Schemers to be shown on big screen in exclusive preview

Real-life story of city music promoter shown at special DCA event

The first feature film set in Dundee will be shown on the big screen for the first time later this month in a special preview event in the city.

Schemers will have a gala screening at the DCA on Perth Road on September 21, ahead of its release in 180 cinemas across the UK.

It tells the real-life story of the rise of music promoter Dave McLean and his friends who defy all odds in bringing heavy metal icons Iron Maiden to the city’s Caird Hall in 1980.

The gig, remembered fondly by many in the city, was a launch pad for McLean’s career, leading him to work with the likes of Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Roxy Music, Pearl Jamand Oasis.

The comedy-drama charts the group’s shambolic early attempts to make it big, falling into debt to the local mob and getting into various scrapes.

Audience members will be treated to a special introduction ahead of the screening and a Q&A session with the film-makers.

Dave, who directed the film, said: “It’s very special to be screening in my hometown, I love the humour and fighting spirit and characterofeveryone.

“No matter what gets thrown at Dundee folk, they have a laugh, and they can find a funny side to most things.”

Filmed with a local crew in iconic city locations – and featuring cameos from some of the city’s best-known musicians and creatives – Schemers stars Conor Berry as McLean as well as Sean Connor and Grant Robert Keelan.

Alice Black, DCA’s head of cinema, said: “Energetic and fun, Schemers is a film we are incredibly proud to have on our screens.”

It premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June, winning an award voted for by cinemagoers attending public screenings.

The film will be screened on September 21.