Entertainment Law Resources for Film, TV and Multimedia Producers by author and entertainment attorney Mark Litwak provides in-depth information to assist those who finance, produce and distribute motion pictures. Copyright 2010 Mark Litwak
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Jackson Browne Sues McCain
Jackson Browne has sued John McCain and the Ohio and national Republican in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles alleging that they are using his song "Running on Empty" without his consent. The suit claims the song's use is copyright infringement and will mislead people to conclude he endorses McCain.
Browne is a lifelong liberal associated with various progressive and environmental causes. The ad criticizes Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama who Browne supports. The song "Running on Empty" plays in the background of the ad criticizing the candidate.
The chairman of the Ohio party claimed the ad was pulled when Browne objected. McCain spokesman Brian Rogers said the ad was not from the McCain campaign. Browne's lawsuit contends the Ohio Republican party released the ad on behalf of McCain and the RNC. The singer claims is seeking more than $75,000 in damages.
GREETINGS FROM THE SHORE OPENS SEPTEMBER 12
Congratulations to our clients the producers of the independent film Greetings From The Shore which opens theatrically in numerous theaters in New Jersey and New York.
Since its debut at the Montreal World Film Festival, "Greetings" has been in numerous films festivals including those in Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans, and Boston. It has won 25 awards, most importantly five Audience Awards for "Best Feature." The film is a coming-of-age romance starring an ensemble cast that includes Paul Sorvino ("Goodfellas"), David Fumero ("One Life to Live"), Jay O. Sanders ("Half Nelson"), and the debut of newcomer Kim Shaw (upcoming "Sex and the City" movie).
The story is a tribute to the Jersey Shore based on the life of Writer/Producer Gabrielle Berberich, who spent every summer in the same seaside town where the feature was filmed. It's reminiscent of such coming-of-age classics as "Dirty Dancing" and "Mystic Pizza."
The film was shot on 35mm by Writer/Director Greg Chwerchak, who has created music videos for hundreds of artists such as Britney Spears, Duran Duran, and Destiny's Child, as well as commercials for McDonald's and ESPN. He previously directed award-winning short films, "The Hook-Armed Man" and "The Quarry." Additional info at: http://www.greetingsfromtheshore.com/