Pictures & Post
Two Scottish lads from Dundee con the music industry by pretending to be an established Californian rap duo, bagging a record deal and appearing on MTV until their scam unravels.
California Schemin’ is directed by BAFTA Award winner and Golden Globe nominee James McAvoy, who took a supporting role alongside Screen Daily Rising Star Scotland 2024 & Guildhall graduate Séamus McLean Ross, BAFTA Award and BIFA Award nominee Samuel Bottomley, and BAFTA winner Lucy Halliday.
UK: April 2026
US: October 2026
Music
The film earned a 5-star review in the Daily Mail and 4-star reviews from The Times, The Independent, The Sun, The Scotsman, Rolling Stone UK, Irish Independent, Movies.ie and the Yorkshire Post. The Press & Journal awarded 3.5 stars, while Metro, Daily Express, Daily Star, Daily Mirror and the Financial Times all ran 3-star reviews. A 3-star PA review was syndicated across 17 regional newspapers including the Manchester Evening News and Glasgow Daily Record.
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
California Schemin’ transcends its predictability with its tonal evolution from playful comedy to poignant drama and central performances that make its underdog journey hard to resist.
The film had a successful international festival run including Rome, Tallinn, São Paolo and Zurich Film Festival.
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Gareth is a highly skilled and accomplished colourist
whose expertise and artistic vision have made him a
sought-after talent among some of the most
respected directors and cinematographers in the film
industry. With an instinct for collaboration and an
unwavering commitment to excellence, Gareth
consistently delivers stunning, nuanced visuals that
bring a refined, cinematic quality to every project.
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Lewis Carmichael is a meticulous and dedicated Finishing Editor, committed to delivering the highest quality results in every project. His unwavering attention to detail and pragmatic approach ensure that no element is overlooked. With a strong client-focused mindset, Lewis approaches each project with a collaborative spirit, working closely with directors, producers, and post-production teams to achieve the best possible outcome. His quiet, unassuming nature is complemented by a warm and approachable demeanor, making him a trusted and reassuring presence in the edit suite. Renowned for his tireless work ethic, Lewis goes above and beyond to refine every frame, ensuring that the final product not only meets but exceeds expectations. His blend of technical expertise, thoughtful problem-solving, and commitment to excellence makes him an invaluable asset to any production.
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John Cobban is a highly accomplished Re-Recording Mixer
with decades of experience shaping the sound of film and
television. A passionate collaborator, John’s expertise, energy,
and finely tuned ear make him an invaluable asset in the final
mix. With a background in theatre, he brings a dynamic,
larger-than-life presence to every project, infusing his work
with a deep understanding of storytelling, performance, and
atmosphere – adding that extra layer of depth and emotion
that truly enhances a production.
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Sam Goodwin is a Lead Digital Artist whose technical mastery and creative sensitivity allow him to achieve visual effects that feel effortless and invisible. His work transforms and refines images with a subtle artistry that enhances storytelling while remaining true to the director’s vision. Known for his collaborative approach and intuitive understanding of tone and intent, Sam consistently delivers visuals that elevate a project with elegance and precision.
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A skilled and passionate re-recording mixer, Zander brings a refined artistic sensibility to every project. His passion for the arts is evident in his meticulous approach to sound, where nuance, depth, and aesthetic precision come together to create immersive, beautifully crafted mixes.
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After a successful music career, including time with Sons and
Daughters and nearly a decade touring as a guitarist with The Kills,
Scott Paterson transitioned into audio post-production. Bringing a
strong musical sensibility, maturity, and focus to his work, he has
progressed rapidly to the role of Dubbing Mixer.
Scott applies a keen understanding of rhythm, balance, and
emotional intent to every mix. Diligent, dependable, and
collaborative, he is widely regarded as a pleasure to work with and
a trusted member of the post-production team.
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Alice brings a rare combination of technical expertise and creative instinct to every project. Having worked across MCR, DI, and mastering earlier in her career, she has an unusually detailed understanding of the post-production pipeline — knowledge she puts to work delivering high-quality VFX, motion graphics, and bespoke design for clients across film and television.
Her work spans paint-outs, screen replacements, beauty shots, titles, maps, lower thirds, and animated elements, alongside bespoke film poster design (her poster design for This Werewolf Complex was selected for exhibition at Aesthetica Film Festival). She has a particular interest in blending digital and analogue techniques to create something distinctive and memorable.
Alice has worked with some exciting names in the industry, with credits including Richard Gadd’s Half Man, James McAvoy’s California Schemin’, John McPhail’s Grow, BBC’s Vigil, and Amazon’s Batman: Caped Crusader.