James McAvoy, renowned for his roles in X-Men and The Last King Of Scotland, is set to make his directorial debut with a captivating new movie. The film tells the true story of two Scottish lads from Dundee, Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, who conned the international music industry by adopting American accents and posing as the established Californian rap duo, Silibil N’ Brains.
In the late 90s, Bain and Boyd faced consistent ridicule for their Scottish accents, which hindered their musical ambitions. Determined to break through, they decided to take a bold step and reinvented themselves as Californian rappers. They re-recorded their tracks with fake accents and made their way to London, where they claimed to be childhood friends with Eminem and an established duo on the Cali scene.
Their audacious plan worked, and the duo quickly secured a record deal, substantial advances, and even an appearance on MTV. Their story seemed like a fairytale, merging Scottish authenticity with an irresistible American charm. However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
Behind the Camera: McAvoy’s Passion for Scottish Talent
BAFTA winner James McAvoy was captivated by the unbelievable story of Bain and Boyd. He expressed his excitement about bringing this truly incredible Scottish/Californian tale to the big screen. McAvoy is deeply passionate about showcasing Scottish talent both behind and in front of the camera, and his directorial debut is a testament to this commitment. He plans to celebrate the Scottish spirit while also appealing to audiences worldwide with the audacious fakery of the “Silibil N’ Brains” duo.
The movie, still untitled, will be produced by Homefront Productions, led by veteran Scottish producer Guy J Louthan (known for his work on The Wilds). Filming is scheduled to begin next year, with the majority of the production taking place in Scotland. Kahleen Crawford will lead the casting process, which is set to commence later this year. The film draws inspiration from Bain’s 2010 memoir, “California Schemin’,” which was later reprinted as “Straight Outta Scotland.” Their remarkable story was previously adapted into the 2013 SXSW documentary, “The Great Hip Hop Hoax.”
McAvoy’s Current and Upcoming Projects
In the midst of his directorial aspirations, James McAvoy is currently involved in the production of Blumhouse’s horror movie, “Speak No Evil.” Additionally, fans can look forward to his appearance in Legendary’s upcoming film, “The Book Of Clarence.” McAvoy is represented by United Agents, UTA, The Lede Company, and Sloane Offer.
This upcoming movie directed by James McAvoy promises to captivate audiences worldwide. Beyond its roots in Scotland, it delivers a universal story of ambition, deception, and the boundaries individuals will push to live their dreams. With its unique blend of Scottish and Californian allure, this film is set to make a lasting impression on cinema-goers. As the production gears up for shooting next year, anticipation grows for the release of a truly remarkable and audacious tale.