Lachlan Macnab's journey into filmmaking began unexpectedly in Singapore, where his fascination with the technical side of drama led him behind the scenes rather than on the stage.
This passion for storytelling grew, eventually leading him to the BA (Hons) Filmmaking program at London Film Academy.
Today, his experiences at LFA continue to shape his career, from collaborating on the short film 'Trace' to working on documentaries and environmental projects.
We’re excited to sit down and talk with him about his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and what’s next on his filmmaking path.
Journey to LFA
After completing high school, Lachlan was eager to pursue filmmaking professionally.
However, he found his path delayed by Singapore's mandatory military service, which left him feeling two years behind his peers.
Despite this, the experience gave him time to reflect on what he wanted from a film school.
He was looking for a program focused on practical filmmaking rather than theoretical studies. It was this realisation that led him to LFA, where he would begin to hone his craft.
Navigating a Degree Amidst a Pandemic
Lachlan’s time at LFA presented its challenges, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the norm. However, this experience sharpened his ability to adapt and problem-solve.
At LFA, the emphasis was on making films rather than just studying them. This practical approach allowed Lachlan to fully immerse himself in the creative process, preparing him for the realities of the industry.
The unpredictability of the pandemic further reinforced his ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, a lesson he continues to carry into his professional work.
Bringing 'Trace' to Life: A Collaborative LFA Effort
After graduating, Lachlan and his peers decided to collaborate on a short film titled 'Trace'.
This project was born from an idea they had during their time at LFA and involved several LFA alumni.
The production of 'Trace' was not without challenges. The team had to crowdfund a £30,000 budget and balance their day jobs with their passion project.
Despite these hurdles, they successfully brought the film to life and now to the festival circuit. The collaborative spirit fostered at LFA proved invaluable, demonstrating the power of teamwork in independent filmmaking.
Key Lessons in Filmmaking
Working on 'Trace' taught Lachlan several critical lessons. One of the most important was the value of staying calm under pressure.
By maintaining a clear mind, he learned to approach challenges with fresh perspectives.
Another essential lesson was the importance of clear communication. The team encountered issues when too much responsibility was placed on a single person, leading to workflow bottlenecks.
Lachlan emphasises the need for open communication to ensure smooth collaboration and avoid delays.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
For current LFA students and aspiring filmmakers, Lachlan offers practical advice:
Building a strong, trustworthy team is crucial in filmmaking, where collaboration can make or break a project.
He also suggests breaking down large projects into manageable tasks, making them less overwhelming. By focusing on smaller goals, filmmakers can steadily progress toward completing their projects.
Finally, Lachlan stresses the importance of perseverance.
Looking to The Future
Since graduating from LFA, Lachlan’s career has taken unexpected turns. His military background naturally led him to roles in production, where managing teams and problem-solving are essential.
After working in London, he returned to Singapore and found himself involved in documentaries and environmental projects, including filming wildlife in Borneo, before establishing Eagle River Productions, his very own production company.
Lachlan reflected on his journey and how his career has allowed him to apply his filmmaking skills in new, meaningful ways, even as he continues to pursue his passion for storytelling.
Lachlan’s journey from high school productions to London Film Academy and beyond illustrates the power of adaptability, collaboration, and perseverance.
His experiences at LFA equipped him with the skills needed for a successful film career, while also teaching him the resilience required to navigate the industry's challenges.
His story inspires aspiring filmmakers embarking on their journeys, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for Lachlan.