The Stone Rose, the BAFTAS, Tim Roth and the Long Good Friday. We spoke to Yorkshire actor Sam Bottomley for the latest 5 Good Things. Sam told us about his new film with James McAvoy, the importance of playing difficult roles, and the affordable and accessible acting programme he started for aspiring young talent in the north. @west_yorkshire_workshop @studiocanaluk @californiascheminfilm 📸 @joshhillfilm

“I have a duty of care”: Samuel Bottomley on ‘California Schemin’ and creating opportunities for the next generation.⁠ ⁠ The feature-length directorial debut of James McAvoy, California Schemin’, tells a story so ridiculously far-fetched that it could only be true.⁠ ⁠ In the early 2000s, Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, frustrated that their aspirations to become rappers would be thwarted by the prejudice shown towards their Scottishness, decided to pass themselves off as a pair of Californians instead, discovering that their fake accents opened more doors than their real ones ever could.⁠ ⁠ It’s a tale that sounds tailor-made for a biopic, with McAvoy deciding the misadventures of Silibil N’ Brains would be the perfect backdrop for his first film from behind the camera, with Samuel Bottomley and Séamus McLean Ross cast as Boyd and Bain, respectively.⁠ ⁠ Read more at the link in our bio 🔗

“I’d be running around the west end of Glasgow, rapping in an American accent, at like half eight at night. I’d run past people walking home from work and I’d be rapping – really loudly as well. It’s hard to judge volume when you have headphones on. They probably didn’t know what to think.” – @sam_bottomley plays a rapper in James McAvoy’s directorial debut California Schemin’ – and he certainly did his homework. Read our interview with one of the most exciting young British actors in the game over on the site now. . Photography by @davidreissphotography Styling by @hollyevawhite Grooming by @bycharliecullen . #SamuelBottomley #CaliforniaSchemin #SamBottomley

Samuel Bottomley and Séamus McLean Ross are stepping up to the mic in California Schemin’. In a new @empiremagazine Spotlight interview and photoshoot, the duo talk rapping, vulnerability, and putting Scottish stories in the limelight. Shot exclusively for Empire on 23rd January, 2026 in London by Marco Vittur (@marcomakespictures ) …. Photographer: @marcomakespictures Creative Director: @neonmessiah Photography Director: @joannamoran News Editor: @bethkatewebb Samuel Bottomley: Grooming by (@bycharliecullen at @forwardartists using @111skin Styling:@hollyevawhite , Represented by @thewallgroup , Assisted by eointhomashiggins Clothing: INSIDE STUDIO: Jacket – Sandro (@sandroparis ) Jumper - Filippa K (@filippa_k )Jeans - Wax London (@waxlondonclothing ) Belt – Frame (@frame ) Shoes – Grenson (@grensonshoes )OUTSIDE: Jacket – Percival (@percival_menswear ) Shirt - Paul Smith (@paulsmithdesign ) Tie - Vintage Jeans – Diesel (@diesel ) Belt – Frame (@frame ) Shoes – Grenson (@grensonshoes ) Seamus Mclean Ross (@seamusr0ss ) Grooming by Joe Mills (@joemillshair )Founder of Joe Mills Agency, at Joe Mills Agency (@joemillsagency ) using Kevin Murphy (@kevinmurphyuk ) & Woolf Kings X (@woolf.kingsx ) on hair and Circa 1970 (@circa1970beauty ) & Dior Beauty (@diorbeauty ) on skin Styling: Keeley Dawson (@keeleyjdawson ) Clothing: INSIDE STUDIO: Knitwear - &Daughter (@anddaughter )SS26 Trousers - 33MM (@33mmofficial ) Shoes - Manolo Blahnik (@manoloblahnik ) SS26 OUTSIDE IMAGE Jacket and Trousers - @acoldwall Shoes - @johnlobb

The cast of California Schemin’ describing the film in 3️⃣ words @sam_bottomley @seamusr0ss @lucyhallidayy @glasgowfilmfest

The cast of California Schemin’ were at the Glasgow Film Festival tonight for the films premiere - including director @jamesmcavoyrealdeal @seamusr0ss @sam_bottomley @lucyhallidayy

Get rich or try lying. CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN’ – official trailer out tomorrow. #CaliforniaSchemin

Cheers to a great year! Xx

The two Scottish rappers that conned the world.   James McAvoy’s directorial debut CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN’, starring Samuel Bottomley, Séamus McLean Ross, Lucy Halliday, Rebekah Murrell and James McAvoy, is in UK & Irish cinemas from April 10.

Get rich or try lying. CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN’ – teaser trailer out tomorrow. #CaliforniaSchemin

Special thank you to @romacinemafest for awarding @seamusr0ss and myself the, Best first feature - Poste Italiane | Special Mention I love doing what I do and it’s an honour to be recognised, I’m very grateful. Also it’s the first time this award has ever been given out which is so cool!

Cheers #LFF thanks for having us for the UK premiere of @anemonemovie what an unforgettable night. 🖤🤍 @_manabouttownuk