Schemers : An Entertaining Account of Music Promoter David McLean’s Rise

Schemers is based on the true story surrounding music promoter David McLean’s stream of ambitious gigs in the 1980s, which included Simple Minds, XTC, Ultravox, The Skids & Iron Maiden!

Shot in and around Dundee, the film features Conor Berry’s award-winning on-screen debut as well as Tara Lee (The Fall), Sean Connor (Anna and the Apocalypse) & Grant R. Keelan (The Devil’s Machine).

Davie (Conor Berry) is a dreamer from the council schemes of Dundee, who is constantly hustling for his next buck, then losing it on the horses. After a football injury, Davie falls for trainee nurse Shona (Tara Lee) and tries to impress her by running a disco. Along with friends John and Scot, the trio starts promoting bands – culminating in a hugely ambitious Iron Maiden gig at the Caird Hall, Dundee. With ambition so grand they go deep in debt with Fergie, a gangster of legendary violence, Davie needs to use every trick to pull off the biggest scheme of his life.

It’s a wonderfully real and grounded film that enables us to familiarize ourselves with the protagonist and real-life supporting characters. Its success at the Edinburgh Film Festival and New York Winter Film Awards comes as no surprise.

It also provides a nostalgic touch, revisiting soundtracks of the eighties and newsreels capturing Maggie Thatcher’s Britain. With a touch of comedy and grit, this is a solid entry in the series of no-frills, low-budget British films such as Trainspotting, The Full Monty, or Secrets & Lies. As with the aforementioned, the cast, led by Berry delivers memorable performances. We see each character’s faults, their redeeming factors, and their personalities come, go, and remain as a result of the experiences they endure to get by.

Commenting on the release, Matthew Kreuzer, Commercial Director at Lightbulb Film Distribution, said “We are delighted to be releasing this independent film. Schemers is based on McLean’s incredible true story and thoroughly entertaining. Following its successful international theatrical release, we’re excited that audiences will soon be able to watch this fantastic film at home.”

Movie Rating: 3 stars.

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About Author

David Emmanuel Noel

David Emmanuel Noel is an avid blogger, film fanatic, art enthusiast, music lover, and theatergoer. He is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and PR consultant who has been involved in several music events and visual art exhibitions at venues such as the Kennedy Center Washington DC, Bernie Grant Arts Centre London, the Landmark Arts Building New York, and Whole 9 Gallery in Culver City, California. He has worked closely with institutes, professional bodies, and agencies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, New York Mayor’s Office, CAMBA- the New York-based agency, the NSPCC, and several London Boroughs on projects supporting the environmental and therapeutic benefits of the arts. He is based in London and New York.

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