And Then There Were Three. 2025: A Year in Review

Well, it’s certainly been an interesting year. In January, I found out my wife, Alice, was expecting, and we were, after a rather difficult journey, going to have a baby. A little Mini Mulvihill.

The first trimester was filled with anxiety, but we pushed through it together. Sharing the news was a highlight; the love and support we received was truly delightful. Work-wise, I had some challenging projects, but overall, I wished I could have been busier. It was helpful being around for Alice, and the work I did put in was super positive.

The second trimester was special as we saw the physical change Alice went through. Work picked up significantly, too, bringing some of my all-time favourite projects. I worked with top celebrities, travelled the country, and even shot on a ferry to France. From award-nominated projects to shooting art I couldn’t be prouder of, my shoots ran well as I continued to elevate my style as a 1st AD.

Then came the third trimester - a blessing, but a whirlwind. We were in the final preparation stages and I had absolutely zero free time. I was constantly booked on jobs, but when I wasn’t on set, I was prepping the nursery, attending classes, and making sure our apartment was ready to welcome a baby.

On Saturday, 27th September at around 10 AM, as Alice was in the cat-cow position at her baby yoga class, her water broke. We laboured at home until around 9 PM, when we found ourselves in the hospital with Alice already 8cm dilated. The labour was the most beautiful experience and at 11:26 PM, just 34 minutes before her due date, Matilda Samantha Jane Mulvihill arrived. She’d make a great AD.

That first connection was magical. We settled in at home okay, but were not prepared for the onslaught of work coming our way. After a week of recovery, the calls started coming in - well-paying jobs that were difficult to turn down. The first was an easy one, great to ease in with, but it led straight into intense prep for the following 2 weeks.

Three days on a Salomon commercial in Park Royal one week, then two on a Chelsea Christmas ad the next. I live in Kent. Alice only had 90 minutes of sleep a day for 10 of the first 14 days so we developed a routine that gave her 3 hours. This involved me taking the first shift until 11:45. I’d sleep until 4 AM, then it was my turn with the baby. I’d get ready during my shift, leave at 5:30, run the set until 7 PM, and commute home. Dinner and girl time, then repeat.

That two-week graft was easily the hardest I have worked in my entire career. Fortunately, work after that provided a perfect work-life balance. It was like we survived an intense storm and had a moment of peace. A big McDonald’s commercial funded the reprieve, and since ‘hell week,’ the jobs in my diary have been very healthy. 

The first three months alongside my beautiful daughter have been my most wholesome era. All I do at the moment is see friends and family, read Harry Potter to her, and sing. When she looks up at me with her beautiful blue eyes, I feel there is nothing in the world I wouldn’t do for her. Alice is a wonderful mum, and we couldn’t be happier.

I’m incredibly optimistic for 2026. I feel I’m on the precipice of the biggest stage of my career and ready to take on any challenges that come my way. I’ll continue to put the work in, be my best self, and excel at every opportunity.

I’d like to thank the team around me for helping make 2025 so great. I can’t wait to see what the new year brings. 2026 is ours!