Deal or No Deal: The ugly side of entertainment

Growing up, I have always wanted to be a director and producer of my own production company. Not only because I love seeing my creations come to life, but just like many other people, I thought that being in the entertainment industry was only supposed to be fun and entertaining.  After taking many courses in regards to the business side of entertainment, I have come to the realization that being in the entertainment industry it is very important to know what is going on.  Especially when it comes to the legal aspects. This week, I will be discussing three legal controversies that I have found to be very interesting.

DLT Entertainment vs. David Adjmi

In July of 2012 DLT Entertainment filed a lawsuit against David Adjmi, who wrote and directed the play 3C. This production has several similarities to the popular 70’s hit show Three’s Company.  DLT Entertainment is the company that owns the rights to Three’s Company sent David Adjmi a cease and desist letter, claiming that the play is an act of copyright infringement. The letter also stated: “the play is a satirical work, and like all parody, should be recognized as protected speech under the First Amendment.”

I feel as though David Adjmi deserved receiving a cease and desist letter from DLT Entertainment. For one, the name of the play 3C can cause a lot of confusion. Before reading in detail of this case I was very confused. I thought that the play 3C was Three’s Company on stage. Having the name 3C as the title of the play could have very well meant apartment 3 C. But here again, there is more confusion and a lot of similarity to the sitcom, because the show took place in an apartment.  As a future playwright and filmmaker I would not want to have to deal with something of this nature. Only because if I am the original creator of a play, television show or film, I would not want someone to come along and try to make something that I created out to be their own.

Carol Burnett is sued by Bob Barner Associates

Filed on November 21^st, 2012, Bob Barner Associates sued actress Carol Burnett. Bob Barner Associates helped Carol Burnett create many of her productions including her hit show The Carol Burnett Show. Bob Barner Associates caught wind that Carol Burnett’s productions were being released on DVD without compensation to their firm. Bob Barner Associates claim to be co-owners of the productions.

Bob Barner Associates in my opinion should be compensated for being co-owners of The Carol Burnett Show. Bob Barner Associates claimed that they are listed as co-owners of the copyrights to The Carol Burnett Show in the credits. If this is true, then this could be proof that Bob Barner Associates is entitled to a share of the revenue.

Forest Park Pictures vs. Universal Television Network, Inc.

Forest Park Pictures pitched a television show idea to USA Networks. Four years later, USA Networks used the ideas that were pitched to them without the consent of Forest Park Pictures. The show that was aired was very similar to the concept that Forest Park Pictures presented to USA Networks with the exception of the title of the show. The title that Forest Park Pictures used was House Call. The title that USA networks used was Royal Pains. Even though the title’s were different, the concept that Forest Park Pictures pitched to USA networks were the exact same. Forest Park Pictures sued for a breach of contract.

In my opinion, Forest Park Pictures should have sued USA Networks for copyright infringement instead of a breach of contract. The contract between Forest Park Pictures and USA Networks was not a written contract. It was however an implied contract.

In closing, we writers and creators must be extra careful when pitching an idea, or even sharing an idea. Even large multi-million dollar stations such as the USA Network will be tempted to act without integrity.