James McAvoy talks working class stereotypes on screen, winning a BIFA for Filth, and Mr Tumnus

James McAvoy is this week’s guest on The BIFA Podcast supported by Kia! We sat down with the man himself to chat about his directorial debut California Schemin', representing working class stories on screen and what he's learnt from working with some of the best crews and directors in the game. Also featured: An insane camera trick involving tights on Atonement, the psychology behind his terrifying performance in Split, and asking the very important question: will anyone ever match Mr Tumnus' freak? Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel. FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIAL Instagram - @BIFA_film TikTok - @BIFA_film X - @BIFA_film ABOUT THE BIFA PODCAST Each week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special. ABOUT BIFA The British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film — CREDITS Hosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter Produced by the BIFA Team Audio Engineer: Itzel Gonzalez Estrada Recorded at Bleat Post Production Music: “Make It Happen” Performed by Laura Welsh Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd Chapters 00:00 Intro and welcome 01:32 California Schemin' 05:49 Avoiding 'poverty p*rn' on screen 12:33 Scottish accents and industry bias 18:00 The best advice for directors: learning from Joe Wright 25:47 Why the first AD is everything in a crew 33:56 Filth and winning a BIFA 39:12 Kneecap and California Schemin' are not the same! 41:06 How James McAvoy became an actor 43:29 Teaching Andy Serkis how to do a Scottish accent 45:57 Split and the anatomy of being terrifying 53:01 Why Horror is having a moment 54:40 Mr Tumnus & Greta Gerwig's Narnia 56:14 Quickfire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.