James Gillespie’s High School students got behind the scenes of Netflix blockbuster The Princess Switch: Switched Again

A high school in Edinburgh had the opportunity to get behind the scenes of a multi-million pound blockbuster and catch a glimpse of themselves on screen in a Netflix film released this year.

More than 200 students from James Gillespie's got to step behind the scenes on the movie set

Students from James Gillespie’s High School had the once in a lifetime opportunity to become part of the movie magic in Netflix’s The Princess Switch 2: Switched Again.

The film stars Vanessa Hudgens three times over as Margaret, Duchess of Montenaro, her lookalike cousin Lady Fiona and Chicagoan doppleganger Stacy.

The story follows on from the first film with Duchess Margaret suddenly inheriting the throne to her home country and as her Christmas coronation approaches, she and Stacy switch places once again so Margaret can fix her relationship with Stacy's friend Kevin.

Vanessa Hudgens stars in the film which featured locations in Edinburgh and the James Gillespie's choir and orchestra

Unbeknownst to both women, a third look-alike, Margaret's evil cousin Lady Fiona, disguises herself as Margaret in a scheme to steal the throne.

Filmed in Edinburgh in December 2019, the choir and band at James Gillespie’s High School were scouted to take part after a producer found videos of their annual Christmas concert online.

Donald Macdonald, headteacher said: “It was just over a year ago we got an email from the producer and he’d come across information about the school and was looking for a school choir. He said he had done a YouTube search and amongst the choirs our school performance in Usher Hall caught his attention.

“At first I thought it was a wind up, but upon looking him up I found out he was a high flying Netflix producer so we met to discuss.”

At the time he had received the email, the choir and band were already warmed up, having been rehearsing for their Christmas Show which sees around 700 performers take to the stage each year.

“The timing was great,” Mr Macdonald added, “It was a quick turn around but we had a few hundred performers involved and 40 staff who all came out on the first Saturday of the Christmas holidays to take part.

“There was a great deal of excitement, we had just ended a really busy term and having that to look forward to was an excellent treat. At the end of the set Vanessa Hudgens met with all the pupils and we had a photo taken.”

Filming took place at the Royal Mile’s Hub venue, which was intricately decorated as a Christmas scene.

Other areas of the Capital which can be spotted in the film are Hopetoun House and Mimi’s Bakehouse in Leith.

Tess Moran, instrumental music instructor said: “It was so exciting, reality didn’t hit until we were there as we had been rehearsing as normal for our concerts anyway, but the Hub was beautifully decorated.

“The best thing was that the producers spoke to the kids and explained that it was a movie set and people shout at each other - but it was completely normal and to let them know what was coming, and they were right there was loads of yelling.

“They really did make us feel fantastic, the kids loved it and were made to feel really welcome and glamorous, I’ve even had some of them come up to me after talking about wanting a career in film and music.”

Ruth Cox, head of curriculum for performing arts said: “It was brilliant to showcase the choirs and orchestra, and it’s been particularly positive because we haven’t been able to come together this year, so knowing that the film would be coming out has been a great focus.

“I’m hugely proud of all the students and the team involved, they worked so hard and it was a fantastic opportunity. It was the first time I had directed the Usher Hall that year as well and the whole experience was totally worth it.”

The staff also praised the filmmakers and producers for utilising locals from the Capital to help as extras, including one of the set designers who was a former Gillespie’s pupil.

Mr Macdonald added: “It’s interesting to see the evidence of how much Edinburgh has become an attraction to filmmakers, and it gives a great boost to the economy and profile of the city, and for young people to be a part of that is something special.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.