EXCLUSIVE: James McAvoy’s upcoming directorial debut Californian intrigue has already been sold to a number of international buyers, including Studiocanal for the UK and Ireland.

Filming is scheduled for the end of October in Scotland.

Bankside also has deals with Estonian Theatrical Distribution (Baltics), Beta (Bulgaria), HBO (Eastern Europe), MCF (former Yugoslavia), Cinetel (Hungary), EFAR Films Distribution (India), Front Row (Middle East), NOS Lusomundo (Portugal) and Green Light (Ukraine).

The film is currently in pre-production and tells the true story of two Scottish boys from Dundee who scammed the international music industry by adopting an American accent and pretending to be the established Californian rap duo Silibil N’ Brains.

Pic is based on Gavin Bain’s autobiography of the same name, which was later published as Direct from ScotlandThe story was later adapted as a 2013 SXSW documentary. The great hip-hop scam.

BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee McAvoy will direct and play a supporting role. The film stars Séamus McLean Ross (Outlander: Blood of my blood) and BAFTA nominee Samuel Bottomley (How to have sex).

Archie Thomson (Deep State 2) and Glasgow-born Elaine Gracie (Romantic short break) has adapted the screenplay and Kahleen Crawford will serve as casting director.

The picture was produced by Scottish producer Guy J. Louthan of Ransom Films (The call) and Danny Page of Homefront Productions. Stephen Kelliher and Sophie Green will serve as executive producers for Bankside Films.

Bankside Films is handling international sales, while UTA Independent Film Group is representing North America. Distribution will continue in the Toronto and AFM markets.