Britney Spears Movie Profits: Producer Sues Sony
Here’s a breakdown of teh key details from the provided text:
The Lawsuit:
* Who: Carli (through Fuzzy Bunny Inc.) is suing Sony Music.
* Why: Breach of contract and fraud.
* Amount: At least $36 million in damages, plus attorney’s fees and costs. She is also demanding an accounting of profits.
* Status: Neither Carli’s attorneys nor Sony Music immediately responded to requests for comment.
The Film Crossroads:
* Origin: carli originated the concept for the film as a vehicle for Britney Spears.
* Contract: In 2001, Carli signed a production contract with Filmco Enterprises, receiving $300,000 and 10% of net profits.
* Budget: $11 million (approved budget was $12 million).
* Box Office:
* $14.5 million opening weekend
* $37.5 million in U.S.& Canada
* $61.1 million worldwide
* Additional Revenue: Significant revenue from DVD/VHS, TV licensing, and merchandising, especially during Britney Spears’ peak popularity.
* Distribution Issues: The film wasn’t easily accessible for years, finally arriving on Netflix in February 2024 (22 years after release) due to a licensing deal with Sony Music.
* Ownership: Filmco was acquired by BMG, which merged with Sony Music, making Sony Music the owner of Crossroads rights as of 2008.
The Allegation:
* Carli believed she wasn’t owed net profits and didn’t request accounting statements, relying on Sony Music’s (and it’s predecessors’) good faith.
* The lawsuit seems to stem from a re-release of the film in theaters (the text is cut off mid-sentence regarding this).