InfoAnda - Behind "Runaways" film, legal battle simmers

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Apple scores limited victory in smartphone patent war | | 20 December 2011
Killings shattered dreams of rural Iraqi family | 24 May 2009
Egypt's Mubarak sends in army, resists demands to quit | | 29 January 2011

Precious and Last Station top indie Spirit film nods | Entertainment | | 2 December 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Behind "Runaways" film, legal battle simmers

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World Behind "Runaways" film, legal battle simmers Reuters - Saturday, March 20 Send IM Story Print Cast members Kristen Stewart (L) and Dakota Fanning pose for photographers as they arrive at the premiere of "The Runaways" in New York City March 17, 2010. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi By Matthew Belloni LOS ANGELES - At the Los Angeles premiere of "The Runaways" last week, screams reminiscent of a rock concert greeted real-life band members Cherie Currie and Joan Jett as they were introduced with stars Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart. Not enjoying a Hollywood moment that night: Jacqueline Fuchs, the fiery bass player who performed in the 1970s all-girl quintet as Jackie Fox but whose absence from the premiere mirrors her disappearance from the story of the Runaways, as told in the new film. Producers of the punk biopic, which opens Friday, chose to move forward on the project without obtaining Fuchs' life rights or those of Runaways guitarist Lita Ford. As a result, the bassist character was minimized, Fuchs' name was changed and Jett even dropped a cherry bomb of a lawsuit on her former bandmate when she raised a stink about the movie. "Fuchs tried to have the ... film halted, and has demanded to see the script, even though there is no character based on her," claims a lawsuit for tortious interference with business relationships, quietly filed against Fuchs in December by Jett, her label Blackheart Records and music producer Kenny Laguna. Jett and Laguna are executive producers on the Floria Sigismondi-directed, Apparition-released film. The story of Jackie Fuchs and "The Runaways" provides timely instruction for producers hoping to develop biopics and other fact-based projects without getting life rights from everyone involved. It also highlights one of the hottest debates in entertainment law: With the rise in popularity of real-life, ripped-from-the-headlines film and TV, what rights are necessary to make a film based on actual people? TOO MANY RIGHTS? Despite the occasional legal dustup , producers and studios often overcompensate by securing more rights than are actually required. "I can think of four or five good reasons to acquire life-story rights, but needing them to make a movie isn't one of them," says David Halberstadter, a rights expert at Los Angeles law firm Katten. Halberstadter says First Amendment protections are generally stronger than producers realize and are often enough to allow depictions of real people, assuming they're not defamatory and don't unlawfully invade someone's privacy. Life rights can be useful to take a person off the market or to gain access to materials that might not be public. Rights deals also typically require a subject to participate in marketing efforts, and they can give producers permission to fictionalize a story, which can help prevent complaints from people who don't like the way they're portrayed in the final product. But even a legally sound project isn't immune from litigation. In the 1990s, Michael Polydoros, a schoolmate of the writer-director of "The Sandlot," sued 20th Century Fox claiming the movie invaded his privacy by including a character based on him . He lost. Still, necessary or not, studios often snap up life rights as an insurance policy against potential lawsuits. MINIMIZING RISK To make "The Runaways," producers Art and John Linson optioned Currie's book "Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway" and secured her life rights. They got rights from Jett and drummer Sandy West, as well as producer Kim Fowler, who, along with Jett and Laguna, owned music publishing rights that would be necessary to include the band's hit songs in the film. Production company River Road Entertainment then commissioned a legal opinion that analyzed the life rights issues that might arise, and the script was adjusted to minimize risk. Even if producers ultimately didn't need Fuchs' involvement, they had reason to be afraid of her. The bassist split from the Runaways in 1977 and has since squabbled with her former bandmates about merchandising and other issues. And unlike Jett, who went on to a successful post-Runaways music career, Fuchs went to Harvard Law School. Yes, Jackie Fox is now a lawyer. Focusing on showbiz, she spent years in the legal trenches at places like Columbia Pictures and Miramax and now works for a Los Angeles-based film company, which means she's as knowledgeable as anyone about legal issues that can arise during production. "She was sending letters around to producers and others who were involved," says Oren Warshavsky, Jett's lawyer. "'Sounds like you're doing something including my name and likeness; what are you going to do about it?' That kind of thing." The Hollywood Reporter talked to Fuchs, who wouldn't comment on the Jett lawsuit. The complaint, originally filed in New York, was rejected by a judge in February on jurisdictional grounds. But Warshavsky says it might be refilled in California, so Fuchs is treating it as pending litigation. Fuchs says she hasn't spoken to Jett in a decade. And no, she hasn't seen the film. Given the drama behind the scenes, we're curious whether it's on her to-do list. "I'm curious whether I'm going to see it too," she says. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Bollywood, Hollywood join hands against piracy AFP - 2 hours 48 minutes ago 'Fantasies are real' says director Tim Burton AFP - Saturday, March 20 US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary Reuters - Saturday, March 20 Behind "Runaways" film, legal battle simmers Reuters - Saturday, March 20 Cable networks eye Sarah Palin reality show Reuters - Friday, March 19 News Search Top Stories Atom smasher reaches record energy levels: CERN British Airways strike to go ahead McLaren launches new supercar Japan celebrates defeat of bluefin tuna trade ban US may extend tanker deadline to allow EADS bid More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended US children get Playboy, not Bugs Bunny in cable mixup Bullock cancels London trip, film premiere called off Siemens to revamp IT unit, cut 4,200 jobs Omega 3 supplement targets bowel cancer risk: study Obama signs multibillion-dollar jobs bill More Most Viewed » Chile quake moved Earth's axis, shortened days: scientist Experts confirm asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs 'Britain's Fritzl' raped daughters for over 25yrs Researchers back cancer-fighting properties of papaya Common weed-killer chemically castrates frogs: study More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Friday, 19 March 2010
Maliki holds narrow lead in latest Iraq vote count
Greece urges EU aid, but Germany 'open' to IMF appeal
Apple director Jerry York dies at 71
Iraq PM, ex-premier in tight race for parliament
Bullock cancels London trip, film premiere called off
Amazon unveils application to read Kindle e-books on Macs
Obama signs multibillion-dollar bill to create jobs
Creditors want Sex.com in bankruptcy, halt auction
Gaza rocket kills one in Israel, clouds Mideast peace moves
Poll: Three-Term Sen. Barbara Boxer Vulnerable In November
Obama calls for more job creation
London hospital to treat Internet-addicted teens
Myanmar deports jailed Burmese-American activist |
Blagojevich Denied Request To Delay Corruption Trial
Amazon allows Kindle application for Mac computers
Turkey detains 20 people in coup plot case
Israel attack on Iran could ignite Middle East: Hezbollah |
'Mr Microchips' proves popular in S.Korean schools
Mya Joins Cedric Gervais For NOH8 Campaign Theme Song
FedEx Q3 Profit Jumps On Volume Growth, Boosts Outlook
Ladies in White march on Cuba crackdown anniversary |
New Cycling Policy From Transportation Department Earns Praise, Ridicule
Kremlin picks site for Russian "Silicon Valley"
BREAKING NEWS: Obama Postpones Trip Abroad To Concentrate On Healthcare Bill
Cybersecurity needs global rules: British lawmakers
U.S. Leading Indicators Rise Modestly On Manufacturing Gains
Phone Call To Mom Brings Drug Trafficking Charge For Inmate
British youngsters prefer online advice to parents
New Jillian Michaels Series "Losing It With Jillian" Premieres In June
American Known As "Jihad Jane" Pleads Not Guilty To Terrorism Charges
Obama scraps Asia-Pacific trip for healthcare
Junta frees Myanmar-American, deports him
Obama ditches Indonesia, Australia trip over health care
Thai Red Shirts declare 'class war'
Japan, France call on Iran to resolve nuclear crisis now
France rules out opening embassy in N.Korea
US, Russia see disarmament deal clinched soon
Reports: N.Korea executes official over currency chaos
Google slams Viacom for secret YouTube uploads |
Clinton, Russia at odds over Iranian nuclear plant
N.Zealand's 'Madoff' fraudster spent millions on prostitutes
Website's instant posts of Wall St research banned |
Myanmar releases jailed US activist: officials
Soyuz spacecraft lands safely on Kazakh steppe
Amazon allows Kindle application for Mac computers |
FCC plans to announce broadband agenda |
Apple director Jerry York dies at 71 |
Creditors want Sex.com in bankruptcy, halt auction |
'JihadJane' pleads not guilty in domestic terror case
US operations already started in Kandahar: commanders
Obama health plan 'will cut deficit': US Congress
'JihadJane' pleads not guilty in terrorism case
France in big culture push to arts-repressed Saudis
15 years on, Japan film recalls doomsday cult sarin attacks
British hospital to treat Internet-addicted teens
Universal Studios Singapore courts 8 for lucky launch
Singer's musical journey reshaping Portugal's fado
HTC to 'fully defend' itself against Apple patent suit
Kia to build 100-million-euro engine plant in Slovakia
Palestinians struggle to impose settlements boycott
Nestle drops Indonesian company after Greenpeace demos
Japanese land prices fall at fastest pace in five years
Hollywood and Bollywood join arms to fight piracy
Davy Crockett star Fess Parker dies at 85 |
Pakistan aims to raise $500 mln with OGDCL bonds
Pakistan appoints economist Shaikh as finance chief
Pakistan's forex reserves rise to $14.85 bln
Pakistani stocks end up on finance adviser report
Nissan to make Leaf electric cars in Britain
Pakistan arrests ended UN talks with Taliban: ex-envoy
Argentina claims progress for Falkands talks with Britain
Israel strikes in Gaza after deadly rocket |
Deadly Gaza rocket, air strikes cloud peace talks
US-TECH Summary
Taliban arrests thwart Afghan talks: ex-U.N. envoy |
British boy arrives home after Pakistan kidnap ordeal
Israel strikes in Gaza after deadly rocket
Google adword win in Europe wouldn't end battles
Chileans' quake knowledge saved thousands of lives |
Netanyahu, Clinton talk after settlement crisis
Nasty Google-Viacom billion-dollar battle goes public
Israel attack on Iran could ignite Middle East
World Bank OKs record $1.05 billion for Indian schools |
Palm shares plunge on weak quarterly forecast
Creditors get turned off by sex.com auction
New Zealand's Madoff jailed for $13 million fraud |
Bomb damages right-wing group's Athens office |
Google slams Viacom for secret YouTube uploads
Economist not distributed in Thailand over royalty story |
Desktop computer sales soared in February: NPD Group
Japan to boost Haiti aid to $100 mln: report
Drug Arrest Connected To "Lost Boy's" Death
Rihanna Hits #1 On Billboard Hot 100 With "Rude Boy"
Ludacris Comes Out On Top With "Battle Of The Sexes" On Billboard
US rep: Pa. Jihad Jane terror suspect cooperated
U.S. says driver error possible in NY Prius crash
Beyoncé Joins Alicia Keys On Stage For Special Performance At New York Tour Date
Website's instant posts of Wall Street research banned |
China official warns of risk from yuan rise
The "Oscar curse," real or Hollywood invention?
China orders crackdown on cooking oil over cancer link
Japan celebrates defeat of bluefin tuna trade ban
Asian countries understanding of Obama trip delay
Alcohol 'worse than drugs' in Pacific: report
Study: Ancient Croc Dined On Dinosaurs
Pakistan arrests halt UN contacts with Taliban
FAA Proposes $300,000 In Additional Penalties Against American Airlines For Poor Maintenance
Google adword win in Europe wouldn't end battles |
Congress Frustrated by "Virtual Fence" Problems Along Mexican Border
Tryptophan Shown To Reduce Aggression In Pigs
Taylor Swift's "Fearless" Named Most Awarded Album In Country Music History
Jennifer Lopez goes "Overboard"
Sandra Bullock's husband seeks forgiveness |
Despite ratings wins, Leno still faces hurdles
Cable networks eye Sarah Palin reality show |
Jennifer Lopez goes Overboard |
Lady Gaga sued for $30 million by jilted producer |
Beau Bridges joins Rockford revamp |
"Life" breathes new vitality into nature series
No deal for Paula Abdul at ABC |
Graco Recalls 1.2 Million Unstable High Chairs
Public Access To Court Documents Set To Open Up
Polanski lawyers appeal, demand sentencing in absence |
'Hobbit' filming to start in July: Ian McKellen
British boy arrives home after Pakistan kidnap ordeal
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
UN wildlife body rejects bluefin trade ban
Obama scraps Asia-Pacific trip for healthcare push
Amid Afghan surge, disputed base becomes indispensable
McLaren launches new supercar
India's Bharti says to sell Apple's iPhone 3GS
Thai protesters target hearts and minds of Bangkok |
Quartet urges Israel to freeze settlement activity
China quality watchdog says some HP laptops faulty
Armenian migrants dragged into politics in Turkey
Quartet hopes package will unlock Middle East talks |
Iran jails top reformist: opposition website
Russia says Iran letting chances for dialogue slip |
Democratic Donor Admits To $292 Million Bank Fraud
Losing the battle to keep female flesh off Afghan TV |
"Barefoot Burglar" Once Again Eludes Authorities
China quality watchdog says some HP laptops faulty
Gay Advocates Detained After White House Rally Against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Pakistan denies arrests thwarted Taliban talks |
Second Teen Arrested In Florida School Beating Over Text Message Taunt
Rescuers End Search For Pacifica Swimmer
Syrian murder, Israeli planes not linked: official |
Killer Who Wrote Taunting Letter Executed
Cambodian bans women from marrying South Koreans
UK anti-militant project stirs Muslim unease |
Rice regrets how US prioritized rebuilding in Iraq
School Officials Condemn Obama Effigy In Classroom
Dutch lash out at gay link in Srebrenica massacre |
South Carolina Governor Agrees To Pay Fines For Ethics Charges
Thai protesters target "hearts and minds" of Bangkok
Paula Abdul Not Joining "Star Search" Remake
UN issues travel restrictions for staffers to Aceh
Virgin America Eyes Flights To Toronto By Summer
Japan celebrates defeat of bluefin tuna trade ban
Cambodia set to renovate genocide museum
Ore. lawsuit claims Boy Scouts sex abuse coverup
US may extend tanker deadline to allow EADS bid
India seeks to question US terror convict
Calif police department on alert for deadly traps
China imposing financial rules on religious groups
Mideast Quartet meets in Moscow
Obama legacy at stake as health vote looms
Protesters smash, paint Myanmar Embassy in India
Japanese fish dealers welcome tuna ban rejection
Palm's survival questioned |
China quality watchdog says some HP laptops faulty |
Deal near for Guantanamo closure, trials: report
Samsung, LG see growth, but know rivals are catching |
Google may announce China plans next Monday: report |
China tells Washington to cool yuan pressure
India's Bharti says to sell Apple's iPhone 3GS |
S.Korean bonds mixed, caution grows after rally
China says HP violated customer rights rules
S.Korea rejects N.Korea threat to seize assets
Middle East Quartet opens Moscow meeting
Taiwan stocks at 8-wk closing high; upside seen limited
Japanese fish dealers welcome tuna ban rejection
New Zealand's 'Madoff' jailed for $13 mln fraud
US leaves open option for more arms sales to Taiwan
China calls on Washington cool yuan pressure
Japan police seek criminal charges in Prius crash
Google to leave China April 10: state media
'Fantasies are real' says director Tim Burton
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Behind "Runaways" film, legal battle simmers
Uruguay is wine world's rising star
No death in the afternoon at S.Korea bullfight
Cable networks eye Sarah Palin reality show
Beau Bridges joins "Rockford" revamp
"South Park" season opener a strong performer
Behind Runaways film, legal battle simmers |
The Oscar curse, real or Hollywood invention? |
Despite ratings wins, Leno still faces hurdles |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01