The Empire Film Podcast Discount Code: WOODALL (ft. guest, James McAvoy)
Apr 10, 2026
James McAvoy, actor and first-time director, chats about making his directorial debut California Scheming and why this story mattered to him. He recalls childhood mischief that shaped the film's energy. Conversation covers casting the leads, collaborating on visual ideas, and balancing acting with directing. Short, lively, and full of behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
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True Story Of Two Dundee Rappers
- McAvoy described California Scheming's true-crime origin about two Dundee boys posing as American rappers.
- He framed it as a real-life scam that worked until the facade collapsed, which inspired the film's arc.
Rely On Lived Experience Over Sterile Bibles
- Avoid over-preparing sterile 'bibles' when your leadership comes from lived experience.
- McAvoy resisted moodboards and insisted authentic memory-driven direction communicates vision more honestly to HODs.
Double Pivot Vault Childhood Chase
- James McAvoy shared a childhood chase memory that shaped his film's energy.
- He described vaulting fences in Drumchapel with a 'double pivot vault' as his signature escape move.