Iona MacRitchie
She played in Landon Kestlinger’s Dollar Baby The Reach as Annabell.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Iona MacRitchie: Hello, I’m Iona MacRitchie. I’m a student at the University of Glasgow studying Film and Television and Digital Media studies.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Iona MacRitchie: I actually became an actress in the production by complete accident. I was the producer in the short film, but since the part had very few lines I offered to do it! Before ‘The Reach’ I have typically been behind the camera rather than in front of it, but all in all it was a nice change.
SKSM: How did you become involved in The Reach Dollar Baby film?
Iona MacRitchie: I got involved with ‘The Reach’ through Glasgow University Student TV (GUST) where I met Landon (Director) on his semester abroad from the US. Landon had his head straight about a short film he wanted to make, and honestly his drive made me want to throw myself in and get involved.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Iona MacRitchie: Although I may be entirely bias, I think that a Scottish production is always going to draw audiences in. Scotland has the most beautiful scenery which makes filming even more enjoyable. The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond are an encapsulating view and honestly these scenes were my favourite part of the production and made the film into something special.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Iona MacRitchie: I didn’t have to audition for the part no, It was more of a spontaneous decisión to try out the role.
SKSM: You worked with Landon Kestlinger on this film, how was that?
Iona MacRitchie: Working with Landon was a pleasure. He knew what the want, how he wanted to go about it and let me as the Producer help make that happen.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Iona MacRitchie: Anyone that knows me well knows I don’t cope with the Scottsish weather at all. Despite this Landon has a very clear idea that in one his scenes, my character would appear on by the water in Loch Lomond wearing nothing but a White dress to convey an almost angelic look. Standing in Loch Lomond in the middle of Winter for far too many takes is definately still something that makes me laugh today.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Iona MacRitchie: Yes, I am still in regular contatct with Andy and occasionally Landon. I would definately get back in contact with the rest of the cast again, they were down-to-earth whilst profesional, a true a joy to work with.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Iona MacRitchie: I am moving to the US to UCSB for a year abroad so I have currently be working on filming my favourite parts of Scotland to make a comedy short film with a comparison to the tropical West Coast lifestyle – but i wont give too much away!
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Iona MacRitchie: Oh absolutely. Although I was made by my Mum to watch ‘IT’ at a very young age and i am still absolutely terrified of clowns!
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Iona MacRitchie: Oh gosh, this is one of these questions that you wish you were a triplet or had some sort of fourth nipple. I guess that I orginially went to university to study History and Politics then quickly realised that I always wanted to work in the media industry and that’s what I wanted to study.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Iona MacRitchie: Thank you for so much for taking the time to read this interview. Honestly I’d say the one peice of advice is just to get out there, carry you’re camera around with you and be ready to capture something, because sometimes the best content is when you least expect it.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Iona MacRitchie: I would just like to say how proud I am of the team that the film was shown at Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner. I hope the film brings as much joy to those watching it as it did to help créate it. Feel free to follow me on instragram @iona_macritchie
