Credited: Lead VFX Artist
California Schemin’ is a musical-biographical drama directed by James McAvoy, based on the true story of Scottish rappers Silibil N’ Brains (Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd), who reinvented themselves in the late 1990s by posing as a Californian rap duo in order to break into the music industry.
In the film, new talents Séamus McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley portray Bain and Boyd as they transform from frustrated Scottish call-centre workers into seemingly “American” hip-hop stars, land a record deal and media attention — only to have their elaborate ruse begin to unravel under the pressure of fame and identity.
The story touches on themes of authenticity, cultural identity and the lengths to which young artists will go to be heard — all set against both the grit of working-class Scotland and the glamorous but exploitative facade of the music business.
IMDB: California Schemin
Premiere at TIFF
