James McAvoy inspired California Schemin' stars to 'raise their game'

James McAvoy inspired his California Schemin' stars Samuel Bottomley and Séamus McLean Ross to raise their game just with his presence on set.

In the Split actor's feature directorial debut, Bottomley and Ross play the Scottish rap duo Silibil N' Brains, who conned the music industry by pretending to be American in order to secure a record deal.

When asked what it was like being directed by McAvoy, Ross told Cover Media, "He's a tour de force like, isn't he? He's got such an incredible creative focus that is so inspiring to be around, genuinely. It raises your game by proxy of being surrounded with him, you know? The way he talks about film and understands it and character and story, he knows it so well, so we're surrounded by a great and naturally, we kind of have to elevate our games."

Bottomley added that McAvoy's belief and encouragement gave them the "energy and confidence" to lead his movie and play "these big, out-of-this-world characters".

In addition to directing, the X-Men: First Class star has a small supporting role as Silibil N' Brains' cutthroat record label boss.

Reflecting on starring alongside the famous actor, Ross said, "It was class, working opposite him, but he would have to run to the monitor and check his footage back. (He'd) be like, 'Two secs!', run to the monitor and watch himself back."

Bottomley added, "(He'd be like,) 'Yeah, I think that's all right, let's move on.'"

The How to Have Sex star also admitted that it was "absolutely terrifying sometimes" filming a scene with McAvoy because he "plays a bit of a meanie".

The duo then praised the 46-year-old for being able to switch between his roles as actor and director so quickly.

"He was saying how walking back and forth to the monitor, he'd been getting asked questions about like tomorrow's location getting cancelled (for example), do you know what I mean? So I imagine it's stressful," Bottomley explained.

California Schemin', based on the true story of Billy 'Silibil' Boyd and Gavin 'Brains' Bain, will be released in U.K. cinemas on Friday 10 April.