Scottish actor James McAvoy is to film his directorial debut in Glasgow next month.

California Schemin' will chart the true story of how two rappers from Dundee pretended to be American and duped the record industry.

The rap duo, Silibil N' Brains (real names Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd), embarked on a remarkable journey that saw them rap alongside Eminem, party backstage with Madonna and be tipped as among the next generation of rising stars.

California Schemin' is based on Bain’s autobiography of the same name, which was later reprinted as Straight Outta Scotland and adapted into 2013 SXSW documentary The Great Hip Hop Hoax.


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Glasgow-born star McAvoy will take on a supporting role in the movie, which will be led by BAFTA-nominated actor Samuel Bottomley and Séamus McLean Ross, whose credits include TV thriller Payback, Rebus and Outlander: Blood Of My Blood.

Speaking to Deadline about the movie back in May, McAvoy said: "I’m proud to announce that for my directorial debut I will be telling the true Scottish story of Silibil ‘n’ Brains. California Schemin’ is as rooted in the California rap scene of the early 2000’s as it is in the working-class Scottish setting where our story begins. With California Schemin' I’ll be telling a story about friendship, rap and glorious failure that has the potential to move, shock and entertain. 

"Adapted by Archie Thompson, we have a script that brilliantly captures the desperation, bravery, talent and sheer con artist genius of our Scottish rapping duo Silibil’n’Brains while with Samuel Bottomley and Seamus McClean Ross we have two special young actors who I feel privileged to be telling this story with on my debut feature.”

Filming is due to take place in Glasgow between November 6 and 20 at locations including Maryhill, Park Circus, Glasgow Green and The Barras Market.

Scenes are also set to be shot within the iconic Barrowland Ballroom during a special 'ultimate noughties throwback' event hosted by Emmy Award-winning Film and TV composing partnership Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly.

November will also see production crews descend on Glasgow to film scenes for the much-anticipated reboot of the action-packed sci-fi film 'The Running Man'.

Filming will take place on a number of streets in the city centre. 

'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'Twisters' star Glen Powell will lead the cast of the reboot, taking on the role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 movie, with 'Mission: Impossible 8' actress Katy O'Brian signing on to star opposite Powell.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Oscar-nominated actor Josh Brolin is in final negotiations to land the villain role in the flick.