- Dylan Tang
【Interview】Craig McGinlay ; A Model and Actor's journey
1. What do you think about fashion? Do you like fashion?
“I think fashion is important and it's a way of showing your personality. I didn't realise this until I moved into modelling 3 years ago, then into acting 2 years ago but I am amazed how my perception of fashion has changed. I was invited along to support a friends brand during London Fashion Week Mens, which at the time was known as LCM, a couple of years ago and I was not massively looking forward to attending if I'm honest, however since going along and seeing what it's all about I really enjoyed the shows and presentations. It was actually a lot more relaxed than I had anticipated it would be. I had a lot of fun, was great meeting new people and gaining an understanding of how much work the designers do in order to produce these incredible shows and presentations.”
2. What’s your favourite brand?
“Hmmm, putting me on the spot here aren't you... no pressure...... There are too many that I have had the pleasure of working with to say just one in particular. I do like wearing saville row tailoring during fashion week, or a classic dinner suit for a black tie event. My 'go to' casual look would have to be boots or trainers, jeans, t-shirt, and a leather jacket.”
3. Who’s your favourite designer?
“Ok you are really trying to get this out of me aren't you.. There are a few brands I have worked with and who have supported my journey so I would have to say Hackett London & Chester Barrie do some fantastic suits. Even M & S are starting to produce a lot of really nice tailoring. Very impressed with the direction they are going in. Belstaff are always great for a casual look but it can still look smart too. Also, if you are looking for a good pair of socks or sunglasses then look out for London Sock Company and Finlay & Co. respectively. Both can complete any outfit. Great brands producing some quality pieces.”
4. Do you want to launch your own label? If so, what sort of products?
“I have thought about it but not yet. Maybe in a few years time. I want to learn more and more about the industry first before taking on something like that. Perhaps a collaboration with a brand first. I think now with the combination of having modelled and also acting could bring a lot of useful knowledge to a brand so hopefully I could be integral to the development and design too. We'll see.”
1. What do you think about the character, Sir Percival, that you played in the movie ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’?
“It was a terrific character to play. He's loyal, but aggressive as well as also very mysterious. I think there is still a lot more to learn about Sir Percival and that's why I think it would be an interesting character to develop at some stage. I changed my look for the part. Grew an enormous beard and bulked up in muscle mass by over a stone and a half of weight. I packed on muscle fast to become the character. I felt Percival would be bigger so I wanted to immerse myself into the role for around 6 months including time of training and filming. I was eating 6000 calories per day. That's a lot of food, but hey, it was so much fun. I'd do it again in a second.”
2. Which one do you prefer to act in, a movie or a series?
“No real preference. As long as I trust the cast & crew I'm working with, trust the process, like the script, I am challenged by the character then I’l take virtually any role on.”
3. We’ve heard about your new role coming out in this September. Can you tell us a little more about that?
“It's a tv series called Knightfall. I play a guest lead role called Aldred. I can't say too much at this stage but it was produced by Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker/The Avengers) and the casting director was Debbie McWilliams (James Bond). We filmed in Prague and it's a story about the Templar Knights. It was an incredible production to be a part of and I am excited to see it when it's released onto the History Channel m, hopefully this year.”
4. Your public image is rather good. Do you not think that by playing a villain it will influence you in some sort of way?
“Well, Aldred, who I played in Knightfall, is a bad guy so hopefully that hasn't changed me too much. I normally want to play the good guy action hero but playing a bad guy excites me too and I'd welcome the opportunity again.”
5. From a sportsman to a Hollywood actor, do you think that your life has dramatically changed? Or is it still the same?
“I am very grounded. Always will be. I will never forget where I came from and my closest friends and family as well as the new friends I have met along the way who have helped me to get to where I am so far. I have a long way to go before I get to where I want to in the industry but I'm on my way. I'm working hard and will continue to develop my skills across the board.”
6. We hear rumours that you are being considered for the next DC character GREEN ARROW. Is this true?
“It's a character I would love to play having grown up loving many superhero characters and I am honoured to hear fans saying I would be a good option, however I can say that I have not been contacted with regards to playing Arrow. Let's wait and see..”
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Photography by Chris Davis
Cover Photography by Daniel Jaems
