artist.
David: Can you describe your journey into acting and what initially drew you to this profession?
Gordon: I’ve been a massive film fan since I saw “The Land That Time Forgot” in La Scala Cinema, Inverness, as a 4 year old in 1974. Originally I wanted to work in Special FX Makeup, and went to art college in Liverpool in 1989. I managed to get myself work experience at Spitting Image, swept floors at Shepperton Studios, got an interview at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, and saw the Gotham City set at Pinewood when they were filming Batman Returns. But, my lack of self-confidence, and low self-esteem, held me back at every opportunity. Creativity and compassion were the only things I was any good at, so I focused on the latter to get a “proper job” and became a nurse. Fast forward to 2017 when I saw I casting call on Facebook for a “David and Goliath feature film - beards are a bonus!” I got signed up, attended foot soldier boot camp, and then found myself on the set of the $100M Netflix blockbuster, Outlaw King. As children, we thrive in the realm of the imagination. The moment I arrived on a film set, in full medieval battle gear, caked in mud and (fake) blood, I realised the realm is a real place, and at 47 years old, I’d found my dream destination. I attended acting classes, workshops and courses, gained a Distinction in an Acting Diploma, got snapped up by an agent, and have never looked back.
David: Love this! It’s never too late to start. Also, The Land that Time Forgot! I loved that movie growing up as well, along with Clash of the Titans and the Sinbad movies was where it all began for me too. Okay, what has been the most challenging role you've ever played, and how did you prepare for it?
Gordon: I find roles to be more exciting than challenging, the chance to jump into an audiovisual storytelling time machine, to step into someone else’s shoes, boots, or sandals. There’s a purity in the freedom of unselfconscious and uninhibited play, just like being a kid again.
David: How do you approach developing a character, and do you have any specific techniques or methods you rely on?
Gordon: My approach is the same every time. Once the exhilarating giddiness and sheer relief of getting the role eases, I take a few deep breaths, then a harmonious equilibrium is restored, and I take a deep dive into the script. As a screen actor, my focus is striving towards realism, so the viewer is locked into the story, and forgets they are watching actors who’ve memorised the words of the writer. I don’t rely on any specific techniques or methods, all artistic expression is subjective, and I just aim to make my character authentic and believable. Again, this comes back to the script. What is the subtext behind the words? How would a real person feel in a given scenario, and how much emotion would we actually show? Ideally, it’s always better to chat through the role with the Director, to tap into their vision. I also love rehearsing with the other actors in the scene, to find that natural rhythm of verbal and non-verbal communication, which happens when we share time and space together.
David: How do you handle criticism and feedback from directors, peers, or audiences?
Gordon: As someone who’s worked long shifts on hot hospital wards for 30 years, I have no ego whatsoever and no delusions of grandeur. We are all just human beings. So I love feedback, and am always grateful for it. The journey from script to screen is a collaborative process. We can often envisage where the creative flow is growing, and then sometimes, wonderfully, something completely new blossoms and flourishes, enriching the scene beyond our expectations.
In an era saturated by social media, criticism is commonplace. Often, I’ll agree with the individual’s point of view, sometimes it’s funny, and other times I think - oh dear, someone’s not having a good day, and they’re just lashing out online. I find praise more challenging to deal with, acutely aware that the final graded and edited image that the audience sees and hears onscreen, is the result of the colossal time and effort of a talented and hardworking ensemble of dozens, or even hundreds of people, working together to serve the story. In summary, I never take anything personally and just want the best possible work to reach the audience.
David: So true about the online bashing for actors and filmmakers, it’s commonplace these days, and you’re right, basically everyone has their taste in what they like (or don’t like) and it’s up to us to be thankful for the praise and accepting of the criticism. What role or project are you most proud of, and why?
Gordon: I’ve been in around 50 productions, so am more grateful than proud really, but I love it when people talk about the story, after seeing the film, and share how it made them feel.
David: How do you balance your personal life with the demands of a career in acting?
Gordon: To all aspiring actors, this is very important. There is no red carpet, unraveled from your front door to a presidential motorcade at the end of your street, when you graduate or get booked for your first role. You need to find a flexible job, to pay your bills, and be free to work in the industry when you get booked. As a nurse, I have a part-time job and can top up with shifts on the NHS Staff Bank. There is no career path, you need to carve your own.
David: So true, I’ll always tell actors to find a ‘real’ job first and foremost that can give them flexibility. It’s far easier to build an acting/film career when you have a stable income from elsewhere than doing so with the constant stress of just trying to live and pay the bills. Can you describe a moment in your career when you felt you had a breakthrough or significant growth?
Gordon: The very first booking is very special indeed. In an industry where rejection is the norm, actually getting a role you have auditioned for feels absolutely incredible. Some productions fly, some disappear, so it’s important never to get too attached, and always focus on getting your next job. After working on a few shorts and music videos, I applied to be in a feature film. The Director sent me an email and, at first glance, I thought it was a polite and professional note to say I’d been unsuccessful. Then I put my glasses on and read it again, and thought “haud on a minute…”. I took a deep breath, and read it for a third time, to discover I’d actually been offered the role!! So, after gently disembarking from Cloud 9, I sat down and spent 3 hours reading the entire script. I was wide-eyed and mesmerised throughout, and literally had to pinch myself that I’d landed such a cool role in a science fiction thriller, set in Scotland. That film is called “Skinjacker”, it was a life highlight to be in it, and cannot wait for you to see it.
Gordon in Skinjacker
David: Oh wow! So glad you felt that way after reading the script for Skinjacker. We were so lucky to have you on the cast and you did an amazing job of portraying Euan. Hopefully, we don’t have to wait too long for the film to be released here in the UK (it’s currently on TVOD in the USA). How do you choose the projects you work on, and what factors influence your decision?
Gordon: The truth is, when you’re starting out, you don’t get much of a choice, if any, in terms of projects you want to work on. There’s always an abundance of actors and a scarcity of roles. With time, patience, perseverance, and resilience, instilled with a strong work ethic, integrity, and total reliability, doors gradually begin to open. I’m a few years down the line now and usually get offered roles, in the indie film scene, which is amazing. I’ve built strong working relationships with filmmakers whom I admire, and enjoy working with, which feels like a dream. At the same time, if I feel I’m not right for the role, I always let the filmmakers know and go back to finding more work that I can commit to with honesty, empathy, and authenticity.
David: What’s a movie genre, a role, or a type of character you haven’t played yet but would love to explore, and why?
Gordon: I’m often cast as a father figure, which I love, being a Dad is my favourite role in real life. I really love the limitless possibilities of storytelling on film, especially the chance to travel to the past, the future, or some other fantasy realm. I’ve been cast as “King Crom”, a Celtic King in an upcoming feature film, based on Arthurian lore, with Merlin, Excalibur, and more…
But, as a child from the Cold War era, where nuclear destruction felt like an imminent threat, I’d really love to be in a dystopian survival story. Now that would be super awesome!!
David: Ohhh a dystopian survival story, nice! Brilliant Gordon, thanks so much for taking the time for this wee Q&A and I hope we meet up on a film set again soon.
Gordon can be found here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordonjmillaractor
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/gordonjmillaractor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scotstreetstyle
