United Kingdom, April 9 -- James McAvoy was "put off" directing by the lower pay because he can earn "10 times as much" when he's in front of the camera.

The X-Men star made his directorial debut by taking charge of new movie California Schemin' - which tells the true story of two Scottish rappers who ditch their accents and pretend to be American in a bid for success - and James has admitted he's wanted to direct for years but the father-of-two was held back by worries about money.

James told The Times newspaper: "I can earn 10 times as much as an actor as I can as a director! That put me off it for a while, and then kids and all that.

"But ultimately it was getting on for 28 years in the business and I was feeling the itch to do some...