Shauna MacDonald

Shauna MacDonald, one of Scotland's own, a beautiful and mighty force of nature in the film industry, stretching across film, television, theatre and even supporting the young local up and coming talents in her youth theatre program in Portobello. We had the privilege of spending the day with Shauna, listening to all kinds of fascinating tales of her life working in the film industry as we helped her select her new coat, which you may agree is a very fine choice indeed.

Career: Actor.

I Graduated from The Royal Scottish Academy in music and Drama. Best known for playing Sarah Carter in The Descent, my career has spanned over 20 years. My first film was alongside Billy Connelly in The Debt Collector. I since went on to star in many feature films including The Rocket Post, Late Night Shopping, Wedding Belles, Mutant Chronicles, Filth, Swung, Howl, Correspondence, Star Wars and most recently White Chamber for which I received the Best Actress gong at this year's BAFTA Scotland awards.

My television credits include State of Play, Spooks, Ripper Street, Murder The Five, In Plain Sight, The Cry and soon to be aired on BBC: a John Cleese and Allison Steedman sitcom, Hold The Sunset, in which I play 'Georgie' alongside the wonderful James Cosmo who plays my Dad. I have also numerous theatre and radio credits and not to forget voicing Professor Squawkencluck on the CBB's show, Dangermouse.

Give us an introduction on the youth theatre you are involved with.

Edinburgh Youth Theatre is my pride and joy. We used to be known as Tribe Porty Youth Theatre, but decided to re-brand almost a year ago. We have around 160 kids from pre-school to age 18. We offer a huge range of classes and pride ourselves on giving each pupil the opportunity to be taught by professionals working within different aspects of the theatre and film industry. Stand Up comedy, theatre design, filming, devising and special effects make up are just some of the things you can experience at our youth theatre. Actor, James McAvoy is our proud patron.

What have been some memorable films/roles for you?

Playing Sarah Carter in The Descent has been a career highlight for sure. It's a feature film about a group of six female covers who go exploring a new cave system in The Appalachian Mountains. They soon discover that they are lost and are not the only living things within the cave! We shot the movie at Pinewoods Studios and got to travel the world promoting it. I still attend conventions as a prestigious horror guest because of that movie.

What are some of your pre-performance rituals?

If I have time I might do some yoga or go for a run, take one last look over the script of some voice exercises I learnt almost 20 years ago at drama college. If I am being really good then I won't drink in the run up to a job just so I can get my head around it. However, I find it very difficult to not socialise after wrap though as I think there is nothing better than hearing everyones' stories and listening to the craic.

If you could produce your own dream film, who/what/where would it be?

I would love to do a modern day King Lear and reprise my role as Regan, the middle daughter who will stop at nothing to get her fortune. I love a good Shakespearean tragedy. Love, passion, death and gore make for a fantastic cinematic experience. The Highlands are always so epic looking when captured on film and I couldn't think of anywhere better for a Tarantino style family feud tale of woe.

What is your biggest accomplishment in performing arts so far?

BAFTA Scotland Award

What is so special about the Scottish industry for fashion and film?

Scots are a stylish bunch and we have a wealth of creative talent. We are innovators and game changers. We are not afraid to take risks and let the rebel follow. We are the small dog in the fight but we all know about the size of the fight in the dog winning it all.

Who influences your style of fashion and acting the most?

I am hopelessly in love with Tilda Swinton. She is a style icon and an acting Goddess. I can't take my eyes off her on the red carpet and when I watch her on the big screen I try to see the joins but I can't. She is flawless. And brave.

What does classic fashion mean to you?

The tailoring! I like to wear clothes that I feel comfortable but glamorous in. For me that is what classic fashion is, a way of wearing beautiful materials that are cut to show off physique. I wore a gorgeous teal off the shoulder ballgown to the BAFTA Scotland awards last year designed by Carolyn Baxter. Almost every magazine that printed the picture commented on the pockets that had been cleverly sewn into the sides of the full skirt. This to me was classic fashion that was comfortable and cool.

What is your style?

I am very much a skinny jeans, big knit wear and biker boot kind of a girl at the moment. My regular day job is being a mother of 3 so if I'm not comfy it just doesn't work. To jazz it up I'll wear some bright red lips to highlight my peroxide barnet. For a red carpet event, I like to wear floor length dresses at the moment, elegant materials like chiffon, satin, silk, lace or velvet.

Thank you very much Shauna for taking the time to share your wonderful stories and good luck with all your future journeys in the film industry.