Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Movie career dawns for actor
Playing a Dundee gangster in film
A Coatbridge actor is hoping the lead role in an upcoming gangster film will be a springboard for his career.
Alastair Thomson- Mills is preparing to film independent movie ‘Schemers’, set in in 1980s Dundee.
And the 50- year- old from Kirkshaws told the Advertiser he aims to make the most of the opportunity when he stars as the film’s villain.
He said: “If the movie is a hit and I’m well received then it could hopefully lead to a much better quality of work for me.
“I’m very pleased I’ve got the part, now I need to show them I’ve got what it takes and do myself, family and Coatbridge proud.
“My character is based on a real person who was the top dog in Dundee; a charming businessman but underneath a ruthless gangster.
“He takes advantage of anyone to get money and if he doesn’t get it then it can get violent.”
Alastair went on: “There have been many rejections and at times I’ve thought maybe this isn’t for me.
“I build a wall around myself to protect against possible hurt, so it’s important that I stay grounded now I’ve got this opportunity.
“I’d say I am a hard- working, down to earth, humorous actor and hopefully I can prove this in Schemers.”
Alastair left drama school in Edinburgh in 1997 and worked in theatre shows in Glasgow and Pitlochry.
He went on to work in various small television roles and moved to London with wife Maria and their three children to try and secure more opportunities.
He explained: “Every acting student has dreams, then once we graduate reality kicks in.
“I enjoyed working in theatre but I had to make a change, as TV casters don’t want to travel to Pitlochry to scout!
“I’ve stuck at it and hopefully this can be my big break.”
Although Alastair’s main focus is his role, he is impressed with everyone involved with Schemers.
In fact, feedback the director and scriptwriters have received claim it’s potentiallythe biggest independent film to be made in Scotland since Gregory’s Girl.
Alastair continued: “I think it’s going to be brilliant.
“It has a funny script but is also quite edgy and uplifting.
“Although it’s a film revolving around the dangerous business of music promotion, it’s been called a cross between Gregory’s Girl and Trainspotting.
“I really hope the people of Monklands find time to see it when it comes out, hopefully later next year. I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.”
Unfortunately one beloved Coatbridge woman won’t be around to see Alastair’s big break.
He added: “I really wish my mum, Isabel Mills, was here to see me in this film.
“She loved Coatbridge and lived around Cliftonhill later in life, but passed away from cancer in 2002.
“It’s a shame she’s not had the opportunity to see me progress.”
Schemers is scheduled to start filming in the spring.