James McAvoy

On this week’s episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden sits down with James McAvoy.

Born in Glasgow and raised by his grandparents in the Drumchapel housing estate, McAvoy landed his first screen role at 16 after actor David Hayman visited his school. He went on to become one of Scotland’s most recognizable exports, earning BAFTA nominations for The Last King of Scotland and Atonement, playing Professor Charles Xavier across the X-Men films, and delivering a famously multi-layered performance in M. Night Shyamalan’s Split. Now, more than three decades into his career, he’s stepped behind the camera for the first time with California Schemin’ – a comedy-drama based on the true story of Silibil N’ Brains, the Dundee rap duo who landed a record deal by pretending to be from California. It premiered at TIFF, opened in the UK in April, and arrived in US theaters earlier this month.

Joining Joel in the Artist Friendly studio, James opens up about the difference between loving something and enjoying it, the sacrifices the entertainment industry demands, why stories from working-class communities deserve room for joy and romance, and the reason he’s more interested in chasing the craft than the awards.

(0:00)  The Paradox of Being Yourself on Stage
(11:26)  A Very Working Class Approach
(15:35)  Representation Beyond Sadness and Despair
(22:12)  Sacrifice Is Built Into the Industry
(33:43)  Directorial Debut: California Schemin'
(57:37)  How David Hayman Launched His Career
(1:10:08)  Career Longevity

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