Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California
An international distributor as made foreign broadcast deal with my film. Due to a breech of contract dispute between my domestic distributor and the foreign distributor, the foreign distributor refuses to pay the license fees owed. I haven't been paid a dime and my film is being broadcast via satellite to 120+ countries with 'unlimited runs'. The film has been broadcast dozens of times and is airing again tonight. All the potential broadcast deals I am being offered are falling out due to the dispute. My DVD sales are dropping due to the continuous broadcasts of my film in these territories. I have been told that if I am ever paid, it would amount to " a few hundred dollars". I have now re-acquired all my rights to the film, except the international broadcast rights, due to this dispute. Why am I being penalized because of a bad third-party deal between my domestic and foreign distributors? I want the money owed, the masters I paid for, and whatever damages are appropriate. How shall I proceed. It's a small film, I'm deeply in debt on it, and I don't know where to turn. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
Regards,
Billy Savage
2 Answers from Attorneys
Dear Billy Savage,
I am happy to give you a free consult. I have dealt with entertainment law, intellectual property, and high-profile matters. Please take a look at my website for more about me and my practice. There are many legal theories which may apply to this situation and afford you relief. They may have breached a contract, entitling you to all your losses as a result. This may be the case even if you also breached. If they are using the film, their profits might be payable to you under unjust enrichment or other equitable relief. Other torts such as interference with a contract or prospective economic advantage may also apply. I cant really say until I look at your case. Contact my office to discuss the matter.
Best,
Daniel Bakondi, Esq.
The Law Office of Daniel Bakondi
870 Market Street, Suite 1161
San Francisco CA 94102
www.danielbakondi.com
415-450-0424
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Congratulations on making such a sucessful and critically acclaimed film. Obviously you are the victim of a great injustice. Litigation is inevitable. I would have to review all of the contracts that you signed, and no doubt file suit against the party that is distributing the film and decreasing its value. This is a case that I would take primarily on a contingency basis and devote much of my practice to. Contact me directly.
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