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Finally! Bon Scott Producers Start Filming Spring 2016

High Voltage Productions has teamed with GoFundMe to start their crowdfunding campaign platform starting December 2, 2015.

Producers are asking for contributions to the campaign to help with expensive production costs typically associated with filming.

Contributions can be made at the following link: www.gofundme.com/bonscott

There are three special levels for contributions according to the producers that can be seen on their campaign site.

"We wanted to offer some special packages to contributors who really stepped up. There is a 'Rock Star' Level for $5000 contributions, a Gold Level for $2500 contributions, and a Silver Level for $1000 contributions," said one of the producers.

High Voltage Productions is teaming with some other undisclosed production companies and professionals to produce the filming scheduled for Spring 2016, and fans will sure look forward to finally seeing something on film about the late, great Bon Scott.

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Actor Rob Liotti Discusses His Physical Transformation For The Bon Scott Film

                                                                           

News of the upcoming Bon Scott biopic hit the rock and roll community by storm, but little is known about the level of preparation that took place well before the news hit the airwaves. It is no mystery that physical transformations have been untaken by many actors where they have adjusted their look and body composition for a specific role. Just look at Robert DeNiro, Sylvester Stallone, and Christian Bale who have undertaken major body transformation to both good and bad extents just to provide a stunningly accurate characterization of their subject. The Bon Scott biopic bears the same effort.

Rob Liotti, the actor chosen by High Voltage Productions to portray AC/DC's late singer, Bon Scott, is generally best known as a musician, although he has had acting parts under his belt with small background roles in feature films, television appearances, voiceover, commercials, and stage plays dating back to childhood. As a recording artist who experienced some success back in the late 80's and mid-90's with bands such as High Voltage, Honeygun, and Suite 16, he has probably been best known for his uncanny ability to mimic the late Bon Scott's vocal styling - a feat often ventured but seemingly never fully gained. He has performed in front of thousands of awed fans in an AC/DC tribute band called, T.N.T.
                                                                              

When Director J.R. Getches initially sat down with the actor to discuss his vision for the production, Liotti was a healthy, imposing 6'2, 220lbs. All who have known him would not blink an eye as they have always known him to be a frequent patron of a gym and always active. And it is no secret that Liotti was a standout athlete recruited in football and baseball. But Getches knew that to pull this project together, he had to not only secure 'the voice' of Bon Scott, but more importantly the vision of Bon Scott. In doing so, the director had a conversation with Liotti requesting that he 'lose twenty pounds' for the role. The actor had the motivation and began in earnest.

The actor, who is a longtime member of Gold's Gym in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, and is certainly no stranger to athletic facilities began a self-guided physical regimen that would ultimately lead to a healthy 50-pound weight loss and a total-body-reset according to the actor.
                                                                           

 

- How did your team decide what needed done for your character or did you make that decision?

"After I met with J.R., I felt discouraged for a few minutes, and then I decided that I was used to this level of dedication in my past to excel at athletics and that my new goal was paramount to making this project happen. In essence, I felt like I was the person best-suited to play Bon, and the entire production was dependent upon me," Liotti said.

- So, what steps did you take next once you realized what the production company expected?

"I started my program at 220 lbs. and quickly figured out that I was going to need to employ a very diverse regimen of exercise to achieve results. It consisted of a pretty strict diet, adjusting my weight- training to higher repetitions and lower weight, employing crossfit type exercises, and cardio work. Essentially, I ate great, rode my bike at least 100 miles a week, and was at the gym sometimes three times a day. But, this work translated into an average loss of 4 lbs. per month and working through the plateaus that would come at every 10 lbs. of bodyweight loss, which I thought was a healthy progression," he added.

- Did anything else motivate you to hit your goal?

"One of the most annoying things that happened early on when news of the project leaked was fan feedback. Not that I am annoyed by fans, don't get me wrong, but for those of you that have not had that wonderful limelight shone upon you, you get haters!" he laughs. "And, one of the unfortunate aspects of publicity is a fan(s) saying 'he's too fat to play Bon' on some magazine website that you happen upon. Not fun... Notwithstanding, I knew what I had in front of me and, honestly, they were right. Bon and the rest of AC/DC were/are not terribly tall guys. Mark Evans (ex-AC/DC) has often remarked that he felt like a footballer at 5'6 compared to his bandmates. (Mark is an avid footballer and fan btw!)
                                                                            

 

- Did you have a trainer to guide you through the process?

"Actually, no. I have trained pretty much my whole life starting when I was 6-years-old or so. I think I got my first weight set at 8 or 9. I was always really fortunate to have gotten good instruction and coaching, so I luckily didn't need much direction. But this type of training was somewhat new to me. I actually used to be an AAU Ranked power lifter. I ranked third in the State of Ohio at one time. But this type of training was really different. It included a lot more cardio work and getting myself on the floor planking, plyometrics, climbers, blah, blah. All of it. I did go to my buddy, Rob Baxter, who has been with Gold's for some time and I said, 'look, if I start to look strange, too thin, or unhealthy, please TELL me!' and he agreed.

- Did that ever happen?

"Well, we have to fast-forward, but the crux of it was that I hit it hard for like a year and got on the scale one day and it read 168 lbs. So, I went and asked Rob if it was too much and he said to eat a bit more and put a few pounds back on. So, yeah, I looked a bit gaunt at one point. For me, though, I haven't been at this weight since my freshman year in high school. Since then, I have tried to and have been successful hovering at about 180 lbs. and have consistently done so."

- You are talking a 50 lb. weight loss! Do you feel better?

"Absolutely! You know, before I lost that weight, I felt perfectly fine. I would have never imagined needing to do that. No one ever said that I looked overweight. But, here I am playing with my goddaughter who was like 9-years-old and kids that age love to run! I would say, 'Baby, you are wearing your Uncle Robbie out'. LOL. In hindsight, I was not as energetic and think about it: 50 lbs. of weight off your body and eight less inches on your waist. I mean, how can't you move and feel better? To make it worse, she is now a serious competitive swimmer with a specialty in butterfly. She does open-water swims, meets, you name it. She's an animal. LOL. But, I have always tried to set that example of being fit for her, and she has definitely taken it to another level. Extremely dedicated young girl.

- Was the production company happy with your results?

"Most definitely. I really don't think they had those expectations, but I went as far as I felt necessary without compromising my health. Let's face it, am I taller than Bon? Absolutely, but you can compensate for height many different ways on film. It is very difficult to do anything positive about extra weight. Basically, I wasn't seen in any publicity shots or video for over a year I think. Then, all of a sudden, a Greek magazine called, Burst, did a cover story about me and the project. Needless to say, no one has ever made another comment about my body being right for the film. LOL. Now, I have heard other B.S. reasons for discontent, but not about my body. LOL. J.R. still compliments me every time he sees me which feels great. Losing it is one thing for sure. Not relapsing is the tough part. Once you hit that goal, it is much easier to maintain, though."

- What is the current state of the movie?

"People ask me that a lot. It's understandable, of course. Movies are so difficult to get greenlit - no matter how great the concept. Our producer, Michael Meltzer, has talked with many Hollywood production people about this project. I have personally always seen it as an international television movie, but that is just me. Movies take a long time to obtain production, but by the same token a ton of useless garbage seemingly gets made without a hitch. In this case, there is serious money potential here, and that is what interests film investors. That's just the business. No one has given up on it. It just takes time."

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Bon Scott Producers Cannot Come To An Agreement With Amazon Studios

Producers of the much discussed Bon Scott biopic, Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC Unauthorised, have announced that they were unable to reach an agreement with Amazon Studios who optioned the story. Producer Michael Meltzer, who has himself worked on a dozen or so films, has worked tirelessly to secure a production deal for the highly-anticipated film, but has oft made clear that even a film of this pre-production popularity is difficult to get made.

Amazon Studios optioned the story fairly recently, but Bon Scott producers could not negotiate the terms that were acceptable to get the project greenlit. Similar issues persisted with NBCUniversal in London, although the issues that trumped that deal seemed to have been directly related to the fact that NBCUniversal's subsidiary now has controlling interest over AC/DC's music catalogue.

A source at High Voltage Productions in the United States commented that, "we have negotiated with some big names in the film industry for certain, but many of them are looking to budget $20M+ feature films, have a crack cast in place, and have 10%-20% secured funding in place prior to formulating a distribution deal and production bond. This isn't that type of film and has caused an ongoing impasse."

The source went on to add, "To our team, this is a true independent film, although we are now leaning very strongly towards an international television licensing deal or a network here in the U.S. It is prime for that wealthy investor fan who wants to make a movie of passion rather than the typical cookie-cutter, tenth-sequel franchise flick."

The film's star and principal writer, Rob Liotti, commented, "I haven't been shy about expressing the good and bad surrounding this project. Networks are starved for good content and more and more networks pop up weekly. Sooner or later, someone is going to have to address new content. The fact is that even projects are popular as this one are difficult to get produced to say the least. It is amazing what garbage is out there and on television as we speak, but... Bottom line is that a lot of AC/DC fans wanted instantaneous production results and a film to be ready in 12 months. Reality is that even many of the very well-performing films starring A-list actors and crews sometimes take years to be greenlit and enter principal photography."

AC/DC have also not been the biggest proponents of the project either. Prior to Malcolm Young's untimely medical condition and departure from the band, AC/DC's legal team and that of Albert Productions made very clear that they did not support the project. Furthermore, the Bon Scott Estate flatly refused any amount of money to cooperate with producers, thus making the project 'unauthorised' but certainly legal, according to legal scholars at Stanford University who reviewed the project's legalities.

Producers seem to be eying such networks as AXS, fuse, VH1, etc. in the United States, although it seem clear that given the international flavour of this project that it could easily end up a U.K. or Aussie production. It remains to be seen...

One thing is clear: fans want it, and producers want to make it.

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Hendrix and Judas Priest Documentaries Clear The Way For Bon Scott Docudrama

Two recent film releases make the reality of the Bon Scott docudrama more feasible. "Jimi : All By My Side" and "Dream Deceivers" (about Judas Priest) have likely done much to clear the way from a legal standpoint for the Bon Scott project in development. The film is prospectively called, "Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC Unauthorized."

As the global rock community likely now knows, an American production company, High Voltage Productions, LLC., has been working diligently on the Bon Scott project, but like the two aforementioned flicks, received legal threats from estates and record labels claiming "infringement" amongst other claims. In the case of the Bon Scott project, NBC Universal were the apparent company of interest until their music division nixed the deal due to their control of AC/DC's music catalogue. Attorneys for AC/DC in New York issued threats of action should the project continue and were followed similarly by Bon Scott's estate solicitor in Sydney.

It now seems , however, that judicial rulings have consistently been in favor of filmmakers in the Hendrix and Priest projects paving the way for documentarians to tell a story about public figures. In the case of the Judas Priest doc, legal wranglings have persisted since 1992 over use of copyrighted material in the form of music from the band. In the case of John Ridley's (12 Years a Slave) portrait of Hendrix, he told his story simply absent of actual Hendrix recordings. "Dream Deceivers" pushed the envelope and threshold of the Fair Use Doctrine in law by lobbying the courts for reasonable use of Judas Priest's actual recordings in order to tell the story. They prevailed. In both cases, the filmmakers portrayed the characters using actors or the subjects themselves. In any case, the fact that these two films cleared the courts legally and made it to the media delivery stage creates a clear pathway for the Bon Scott project to follow suit.


According to Director J. R. Getches, the Bon Scott docudrama is set to portray the Aussie rock legend true-to-form: troubled, lonely, a larrikin, a hard drinker, a wordsmith, a sexual rocker, a malcontent.

"We want to portray Bon accurately and capture the mood around him at the time," said Getches. "Rob Liotti, the film's writer and star, tried to painstakingly on point while capturing Bon's spirit in the story, " he added.

The film's star, Rob Liotti, who is slated to portray the late Scott commented, "The Hendrix and Priest films clear the way for this project, although I felt confident all along. We have a First Amendment right to tell this story and we have the ability to utilize the Fair Use Doctrine in assisting us to do so. The rulings in these cases are consistent with nearly everything I have researched regarding the court's feedback on doc filmmaking. We are trying to literally educate the public about this guy's life and tribulations. What the hell is the problem with that?"

Currently, the filmmakers are prepping for the theatrical trailer which will be filmed on location in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. High Voltage Productions recently enlisted Emmy Award winning cinematographer, John Barnhardt, who eagerly joined the team that is rounded out by producer Michael Meltzer. Meltzer has been involved with a number of films and is known for his easygoing approach with those in Hollywood.

The project is in high demand by fans who has longed for such a production. Unfortunately, it is well-known that AC/DC and Albert Productions guard rock's top export sometimes with an unreasonable veracity that may not measure up legally.

"I mean, the band's [AC/DC] lawyers went so far as to attempt to forbid me from speaking to 'current or former members' of the band... Come on! They're reaching. I talk to some of these people. There is zero harm in that, let alone anything illegal," Liotti persisted.

"Look, I have said it numerous times: I am all about supporting AC/DC. Been there, done that for years. Plus, with Malcolm Young's departure from the band, in addition to Bon being deceased, the respect needs to flow both ways. I fully support their artistic efforts and expect the same in return," added the actor.

"We will simply keep pushing until we find the right production fit. We are prepping our package for some companies in our sights who are awaiting our material. Hell, I'll go talk to Bill Murray. He lives 5 minutes away from me. The film is going to happen..."





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Star of Bon Scott Docudrama Comments On Malcolm Young's Illness and Absence From AC/DC

Rob Liotti, screenwriter and star of the highly-anticipated Bon Scott docudrama, Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC Unauthorised, has been seemingly mum since the announcement that Malcolm Young would not participate in the recording of AC/DC's upcoming album due to health issues.

In a recent statement, Liotti said, "First, I am very saddened to hear about Malcolm's health issues. The guy has been a huge inspiration to me as a guitarist and songwriter, and I feel awful for his family. This is a huge blow to AC/DC as Malcolm has always really been the driving force behind them. Can they function without him? Certainly... Stevie Young is perfectly capable of stepping in for Mal as he did in 1988. However, it is a bit different dynamic with respect to the fact that he has recorded on the upcoming album."

"Stevie [Young] is an accomplished guitarist clearly influenced by his Uncle Malcolm. His work in Starfighters was good stuff, and he clearly cut the mustard when he toured with the band in '88," he continued.

  

  

  

A representative for HVP said, "The announcement of John's involvement with the project brought over 13,000 Facebook views in a (24) hour period. The news spread very quickly."



Director J.R. Getches, who is prepping for the trailer said, "John brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to the production side of this. We are excited!"



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Bon Scott Documentary Filmmakers Enlist Emmy Award Winning Cinematographer As Project Moves Forward

Bon Scott fans will undoubtedly be elated as progress moves forward on the widely-reported documentary rockudrama, Bon Scott - The Legend of AC/DC Unauthorised. High Voltage Productions has officially enlisted Emmy Award wielding cinematographer, John Barnhardt, of Barnfly Productions to collaborate on filming of the proper trailer for the project. This has been verified after talks commenced between High Voltage Productions and the filmmaker.

News surrounding the project has been somewhat sparse for the past few months as a potential deal with NBC Universal in London was nixed due to internal conflict within parent company between Universal’s film and music division. Sony, a subsidiary of Universal, now controls AC/DC’s music catalogue, although Albert Productions surely retains options and artistic influence.

The teaming of Barnfly Productions and High Voltage Productions, along with the expertise of Barnhardt, is proof-positive that the project and its principals are moving forward. Barnhardt, a former college film instructor, left the seemingly secure surroundings of academia to cast out and pursue his own passion. Fast-forward six years and the cinematographer has not only scored a coveted Emmy, but has and is traveling the world shooting for Charleston, SC. based Litton Entertainment for eight years, and his work is seen on multiple networks.

According to High Voltage Productions, “John Barnhardt was recommended to us and some within our team were familiar with his work and unredoubtable work ethic.”

The film’s writer and star, Rob Liotti, stated, “John’s work and vision deserve no apologies. He is the real deal. He is an ardent Bon Scott fan, so he gets it. I am certain he will bring a great dynamic to the effort as we move forward. Face it, the better he is, the better I look,” he laughed.

Director J.R. Getches commented, “The addition of John to the team brings considerable experience and resources to the production side of the project.”

It is unclear as to whether the filmmakers are approaching Litton Entertainment, but High Voltage Productions has not ruled out the possibility that letting me be a viable company and we feel may benefit from an interest in this film production.

" As of this time, we have not engaged in any negotiations with Litton Entertainment. However, John [Barnhardt] is clearly associated with and works for them. Naturally, it would make sense to attempt to get an audience with Mr. Morgan at Litton if the opportunity presented itself," Liotti stated.

 

High Voltage Productions can be reached at ozmoviecasting@gmail.