A behind-the-scenes masterclass with Danny Page and Elaine Gracie on turning the outrageous true story behind California Schemin’ into a bold, emotionally grounded feature film — and what it really takes to shape messy reality into cinematic drama.
Date: Sunday, April 12th
Time: 15:30 to 16:20
Room: Herringham Hall
Filmed: YES
James McAvoy’s explosive debut as a feature director brings to life one of the most outrageous and irresistible true stories in recent British film: two Dundee rappers who reinvented themselves as a laid-back Californian hip-hop duo… and fooled the music industry into handing them record deals, TV appearances, and glowing praise.
For a while, they had it all.
Then the lie unravelled.
California Schemin’ is bold, funny, propulsive and painfully human. A true story and therefore adaptation about ambition, identity, friendship and the intoxicating power of reinvention.
Join Danny Page (Producer) and Elaine Gracie (Co-Writer) for a behind-the-scenes deep dive into how this unbelievable true story became a high-energy cinematic ride, and what it really takes to transform headline-grabbing material into emotionally grounded drama.
In this session we will cover:
- How to recognise when a stranger-than-fiction idea has real cinematic firepower
- How to shape chaotic real events into a tight, compelling screenplay without sanding off the emotional truth
- How to balance swagger and spectacle with character and consequence
- What it takes to package, finance and shoot a bold debut feature
- How to dramatise real lives responsibly, protecting authenticity while building momentum
- How to write scenes that crackle with truth but still drive the story relentlessly forward
This is more than a case study in adaptation, it’s a masterclass in turning raw, messy reality into cinematic storytelling.
If you’re drawn to true stories, character-driven drama, or films that walk the tightrope between ambition and downfall, this session will leave you inspired and armed with practical tools to bring your own real-world stories to life on screen.
Speakers In This Session
Elaine Gracie // Screenwriter
Elaine Gracie is a Glasgow-born comedy screenwriter with a bold, distinctive voice, developing feature and television projects across the UK and US while building on her award-winning short film success.
Danny Page // Producer
Danny Page is a UK-based producer and founder of Homefront Productions, known for championing bold, authentic storytelling across independent and studio films, including California Schemin’ and the upcoming thriller Faith.
Jonathan Newman // Director
In the space of just two years, Jonathan Newman has achieved the impressive feat of adapting two of his award-winning short films into features, which he not only wrote, but directed too.
