Brothers Kevin and Andrew Macdonald Share Insights at Edinburgh International Film Festival
During the recent keynote session at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, renowned filmmakers Kevin and Andrew Macdonald engaged in a captivating discussion about their careers in the dynamic film industry. Kevin Macdonald, an Academy Award-winning director celebrated for his documentary One Day in September (1999), has also made his mark with notable fiction works like The Last King of Scotland (2006), State of Play (2009), Touching the Void (2003), and How I Live Now (2013). His brother, Andrew Macdonald, is a distinguished producer recognized for his collaborations with acclaimed directors Danny Boyle and Alex Garland on iconic films such as Trainspotting (1996), The Beach (2000), Ex Machina (2014), and the 28 Days Later franchise.
The session, moderated by Rowan Woods, head of the Edinburgh TV Festival, kicked off with a nostalgic screening of the brothers’ early short film. This piece featured them as ambitious 20-somethings interviewing industry legends like Robbie Coltrane, Sam Fuller, and Michael Winner at the 1992 Edinburgh Film Festival, while seeking insights on getting Shallow Grave made. A memorable highlight included a phone call with Sean Connery, whom Kevin managed to reach while the actor was filming Rising Sun in Los Angeles.
The conversation covered a variety of topics, including the projects they hold dear and the intricate processes behind bringing some of the biggest films of the 21st century to fruition. Kevin candidly reflected on his experiences working with Hollywood stars on the political thriller State of Play. After extensive script revisions alongside Tony Gilroy, they presented the screenplay to Brad Pitt, who famously rejected it. “That was just the start of a lengthy Hollywood experience,” Kevin chuckled, recalling the challenges of navigating the industry’s demands. He humorously noted how the production opted for a sound stage in L.A. rather than shooting in Washington D.C. due to Pitt’s desire to stay close to his family, even though his role ultimately went to Russell Crowe.
Kevin shared his feelings about working with such high-profile actors, admitting, “Russell Crowe can be quite intimidating, to the point where he could scare the studio executives away from the set.” He recounted his own frustrations, saying, “I felt overwhelmed, thinking, ‘We’re spending so much money,’ while they assured me I was doing great.” He also discussed his determination to cast Forest Whitaker in The Last King of Scotland, despite initial skepticism from Fox Searchlight. “Forest was so passionate about this role,” Kevin recalled. “I saw his gentle spirit but also recognized a darker intensity he wanted to convey. It was a battle to convince them, but in the end, he won an Oscar, proving we were right.”
In a light-hearted moment, Andrew shared a story about sneaking into the Oscars’ Vanity Fair party, posing as Kevin and even giving an interview to Sky News.
When asked about the current state of film projects worth pursuing, Andrew expressed gratitude for his collaboration with Garland, stating, “I’ve been fortunate to work with someone who can craft a script in just 24 hours. This has led to a strong partnership with A24, which has been the backbone of our recent projects.”
Discussing the challenges of filming 28 Years Later and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple back-to-back, Andrew noted, “It was manageable due to the returning cast. The real challenge lay with our director Nia DaCosta, who had to navigate elements from the first film that weren’t necessarily her choice.”
As the session wrapped up, Kevin addressed audience concerns about AI’s impact on the industry, suggesting that many are “overly despondent” about its potential. He expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of working on Richard Linklater’s ambitious project Merrily We Roll Along, which is uniquely filmed over 20 years with actors Paul Mescal and Ben Platt. “What an exciting concept,” he said. “I’d love to be a part of that.”
Mark your calendars: The Edinburgh International Film Festival will return in 2025, running from August 14-20.
