Thursday, December 5, 2013

AC/DC and Bon Scott Estate Try To Block Movie


“AC/DC and Bon Scott Estate Move to Block Docudrama About Late Singer”


AC/DC’s 40th anniversary seems to have a chink in its armour as controversy seems to be looming around a planned docudrama film about their fallen lead vocalist, Bon Scott. Ronald Belford Scott died tragically, but not surprisingly, back in February 1980 from what the U.K. coroner ruled as “Death By Misadventure” after a drinking binge in London. For some six years, Scott gained a reputation as a rock and roll frontman that would later earn him honours as the greatest frontman of all time according to some prominent rock periodicals.


High Voltage Productions, LLC. a film production company based out of Charleston, South Carolina in the United States, has been working on a docudrama film about Scott since late 2012 and have received worldwide attention concerning the project. The film’s star, actor/musician, Rob Liotti, skyrocketed into the limelight after being named as the actor to portray the late frontman and has become quite well-known in the entertainment community. Naturally, this is to be expected given the gravity and anticipation of a movie finally taking shape about the Aussie music icon’s career. AC/DC has a massive fan base that stretches across every continent.


Why then the controversy?


It has been learned that New York City attorneys for AC/DC, its production company, Albert Productions Pty., and its branding company, along with solicitors out of Sydney, Australia representing the Estate of Bon Scott, have both threatened legal action against the producers should the project move forward. Both have sent letters to the company that ask for production to cease and desist and both firms have made rather overreaching demands against the company that would seem to completely discount and ignore something called the First Amendment, in the opinion of the company.


“How many unauthorised biographies and documentaries have been made about everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Jimi Hendrix? Filmmakers have a right to tell a story without tortious interference. Naturally, there are boundaries… But a lot of these networks and filmmakers REALLY push those boundaries and still produce their product. The screenwriter had enough respect as a fan of the band to tell the story properly and truthfully based upon facts already well-known and public - a lot of which the band readily discloses themselves!”




News of the project spread like wildfire as the media and fans of Scott and AC/DC worldwide learned that a project was in the works. It was reported a few months ago that media moguls, NBC Universal in London, U.K. had the project in their hands and were giving serious consideration to an acquisition deal for international television distribution. NBC Universal had actually reached out to the American production company after seeing the media blitz. The fact that one of the largest entertainment companies in the world reached outside for a project rather than plucking it out of a stack full of wannabe TV and movie submissions is nearly unheard of in today’s media market. Thus, one sees the gravity of the project and the demand for its completion. It seems, however, that when NBC Universal made enquiries about licensure of AC/DC’s music for the film, the band’s legal team immediately took the prospect of the film actually coming to fruition very seriously and initiated what appears to be a campaign against the filmmakers.


The attorney, Stuart Prager of Grubman Indursky & Shire, P.C. in NYC, speaking on their behalf scoffed, “This movie WILL NOT get made…!” in a phone call to counsel for HVP. The law firm represents such artists as U2, Lady Gaga, and the Whitney Houston Estate. It has been reported that Mr. Prager has had former dealings with Universal and familiarity with the company.


Yet, there seems to be no basis whatsoever for the current posture of the band or the estate of the late singer according to experts at Stanford University Law School who review cases like this as part of a First Amendment and Fair Use endowment at the prestigious university. Their experts consulting with HVP’s legal team saw “no infringement whatsoever…” but did recommend amending the film’s title to reflect that the docudrama was ‘unauthorised’. Such amendment has been made without hesitation.


Judges have been very consistent about ruling in favor of documentary filmmakers when SLAAP suits or threats thereof pervade. SLAAP suits are “a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) that is intended to censor, intimidate, or silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.” In other words, overwhelm the little guy with so much legal wrangling and attorney’s fees that they fold, wither, and blow away - especially in a David vs. Goliath case like this.


Again, the question that prevails is: Why? Why is there such opposition to this much-anticipated project nearly thirty-four years later?


High Voltage Productions disclosed to NBC Universal and other production houses enquiring that they “did not ever anticipate the agreeable licensure of AC/DC’s music for the film.” Further, they disclosed that they had contacted AC/DC’s longtime production company, Albert Productions Pty. in Australia prior to undertaking any development of the film to “respectfully inform Malcolm Young and Alberts of our plans and to faithfully request the opportunity to license their music for such and important project…” The friendly correspondence went unanswered.


AC/DC, one of the highest grossing musical acts of all-time, can do nothing but benefit from such a project. It is readily known that many unauthorized biographical documentaries have been produced and broadcasted without incident. And networks like E! would be out-of-business if they were unable to broadcast real-life ‘True Hollywood Stories’ and often seedy-but-true docs on celebrities. They do it because they have a First Amendment right to free speech and they are not purposely injuring, defaming, or violating the privacy of the individual because they are broadcasting true and cited information. AC/DC and the late singer’s estate stand to gain nothing but more fame and popularity through publicity surrounding the film and surely an increase in music sales - especially back-catalogue material that was recorded during the years Scott performed with and wrote for AC/DC. They stand to make yet more money after the Young Family (Angus and Malcolm et al) were recently named one of Australia’s wealthiest families.


Oddly enough, AC/DC has always been about ‘sticking it to The Man’ as is heard ad nauseum in their lyrics. They speak incessantly of being held down and handcuffed by the establishment. Yet in 2013, it appears that they may have actually become The Man whilst aligning themselves with fiscal giants like Wal-Mart, iTunes, the Iron Man franchise, etc. To fans, this departure may be troubling. It is also no secret that Bon Scott may have been on his way out of AC/DC at the time of his demise and as far back as 1975 - either by the hand of the band and their handlers or by his own fruition. In either case, he was likely moving on and often discussed a solo career. Bottom line: no one is accountable for what never happened. He is simply gone and an AC/DC martyr that can be held up as a rock hero. And he is...


The fact is that “Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC Unauthorised” is a movie about Bon Scott, not AC/DC in and of themselves. The band, while certainly relevant, is incidental to the whole of the story, as is their music. Most ‘fans’ of Scott (who was most recently voted Australia’s second most popular singer of all time) only came to know him as “AC/DC’s singer who died…” and are oft unaware that he was actually not even their first vocalist and actually replaced original singer, Dave Evans, who now lives in Texas. Moreover, there are at least two generations of fans who, through no fault of their own, are only familiar with Back in Black forward to present-day. So, this film promises to bring a whole new throng of fans to admire the machine that is now AC/DC and to many, and obscure Australian rock icon called Bon Scott.


“One thing that is extremely troubling about this whole matter is that you hear AC/DC’s music on everything from Wal-Mart commercials to ridiculous reality shows. But the band sends what is reported to be the most powerful entertainment law firm in the country to attack a small production company with threats of injunctions and litigation because we asked about using their music and expressed our intention to lawfully exercise our First Amendment right. So, we get threats of an injunction while some half-wit reality show about tow trucks uses “Highway to Hell”. Wow… that is a real tribute to Bon.”


If the name of the game is money, then AC/DC are on top of their game. All agree that they have earned their way to the top of the heap. We salute you. Vocalist Brian Johnson and his wife, as well as bassist Cliff Williams and his wife do wonderful charity work through their philanthropy in Florida where they both reside. But money is meant to be made by all. Filmmakers tell stories; some better than others. For those who detract, almost thirty-four years have gone by and no one has made this movie. The Australian government, who funds filmmaking in Scott’s adopted home country, only agreed to fund $20,000 AUS for a seemingly gimme project. Obviously not what is needed. High Voltage Productions has reportedly spoken with some possible executive producers to fund the project, but have not yet gotten the desired commitment.


“As movies go, this is not a ‘big’ budget project per se. Certainly, $5M is nothing to scoff at, and we feel like that is a realistic figure. If the right person/company came with $4M and it was the right fit, we do our damndest to make that budget work. If someone comes with $8M and says ‘do what you need’ then all the better. But, this project is not all about money. We actually care about the subject-matter. Naturally we want the project to be profitable, but getting the film made and in-the-can matters most right now and seeing that our investor recoups their capital.”


“We also have a big advantage: South Carolina and North Carolina both offer very attractive film incentives and rebates with the passage of current legislation. For an executive producer funding the project, that means a great deal. Many big budget films have shot here, and we have the studio facilities, personnel, and apparatus to make it happen. You would see a lot of the same names in credits as you would have seen in ‘The Notebook’, ‘The Patriot’, ‘Army Wives’, ‘Reckless’, ‘Ace Ventura 2’, and so on. Plus, we have the plausible location settings to pull it off with the proper authenticity.”


“We have already shot a teaser trailer with Rob Liotti portraying Bon. It was historic as it was the first dramatic footage ever shot of Bon Scott’s character or of that which is AC/DC. I know the director, J.R. Getches, would be the first to tell you that the actor definitely channels the late Scott and that they have the right guy for the role. Plus the story is all there. While bogging us down with legal paperwork may delay the project, there is absolutely nothing defamatory or damaging to AC/DC or Bon Scott’s Estate about telling a true story, nor does it infringe on their privacy or brand plate. We aren’t forging belt buckles and printing tee shirts with their name.”


Obviously, High Voltage Productions is simply attempting to fill an artistic void. They want to tell a story about the tragic death of a talented young man who came from humble beginnings and was full of personality and the vigor to be someone special. He wanted to be a rock star… Bringing this story to life is an hommage; it satisfies the desire of past, present, and future fans to examine and appreciate life’s lessons and whether it is truly desirable to be famous and revered. Is it a control issue? Is it money? Is it the fear of unknown truth being exposed? Trying to prevent such artistic expression is a complete denial of the fact that had it not been for Bon Scott, AC/DC would surely not be as relevant after forty years.


END



Monday, July 1, 2013

High Voltage Productions Conducts Talks With NBC Universal in London U.K. Over Bon Scott Movie



Amid much speculation and a prior announcement indicating a query from “one of the world’s largest entertainment and production companies...”, it has been revealed that High Voltage Productions, LLC., producers of the upcoming docudrama, Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC, have been in talks with NBC Universal in London, U.K. News of the contact had been leaked last week in the U.K.


High Voltage Productions, LLC. was contacted by the international division of NBC Universal and its acquisitions department after seeing the large amount of publicity surrounding the project in the U.K. and abroad. NBC Universal is said to have been interested in the project for its international appeal to the commonwealth and other countries where the late Australian icon, Bon Scott, and his band, AC/DC, have had great impact and large audiences.


Execs from High Voltage Productions have been tight-lipped as to the negotiations between them and the leading production and distribution company, but have now confirmed that “the rumours are in fact confirmed. We would rather protect the veracity of the information by issuing it ourselves rather than through ‘leaked’ information.”

"We have not signed a deal with Universal Pictures at this time and are still considering offers from other companies. As I said from the very beginning, we are open to an independent executive producer, network, or film company. The is really an ideal property for television or a winner for an independent movie company who can afford a $4M-$5M budget," according to star Rob Liotti who is also the principal writer.


“We were originally contacted by a representative of NBC Universal and advised of their interest in the project. We were subsequently invited to a conference to discuss the project and each party’s interest and engaged in that productive conference, “ said a representative of HVP.


The proposed film’s star, musician/actor, Rob Liotti, stated that “ We are very happy to consider a partnership with NBC Universal, and it appears that they may share equal interest given the fact that they queried us... We were flattered naturally... but it is a quality product nonetheless.” He added, “ NBC Universal understands the appeal and gravity of this project and we got the impression they were also fans to be honest.”


This development could be wonderful and welcome news for rock fans worldwide who have patiently awaited a project honouring the late Aussie rock icon.

Film investors are encouraged to contact us through the website at: www.thebonscottmovie.com


“At this point, we are in talks. We have not solidified a deal with Universal at this time and have provided them with the necessary material and information they requested in our conference,” said producer Michael Meltzer.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Bon Scott Film Star Rob Liotti To Hit The Concert Stage After Labor Day 2013

The American actor who is slated to star as Bon Scott in the upcoming docudrama entitled, Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC is planning to hit the live stage sometime after the upcoming Labor Day 2013 holiday in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

Plans have been put in motion to reunite the original line-up of T.N.T. , the band that put the singer on the map for AC/DC fans back in 2004 and that led to the actor's role in the film project. It has been speculated that the chosen venue will likely be a beach club called, The Windjammer. While the venue is not Charleston's largest, it has been an extremely popular spot for bands from Hootie and The Blowfish to Big Head Todd and countless others.

Slated to perform with Liotti are: Chris Barrineau as Angus Young, David Dunning as Malcolm Young, Ben Polk as Cliff Williams, and Jeff Mangan as Phil Rudd.

"This is a powerhouse line-up of well-known musicians. They have not performed together since 2007, so Charleston and fans who make the trek to the venue are in for a treat..." said a source close to the band.

Asked about the line-up, Rob Liotti commented, "It is great to see this put together, and I am looking forward to hitting the stage with these guys. These guys are all pro players and know how to get it done. We will definitely give fans a night to remember."

The source added, "The venue could change, but I think they are looking at The Windjammer because they used to pack it out and so many people saw them there. I mean, Jason Aldean and his band (including Rob's friend and pedal steel player Jay Jackson) saw fit to show up and do a set there recently, so it is a great spot."

Most recently, producers of the upcoming film have been in talks with one of the world's largest entertainment and production companies and news of the film and awareness of its star have sky-rocketed worldwide. Moreover, Hollywood producer, Micheal Meltzer, recently joined director J.R. Getches and business affairs advisor, Rhett Klok, on the High Voltage Productions team.

Meltzer said recently, "I am highly encouraged by our recent talks with a leading production company about this film."

A concert date should be set in the near future for the upcoming reunion show.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Rob Liotti's Gretsch Guitar Sells At Auction

Rob Liotti, the lead actor and screenwriter of Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC has departed with his beloved 1996 Gretsch Double-Cutaway Silver Jet. The guitar was recent sold at auction for an undisclosed sum to a private buyer in Atlanta, Georgia. The collector stated that he wished to remain anonymous on his purchase. Loyal AC/DC fans may know that Malcolm Young is another lover of Gretsch guitars, and his mainstay workhorse since AC/DC's formation has been a Gretsch Jet Firebird. He has also been seen with a Gretsch White Falcon and Gretsch Round Up, as well as an LS-6 Gibson and some other assorted models including his own signature models. The guitar was mainly used by Liotti's fellow bandmate, guitarist Matt Flewelling.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

High Voltage Productions Begins Talks With Major Production Company

Well, AC/DC fans worldwide seem to be moving one step closer to a film paying hommage to their late Australian rock hero, Bon Scott. In fact, it looks more like a giant leap forward.

Key production team members from High Voltage Productions Pty., the current controlling production company overseeing Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC, are slated to engage in talks this week with one of the world's leading production and entertainment companies said a source close to the project. The highly-publicised film project is a docudrama chronicling the career of late Aussie frontman, Bon Scott, of AC/DC who died tragically at age 33 in 1980 after only 6 years with the band.

Starring in the film is American singer/actor, Rob Liotti, who is also the credited screenwriter. Liotti is no stranger to things AC/DC as he has performed on stage as Bon Scott for many years. And although this is his first lead feature film role, it has been made apparent that he is a natural for the role. Also on board the High Voltage team is director J. R. Getches who brings a great deal of vision and television experience. The production company also recently announced the addition of producer Michael Meltzer to its team who is no stranger to Hollywood and is well-respected in entertainment circles. Also brought on board was entertainment lawyer, Rhett Klok, who advises on business affairs.

The source would not reveal the production company's name or the parties involved but the production company's contacts have been verified prior to this article's publication.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Special Appearance By Rob Liotti With Airbourne Coming?


It has been reported that High Voltage Productions Pty. based in Charleston, South Carolina, USA may be in talks with Australian hardrockers, Airbourne, to make a special appearance with the band at an upcoming US tour date. The link with Airbourne apparently comes from Rob Liotti's association with former Madam Adam drummer, Matt Reindollar. Madam Adam was a label-mate with Airbourne on the Roadrunner Records label until about 2012. Liotti has publicly stated that he is a "fan of Airbourne" in a soon-to-be-released radio interview with Marilyn Michaels.

Airbourne, who have been known to perform live renditions of their idols,  AC/DC, whilst on tour, stand to gain even more worldwide attention should this proposed special appearance take place. Let's face it, Airbourne rocks it out in true Aussie style! So, the addition of a guest vocalist specialising in the Bon Scott style could make for a bonzer performance. Airbourne is led by lead vocalist/lead guitarist, Joel O'Keefe, and his brother drummer, Ryan O'Keefe. The band prepares to release its next album, "Black Dog Barking" in May 2013.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Award-Winning Writer Timothy Sexton Profiles Rob Liotti For The Role Of Bon Scott

Florida based award winning writer, Timothy Sexton, recently profiled Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC star, Rob Liotti, in an article that appeared April 4, 2013 on Yahoo. The article can be seen at: http://voices.yahoo.com/rob-liotti-tries-reinvent-himself-as-ac-dcs-bon-12078164.html?cat=51 .

According to the author's website: "Timothy Sexton was honored by being named the inaugural Writer of the Year of Associated Content, now known as Yahoo! Contributor Network. Timothy has published two novels and contributed chapters to Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy and Jeopardy! and Philosophy. His more than 10,000 articles have appeared on this Yahoo as well as USAtoday.com, Livestrong.com, PopEater.com, Local.com, Golflink.com, Trails.com, Overstock.com, 1stbirthdayideas.com, ConnectEd.com, Ehow.com, Dogcare.com, Disaboom.com, Essortment.com, CreditCards.com, Golfsmith.com, HappyNews.com, Homeremodeling.com, Howtobecomeamodel.com, Life123.com, Mania.com, ManoftheHouse.com, Mastersoccer.net, MOJOHD.com, MyRide.com, Software.com, TheAccidentalArtist.com, TheFrisky.com, Yellowbook.com, Zoombak.com, Zappos.com and WellnessEssentials.com. His articles have been referenced in books that include The Reckless Life...of Marlon Brando, Scarface Nation, International Marketing, Brandishing the First Amendment, The Trickster, Brand New China: Advertising, Media & Commercial Culture, and Incentive! After graduating from the University of West Florida with a BA in English, Mr. Sexton taught literature and was twice honored with inclusion in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers." His academic articles have been included in the curricula at Vanderbilt University, Central Texas College, City University of New York, St. Mary's High School of Rutherford, NJ., the Lower Danube University of Galati, Romania, Georgia Tech Univ., Temple Univ., University of Southern California, University of Illinois, University of Texas-Arlington, Mazenod College and the University of Pennsylvania. His academic work has also been cited in a number of scholarly works by students as far away as the Czech Republic. Mr. Sexton's articles have been reviewed by many respected publications, including The Washington Post, The Winnipeg Free Press, and The VillageVoice.com. His analysis of the failure of America to embrace soccer netted him a guest appearance on a nationally syndicated radio talk show, and an article he wrote about Dick Cheney's attempt to dismantle the National Archives was chosen to be included in the course packet for a law course to be taught by the Dean of Law at Vanderbilt University. In addition to his content on the internet, you can also enjoy Timothy Sexton's mixture of informative and entertaining writing by playing the 2006 edition of the Disney Scene-It Trivia Game. All questions and answers were written by Mr. Sexton.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Rock Mag Sleazeroxx Reports On Bon Scott Movie Teaser

 
Sleazeroxx.com reports that on Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC's upcoming movie teaser in post-production. The scene stars Rob Liotti as Bon Scott and co-stars Dave Riggins. Sleazeroxx, a major online music news authority have covered this story from the outset. Check them out at:  http://www.sleazeroxx.com/news/01920.shtml






Thursday, March 28, 2013

Profile of Rob Liotti Appears in WV Newspaper

A West Virginia newspaper, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, profiled Bon Scott- The Legend of AC/DC star, Rob Liotti, in an article by writer Paul LaPann. The newspaper touted its former resident and discussed his early musical career while performing with rock band, High Voltage. Liotti was also a star athlete who was pursued for his skills in baseball and on the football field.

The article can be seen at: http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/572393/Parkersburg-native-plans-Bon-Scott-film.html?nav=5056

The upcoming rockudrama has been widely reported on every continent and is currently in its pre-production statges. The film is to be directed by J. R. Getches.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Bon Scott Movie Teaser Moving Through Post-Production


High Voltage Productions Pty. and Director J.R. Getches have announced that the first dramatic footage ever produced depicting late AC/DC frontman, Bon Scott, is making its way through post-production for release in the near future. The much anticipated teaser was shot in early 2013 and stars Rob Liotti who portrays Scott. Co-starring in the teaser is actor Dave Riggins. Director J.R. Getches says that, "we have now entered the 'proof of concept' stage where we show some direction and tone of the upcoming production..."

Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC has received worldwide attention since its initial new releases began to filter out in late 2012. In fact, AC/DC's own official website, www.acdc.com has reported on the film in its content. While no official endorsement has been made by the band, it has been reported that Albert Productions in Australia was contacted by High Voltage Productions Pty. in the USA to advise Malcolm Young (the band's leader) specifically of the intentions of filmmakers and pay their due respect.

Rob Liotti, the singer/actor who will portray Scott stated, " Naturally, we want the band's blessing on this film... But I took the time to contact Alberts and Malcolm personally to at least show them the respect of advising them of our intentions. They seem like a nice group of guys and have been a big influence on me musically. So, I am simply giving them their due... This project means a great deal to alot of people - including myself - so we want to do it right. That is why we have not jumped head-on into the first production deal thrown at us. I want to make sure that we all have the same vision and are not hazed over with 100% distraction of money, money, money. Artistic expression and doing the right thing matter here as well."

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Bon Scott Film Seeks Production Deal

Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC has gained worldwide attention after its initial public announcement in August 2012. High Voltage Productions Pty. of Charleston, South Carolina has been approached by a number of prospective producers as of March 2013, but as of yet have not accepted any proposals according to HVP. It has been reported that HVP has held discussions and consultation with entertainment law attorney, Rhett Klok. Klok is a former associate attorney with Motley Rice Law Firm who settled highly publicized tobacco litigation amonst other high profile cases.

The film's star, Rob Liotti, who also has a screenwriting credit for the film stated that "we are absolutely seeking the right fit in an executive producer... Naturally we want to solidify a deal and there are some investors looking at the project as of right now (March 2013) but there is no desperation to jump into bed with the wrong girl so to speak."

The film' director, J.R. Getches stated that "right now our goal is 'proof of concept' for this project. We have a teaser trailer currently in post-production that some investors want to see - as well as the public. We want to show that Rob can portray Bon. We all know he can do it, but we want to convey that to the public and fanbase."

Potential film investors should contact High Voltage Productions at ozmoviecasting@gmail.com for further information and investor information.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Bon Scott Rockudrama Star Linked to Wisconsin Model

It has been reported that Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC star, Rob Liotti, has been romantically linked to Wisconsin model, Jennifer Raddatz. There has been speculation as to the star's current relationship status, however, it was learned that the two have actually been a couple for over 8 years.

Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC Official Movie Page on FB

Please see the official Facebook page of the movie at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bon-Scott-The-Legend-of-AcDc-Movie-Page/215524691885425

Actress Pelham Spong chosen as Bon Scott's Love Interest In Upcoming Film Trailer

Actress Pelham Spong has been chosen to portray Bon Scott's love interest, Silver Smith, in the upcoming film trailer supporting "Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC". The film stars actor/singer, Rob Liotti, as Bon Scott and is directed by J.R. Getches. See: http://www.burstzine.com/news/item/2703-bon-scotts-love-interest-revealed-for-bon-scott-the-legend-of-ac-dc-film-trailer-exclusive

Rob Liotti featured on the cover of Burst Magazine!

Check out the March 2013 issue of Burst Magazine. This is the Greek version of Rolling Stone and features Rob Liotti, star of Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC on its cover! http://www.burstzine.com/burst-magazine/item/2866-march-2013