Physically diminutive but truly larger than life, the late Bon Scott still stands as one of the greatest rock frontmen of all time, a stunning frisson of cheek, humour, rage, menace and voluble, undeniable charisma. Though born in Scotland, Ronald Belford Scott arrived in Australia at the age of six (living initially in Melbourne and then in Fremantle), and has thus, naturally, been claimed as one of Australia’s most loved – if decidedly errant – sons. Fond of a drink and good time, Bon Scott passed away in 1980 at just 33, robbing the world of many more great albums and tours with AC/DC. Bon Scott lived a full, highly adventurous life, and it will now become grist for the cinematic mill courtesy of a set-to-shoot biopic called The Kid From Harvest Road.
With WA-based writer Stephen Belowsky and co-writer/director David Vincent Smith (who has helmed a host of shorts, and has He Ain’t Heavy, starring mother and daughter Greta Scaachi and Leila George, awaiting release) driving the project, The Kid From Harvest Road will focus on Bon Scott’s early teenage years and his initial rise to fame with AC/DC. “I was truly inspired by his charismatic character, but what interested me most was his early life, not the caricature we all know on stage,” says writer Stephen Belowsky. “The teen who walked the streets of Fremantle… this is a love letter to Fremantle and Bon reimagined through the eyes of the author.”
Adds producer Ian Hale: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey to illuminate the early years of Bon Scott. His story is one of resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of his dreams. Through this film, we aim to honour his legacy and inspire audiences with the transformative power of music and determination.”
And just who is set to pull on Bon’s famously tight jeans and salty collection of tattoos? That would be young Fremantle-born actor Lee Tiger Halley, who made a very strong impact recently in the Netflix adaptation of Trent Dalton’s acclaimed novel Boy Swallows Universe. With minimal dialogue but reams of charisma, Halley announced himself as a major talent to watch in the mini-series, and it was his “magnetism” that saw the young actor land as the creative team’s first choice for the role. Production on The Kid From Harvest Road will commence in WA in 2025.
Stay tuned for more on The Kid From Harvest Road.
