Known for his dynamic acting career, NIDA alum Spencer McLaren (Acting, 1999), is stepping into the spotlight as the producer of the highly anticipated film Everything I Never Did. In this interview, McLaren shares insights into the upcoming project, his collaborative efforts with fellow NIDA graduate Jeremy Sims (Acting, 1990), and reflections on his journey from NIDA student to Australian arts industry trailblazer.
Congratulations on producing the upcoming film, Everything I Never Did, tell us about this upcoming project. When/where will audiences be able to see the film?
Everything I Never Did is a bittersweet love story that throws away clichés and sparks with originality, spontaneity, and surprise. It tells the story of troubled teen Liam Black and Jenna Reid, a seriously ill girl, who together embark on a transformative journey of living and loving in the face of adversity. We are looking to shoot in Melbourne in and around St Kilda in late 2024 and are still in the process of setting our release strategy for the feature.
What are the key tasks in your role as a producer?
I have been working on this project for a number of years now and that has included working with the writing team to hone the script and shape it for the market as well as securing key talent including our amazing director Jeremy Sims (Last Cab to Darwin) and the recently announced Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire).
The film will be directed by NIDA Alum Jeremy Sims (Acting, 1990), have you worked with Jeremy before? Are there any other alumni involved in this project?
Jeremy and I have not worked together before but have known one another through mutual connections. I am a big fan of his ability to connect to the heart of a story and can’t wait to see what he does with this one.
At this stage just Jeremy and I but we will soon be looking to crew the film and I am sure we will find one or two more to come along for the ride.
You have had an extensive career in film and television – what are some of your career highlights to date?
My career has been a mixed bag of different roles both as a performer and also in production. I am most proud of the groundbreaking work we did on The Secret Life of Us representing queer stories but also as a producer, I am very pleased with the results of my recent thriller starring Guy Pearce, The Infernal Machine which we managed to sell to Paramount worldwide.
Thinking back to your NIDA training, what were some of the skills attained in the Actors course that you still use today?
I think having the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and see things from their perspective is invaluable. I also use all of my skills when producing whether that’s when I am reading projects or if I am on set shaping material with a director and an actor.
Are you still in touch with any of your NIDA Acting cohort?
YES! It is such an impactful time in your life and the people you share that with are bonded to you in a unique way. It’s great to catch up and not only share what is happening day to day but also bounce ideas off one another.
What advice would you give to aspiring young actors and those considering the BFA Acting course at NIDA?
Do it. It is one of the best decisions I ever made. It fed me creatively and opened my mind and many doors!
