James McAvoy hailed as ‘humble’ and ‘genuine’ by subject of directorial debut

Hollywood star James McAvoy has been praised by musician Billy Boyd as a “humble, down to earth, genuine guy”.

The pair worked together on California Schemin’, which is McAvoy’s directorial debut and tells the tale of two Scottish rappers who pretend to be an American rap duo to secure a record deal before the hoax unravels.

It is based on the story of Boyd and Gavin Bain, from Dundee, who reinvented themselves as Californian rappers Silibil N Brains.

Speaking to the Press Association ahead of the gala screening of the musical biographical film, Boyd praised his time working with the award-winning actor.

He said: “For so long, I had been told they were going to make a film.

“I was at a point where, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it’, and when it wasn’t until I stood on set with James McAvoy, watching him and filming the scenes, I was like, ‘okay, this is maybe really going to happen’.

“Obviously it gives you massive confidence – he’s a Hollywood A-Lister, and he is the most humble, down to earth, genuine guy.

“It instilled so much confidence in me.”

He said that McAvoy, who grew up in the Drumchapel area of Glasgow, “wanted to tell the story from a Scottish point of view”, adding: “The reality of us not getting those opportunities – that’s what the whole film is about.

“I think he did a really good job of capturing that, and that made me happy.”

In a career spanning film, TV and stage productions, McAvoy’s best-known roles include Dr Nicolas Garrigan in the 2006 film The Last King Of Scotland and Professor Charles Xavier in the blockbuster X-Men franchise.

Other major roles in his career have included Robbie Turner in the 2007 adaptation of Atonement and Lord Asriel in the His Dark Materials TV series.

The 46-year-old actor wore a black blazer, matching trousers and patent shoes, accessorised with a black scarf, to the event at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, London.

He was also joined on the red carpet by Rebekah Murrell who portrays the hip-hop group’s agent Tessa, who wowed crowds wearing a monochrome striped gown.

The actress told PA she has been a “life-long fan” of McAvoy, and was drawn to the role as she was “really fascinated” about what his directorial debut would be.

She added: “I just haven’t read a script like that ever. I thought it was really fun.”

California Schemin’ will be released in UK and Irish cinemas by Studiocanal on April 10.