The Snowman producer reveals ‘heartwarming’ story behind David Bowie’s cameo scene

Star appears in live-action introduction to some versions of the classic film

David Bowie “very politely” asked to keep the scarf he wore in The Snowman to give to his son, the famed Christmas film’s producer has revealed.

Some versions of the classic animated film feature Bowie in an introductory live-action cameo, where he plays the adult version of a young boy whose snowman comes to life.

In the scene, Bowie retrieves from his attic the blue scarf left behind by the snowman after he melted. The very same scarf was this week (23 December) unearthed by Bowie’s son Duncan Jones, the filmmaker behind Moon (2009) and Source Code (2011).

“Went looking for sock monkeys in the storage boxes and FOUND THE SCARF!!!” Jones tweeted. “YAY!”

Among the many replies Jones received came three from Brian Harding, who produced Bowie’s scenes in The Snowman, and who revealed the circumstances behind Bowie obtaining the scarf used during filming.

“The scarf was knitted by the lady in the accounts department of TVC, the production company who made the animation,” Harding wrote. “She came onto the set and presented it to David. When filming was over, David asked very politely if he could keep the scarf to give to his son, Zowie.”

He continued: “This was the only fee he charged for the filming and I believe he offered his services for personal reasons. He was charming throughout and totally professional. I am glad that the scarf found its way to the destination he intended: from the dude to another dude.”

Jones, who was born Duncan Zowie Jones but was known as Zowie as a child, then replied to Harding, writing: “Thank you so much for the extra bit of background there Brian.  A lovely true tale to go along with an equally lovely Christmas story.”

Harding’s tweets were met with joy by Bowie’s fans.

“Fantastic heartwarming thread,” wrote one person. Another added: “This is the Christmas story we ALL needed in 2020.”

The Snowman, based on the beloved children’s book by Raymond Briggs, is being screened on Channel 4 and E4 today (24 December) and on Christmas Day.

It is also ranked fourth in The Independent’s list of the greatest Christmas films of all time.