Sam Waterston isn’t the only one who can make law and order an important part of your daily viewing diet. These three news items bring crime and lawsuits to both sides of the industry.
• Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez this week came out against a lawsuit filed by his production company against the Texas Film Commission. In earlier reports, we learned the producers of Machete were suing the TFC for having been denied film incentives on account of “portray[ing] Texas or its citizens ‘in a negative fashion.'” But this week, Rodriguez clarified his position on the matter to BuzzFeed, saying in part:
“I wanted to formally and unequivocally comment on the recent suit brought which references my film ‘Machete.’ This suit is erroneous and, in my opinion, completely without grounds. … I am not a party to this suit nor do I support it in any way. I call the state of Texas home and have been appreciative of the local government’s support of me, my crew and my films.”
• Meanwhile, Eliza Gilkyson and her siblings are suing the Walt Disney Company, seeking unpaid royalties for a tune their father wrote for The Jungle Book. Read Chase Hoffberger’s full report on the suit here.
• In somewhat lighter news, the Sundance Institute has awarded a development grant to Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four. The documentary covers the story of four Latina lesbians in San Antonio who have been sitting in prison for years, despite allegations of homophobia and junk science in their trials. Read more about their case here.
This article appears in July 19 • 2013.