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EXCLUSIVE: James McAvoy filming new movie in Dundee as crew pictured outside multis and shopping centre

Photos as scenes are shot for California Schemin' in the Hilltown.

James McAvoy climbs railings to get a vantage point during filming of California Schemin' in the Hilltown. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
James McAvoy climbs railings to get a vantage point during filming of California Schemin' in the Hilltown. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Hollywood star James McAvoy is in Dundee for the filming of his new movie.

Scenes are being shot in the Hilltown for California Schemin’ – which tells the true story of two Dundee students who pretended to be American rappers to get a record deal.

Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, who called themselves Silibil N’ Brains, went on to support Eminem and his group D12 before their hoax was uncovered.

McAvoy, known for his roles in the likes of Atonement, Filth and the X-Men films, is making his directorial debut with the movie.

McAvoy with two of the actors. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The X-Men star oversaw scenes on Dudhope Street. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The actor kept a low profile before filming got under way. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
McAvoy trying to get a good view of the scenes. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The two lead actors, Seamus McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley, who are playing the Dundee rap duo. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The pair are playing Billy Boyd and Gavin Bain. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Filming is taking place in the shadow of the Hilltown multis. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Film crews. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
An animated McAvoy directing a scene. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Donning a flatcap, the star kept a low profile as crews set up on Dudhope Street and Hilltown on Monday morning.

He then directed scenes with actors Seamus McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley, who are playing Bain and Boyd respectively.

At one point, McAvoy climbed railings to get a better vantage point for the filming.

The lead actors were also seen walking around various paths in the area, clutching skateboards.

Filming then moved inside the Hilltown Court multi – with the actors seen hanging out a window – with scenes being shot at the multi from a distance using a spot just outside the Wellgate.

The Hilltown provided a backdrop for filming. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Dundee has become a film set. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Film crews rolled into town on Monday. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Scenes being shot. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
McAvoy chatting with the actors. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Actors were seen hanging out the window of the Hilltown Court multi. Image: Ben MacDonald/DC Thomson
McAvoy outside the Wellgate. Image: Ben MacDonald/DC Thomson
The Hollywood star before filming began. Image: Ben MacDonald/DC Thomson

Parking restrictions have been put in place on sections of Hilltown and Hilltown Court.

Residents have been told that scenes will be shot over the next few days.

Last week, the production crews wrote to locals apologising for any disruption their activity might cause.

A release date for California Schemin’ has yet to be confirmed.

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