Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California
Can't get rid of CREEPY Manager!!
I signed with a manager who I thought I could trust! From the beginning I was clear that I do not pose nude or will not do nude sex scenes. After I signed a 5 year contract, he kept saying that if a role is offered to me that requires nudity, I have to do it because ''he now owns me'' and I have to do what he says. He also had me go through ''training'' photo sessions to test my comfortablility. In the one session, he told me to take off my top! I said NO! And he raised his voice to me and told me to do it and stop complaining. Two days later I sent him a letter requesting him to release me from my contract. That was in March. It is August and he still refuses to release me from the contract. We have exchanged several emails about the issue and he will not budge... I give him $500 and sign a release for him to own all the images of me! I don't know what to do. I want to further my career and get a REAL manager, but I can't get him to release me from my contract! I need guidance.
5 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Can't get rid of CREEPY Manager!!
I haven't read the contract -- have you? -- but: Walk away. Tell him to take a hike. Nobody "owns" you. Don't let anybody take photos you aren't comfortable with. For all you know they will be posted to the internet.
In particular, a contract for your personal services that purports to keep you from working for other people has to guarantee you a certain amount of money every year, I think it's $9,000, or it's void. Call a lawyer and have your contract looked at!!
Re: Can't get rid of CREEPY Manager!!
It would entirely depend primarily on what the contract says. There are sometimes loopholes in a poorly written contract. Contact me if you would like it reviewed.
Re: Can't get rid of CREEPY Manager!!
I agree with everything Mr. Stone says. You should hire a lawyer to look at the contract for you and to help you get out.
Also, you may have a basis for sexual harassment claims against this guy. Possibly, his actions even rise to the level of criminal conduct.
Finally, your attorney should explore the possibility of a labor commission action against this guy... which might be the best way out of the situation.
In any case, you can't be forced to do wok that you find offensive. You can't be forced to sign documents.
The images are troubling. If he's got nude or compromising photos of you, and a signed release, you may have some problems preventing him from publishing them.
You need a lawyer... right away!
Re: Can't get rid of CREEPY Manager!!
You really need to get an attorney as soon as possible to help you with this. Feel free to contact our CA attorney in Orange Co. NanceGroup.com
Re: Can't get rid of CREEPY Manager!!
You'll have to forward me a copy of the contract. Contact me directly.
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