UA-167299338-1 1117517095042706 California Scheming Cast Interview | Seamus McLean Ross & Samuel Bottomley on James McAvoy's Debut Film - The Business of Show Business

Episode 7

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Published on:

6th Apr 2026

"It felt like a fever dream" — California Scheming stars on James McAvoy's debut film

Jamie Body got a sneaky peek press screening of California Scheming, the directorial debut of James McAvoy, and sat down with stars Seamus McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley for a candid chat about playing morally questionable characters, the wild true story behind the film, working with McAvoy on set, regionality in the UK acting industry, and the survival jobs that kept them going before the work came in.

California Scheming is in cinemas from April 10th.

🎙️ The Business of Show Business is the podcast exploring the industry behind the industry — for performers, creatives and entertainment professionals.

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⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 What drew them to the script? 02:00 Improv skills as an actor 03:30 Playing morally dubious characters 06:00 Art imitating life — actors vs musicians chasing the dream 08:00 Survival jobs before the big break 09:30 The audition process 11:00 Working with James McAvoy 13:30 Regionality — do you need to move to London?

#CaliforniaScheming #JamesMcAvoy #BusinessOfShowBusiness

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About the Podcast

The Business of Show Business
Unpacking the skills, stories, and side hustles behind the entertainment and creative industries.
A podcast to help unpack the skills, stories, and side hustles behind the entertainment and creative industries.

So if you're ready to thrive, not just survive, in the showbiz and arts & culture sectors, you're in the right place.

A series of solo shows and interviews to help creatives with the business of show business.

Learn how to market yourself as a creative and how to boss your social media and online presence.

Great for actors, dancers, singers, producers, writers and those in the creative industries.

About your host

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Jamie Body

Jamie Body comes from a performance background having worked in TV, Film, and Theatre for 13 years. Since then Jamie has gone on to be a published entertainment journalist, worked in entertainment marketing for some of the leading shows in the West End and has covered some of the biggest events in the entertainment calendar.

Jamie gives you a 360 look at the entertainment industry with insider knowledge and expertise.