THOMSON — It started with a song and continues with a new film.
On Monday, the filming of a movie based on its lyrics wrapped in a Thomson farmhouse.
The film brings to life the song “Boys in the Street” written by Greg Holden and recorded by Calum Scott in 2022, but with a twist.
“The song is definitely the DNA, but I had to come up with everything around the nucleus,” said Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and Aiken native Justin Wheelon, who wrote the script for the feature with the same name as the song about the relationship of a father and his gay son.
Wheelon connected with Holden via social media and asked permission to expand the idea and Holden was for it. Wheelon’s initial premise needed some tweaking.
“I originally wrote it from Kevin’s (the son) point of view,” Wheelon said.
After talking with a friend, he flipped it to capture the evolution of the father who will be portrayed by Dan Tyminski, the winner of 14 Grammy Awards and a four-time Male Vocalist of the Year honoree by the International Bluegrass Music Association.
Tyminski’s voice has been in a film, but he has not acted in one although it’s been a longtime dream in his illustrious career. His voice can be heard accompanying George Clooney’s rendition of the Stanley Brothers’ classic song, “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow,” in the film, “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?,“ according to Tyminski’s website.
On set Monday, Tyminski said that he saw the role as a huge opportunity to “stretch what I do outside of my normal goofball self. When Justin called, he explained what the role was, and it seemed like such a huge opportunity to show some depth and to get into something much more serious than I spend most of my time doing.”
Preparing for the role was sadly easy, according to Tyminski who is well-acquainted with people in the exact situation as Kevin and his father.
“It absolutely mirrors so many real-life experiences that I think people will very easily connect with this one,” he said.
Wheelon said the character he created “isn’t a jerk. He isn’t a bad father.” He’s a man struggling with the thoughts and feelings he’s been conditioned to have, and even he doesn’t know why he has them.
Austin Archer, who plays Elliott, Kevin’s partner, wanted to work on the film because he likes father-son dramas that pull at the heart while packing a powerful message.
“Whenever I see a story like this, I jump on it if I can. Unfortunately, these stories remain so relevant. You wish they wouldn’t be so relevant In 2025,” said Archer, who is also does socio-political advocacy for ”queer visibility and the humanization and dignity of queer people.”
Wheelon said the shoot was an emotional experience with a highlight coming March 2 when Tyminski and songwriter Holden took out their guitars and sang “Boys in the Street,” leaving cast and crew members in tears.
“It was incredible,” he said.
Wheelon’s goal for “Boys in the Street” is to go onto the film festival circuit which would take about a year once editing is completed.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
